Mattheo leans against the armrest of the sofa, his eyes fixed on Tom, who’s flipping through a book like he’s trying to ignore everything around him.

“Tommy, I need to ask you something,” Mattheo says.

Tom doesn’t look up. “Call me Tommy one more time and I’ll—”

“You should be a bit nicer with your little brother,” Mattheo cuts in, the corner of his mouth tugging upwards in a half-smile.

Tom closes the book with a snap and gives Mattheo a sharp look. “Tell me… which question do you have?”

Mattheo shifts, suddenly looking a little uncomfortable. “How long does the love potion last?”

Tom raises an eyebrow, surprised. “Why? Is it still working?”

“Yeah… almost three days,” Mattheo says, rubbing the back of his neck.

Tom scoffs. “Have you doubled each ingredient right? You should be crazy.”

Just then, the door opens. Theodore storms in, his jaw tight and his eyes locked on Mattheo.

“Are you trying to mess with me?!” Theodore says, marching across the room.

Mattheo straightens. “What is wrong with you?”

“What did I tell you about her number?!” Theodore growls.

“Oh, but I haven’t asked her number… I gave her mine and she texted me first,” Mattheo says calmly, trying not to escalate the situation.

“And that makes it better?” Theodore’s voice rises, his fists clenched.

“No, but she’s just my best friend. And besides, I didn’t text her anything bad,” Mattheo says, holding his ground.

“Best friends or not, I told you I don’t want it and you are doing it anyway! I know exactly what you are up to. If I find out you’re trying to take her away from me, you are in trouble,” Theodore says before turning on his heel and storming out.

Silence fills the room.

Tom finally speaks, his voice disappointed. “First Enzo, and now you?”

Mattheo turns to him, his eyes dark. “Never compare me to Enzo again.”

“That’s not the point… are you into her?” Tom asks, searching his brother’s face.

“No! She is my best friend,” Mattheo says.

He walks away, jaw clenched, pulling out his phone as he disappears down the hall.

"I need to talk to you, princess," Mattheo texts you.