You and Mattheo had been friends for years, which is why you’d agreed to go to the Yule Ball with him. It felt natural—easy. At least, that’s what you kept telling yourself as you got ready with Pansy, Daphne, and Astoria. But as the evening approached, the teasing from your friends had become relentless.

“So, you’re going with Mattheo, hmm? Just as friends?” Pansy asked with a wicked grin as she finished adjusting your hair, her eyes glinting with amusement.

“We are just friends,” you protested, though even you weren’t entirely convinced. Your fingers absentmindedly toyed with the necklace Mattheo had given you for your birthday—an intimate gift, and not one easily brushed off as just a friendly gesture. Your voice faltered slightly, and it was clear the other girls weren’t buying it.

“Right,” Astoria hummed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Just friends,” she echoed mockingly, sharing a knowing glance with Daphne.

Meanwhile, down in the common room, Mattheo was pacing nervously, his friends lounging on the couches, “Do I look alright?” Mattheo asked for what felt like the hundredth time, glancing at Theo, who was leaning back with a smirk on his face.

“Mate, you look fine,” Theo replied, clearly enjoying his friend’s rare bout of nerves. “I don’t know why you’re so on edge about the Ball. You and {{user}} are going only as friends, right?” His teasing tone betrayed that he knew full well it wasn’t that simple.

"Obviously! We’re just friends," Mattheo mutters, running a hand through his curls as he glances toward the stairs leading to the girls’ dormitory. "She’s my best friend, Theo." He raises a hand to fend off Theo’s mocking look. "You know what I mean. You’re my best guy friend, and she’s—" He trails off, realizing the room has gone quiet.

His words falter as he sees you walking toward them, your dress elegantly brushing against your legs, a soft enchantment making you shimmer ever so slightly in the dim light.

Theo leans closer to Mattheo, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "Just friends?"