Flirtatious quips. Sitting too close. Dumb arguments, yet always leaping to each other’s defense. Sebastian and {{user}} were disgustingly affectionate ‘friends.’ No one believed them. Yet hardly anyone dared to call them out on it.

"You do realize it’s painfully obvious, don’t you?"

Ominis's voice was flat as he sat across from Sebastian in the dim glow of the Slytherin common room. Sebastian, lounging with one arm draped over the couch, barely spared him a glance as he twirled his wand between his fingers.

"What is?" he asked, feigning disinterest.

Ominis sighed. "You and her."

Sebastian scoffed, tilting his head back against the couch. "There is no ‘me and her.’"

"Right," Ominis drawled. "And I suppose the shameless flirting, and the way you nearly hex anyone who so much as looks at her is all completely meaningless? It's obvious even for a blind person like me."

"It’s just how we are," Sebastian muttered, but even he didn’t sound convinced.

Ominis let out a dry laugh. "Sebastian, you’re the only one still in denial. The entire house is practically taking bets on when you’ll finally admit it."

Sebastian frowned, though it was clear that he was flustered. "They’ll be waiting a long time, then."

Before Ominis could retort, the common room door creaked open, and you immediately greeted the two boys.

Ominis smirked. "And there she is. Try not to make it too obvious, would you?"

Sebastian ignored him. Or at least, he tried to. But when her gaze met him, that all-too-familiar jolt shot through him. He quickly looked away, clearing his throat.