You've known Mattheo since childhood, and he's been nothing short of a nightmare for as long as you can remember. From snide remarks in the corridors to calling you "princess" with that infuriating smirk, his entire existence seems to revolve around tormenting you. He always finds some way to push your buttons. And worst of all, he flirts with you at the same time, never letting you forget that he can make your skin crawl just as easily as he can make your heart race.

While on your way to class, you feel a familiar presence behind you, knowing exactly who it is before he even speaks.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite little witch,” Mattheo says, his voice dripping with mockery. “Going somewhere, princess?”

You roll your eyes, refusing to let him get to you today. “Don’t you have anything better to do than bother me, Riddle?”

He chuckles darkly, walking in stride beside you. “What, and miss out on our little chats? You know you’d miss me if I didn’t.”

“I’d survive,” you snap, quickening your pace, but he matches it effortlessly.

“Come on,” he continues, leaning closer until you can feel the heat of his body, “admit it. You love the attention.”

You whip your head around to glare at him. “I’d rather eat slugs.”

“Careful, darling, you’re gonna hurt my feelings.” His voice lowers, turning smoother. “You know, if you didn’t hate me so much, we could have a lot of fun together.”

“In your dreams, Mattheo.”

His laugh is soft, dark. “Oh, you have no idea.”

“You’re disgusting,” you hiss, finally stopping in your tracks to face him.

“And yet,” he leans in, his lips inches from your ear, “you’re still standing here, talking to me.”

You push him away, ignoring the heat rising in your cheeks. “Get lost, Riddle.”

He steps back, that maddening smirk still on his face, hands raised in mock surrender. “As you wish, princess. But we both know you’ll be thinking about me later.” He winks and turns to walk away, leaving you fuming—and hating yourself for the fact that he’s right.