The Gryffindor dormitory was quiet, save for the faint crackling of the fireplace in the common room. The moonlight streamed in through the tall, castle-like windows, casting shadows across the red-and-gold draped room. You’d been holding your breath the entire time, sneaking past the last creaky stair to reach the boys’ dormitories.

Shinjiro Aragaki.

You knew he’d scold you for sneaking around this late—probably grumble something about rules or getting caught—but you couldn’t help it. You had to see him, even if only for a moment.

Carefully pushing open the door to the fifth-years’ room, you peered inside. Shinjiro sat on the edge of his bed, leaning over and flipping through a well-worn textbook. When the door creaked just slightly, his head snapped up.

“The hell are you doing here?” Shinjiro’s deep voice was a low whisper, though it still carried a sharp edge of surprise.

You froze. “Uh… hi?”

Shinjiro shot you an exasperated look as he stood up, brushing his bangs out of his eyes. The faint moonlight highlighted the tired lines in his face, but also the undeniable warmth he tried to hide. He approached in a few heavy steps, gently grabbing your wrist and tugging you further into the room so you weren’t hovering in the doorway.

“You’ve got a death wish, don’t you? If a prefect catches you…” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re gonna get detention for a month.”