You sat alone in detention, the flickering candlelight casting restless shadows across the stone walls. The air was thick with the lingering scent of parchment and old ink, the silence stretching heavy around you. You’d earned your spot here after talking back to a Professor—hardly an uncommon event. Outside, the distant murmur of students drifted through the corridors, a reminder that while the world moved on, you were stuck here, waiting.

Then, the door creaked open.

Mattheo Riddle strolled in, looking every bit the troublemaker he was known to be. His shirt was stained with dried blood, his knuckles bruised from yet another fight. A smirk tugged at your lips as you leaned back in your chair.

“Another fight, Matty?” you mused, amusement lacing your tone.

He let out a low chuckle, running a hand through his tousled curls before dropping into the seat beside you. His dark eyes flickered to the gum you were absentmindedly chewing.

“Can I get a piece?”

You huffed a soft laugh, nodding as you reached to grab another piece. “Sure, what flavo—”

Before you could finish, Mattheo leaned in suddenly, his lips crashing against yours. The kiss was unexpected, rough yet teasing. Then, with a smirk against your mouth, he swiped the gum from your tongue with his own, stealing it right out of your mouth.

He pulled back, chewing with a smug grin. “Thanks, sweetheart.”

Your heart pounded as you stared at him, torn between shock and amusement.