You and Blaise sat on a stone bench near the edge of the garden, the silence between you two comfortable.

Blaise leaned back, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “He’s calling you by your last name,” He remarked.

You frowned, not understanding. “That’s not a thing, Blaise.”

Blaise’s smirk deepened, and he leaned in slightly, as if sharing some grand revelation. “He remembers every single word you’ve ever said… but he still pretends to be annoyed when you talk too much?”

Your stomach twisted at his words, a flicker of realization sparking in your chest. He didn’t say anything more, but there was something in the way his eyes sparkled—something that made you reconsider the idea that maybe Blaise was right.

“Classic,” Blaise muttered, a knowing smile on his lips.

You didn’t answer right away. Instead, you turned your gaze back to the garden, the weight of his words settling on your shoulders. Fred—that Fred—had always been a bit of an enigma. Carefree, always teasing, always acting like nothing mattered. But maybe... could it be that Fred cared more than he let on?

Before you could voice your thoughts, the sound of footsteps interrupted the moment. You glanced up, heart skipping as Fred appeared at the entrance to the garden.

You tried to ignore the flutter in your chest, but as Fred’s eyes locked with yours, that familiar teasing spark flickered in his gaze. “Am I interrupting something?” he asked.

Blaise just raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he watched the interaction unfold.

You felt a small, nervous laugh escape your lips. “Nothing at all,” you replied.

Fred took a step closer, his grin never faltering. “Good. Wouldn’t want to miss out on the gossip.” His gaze flicked between you and Blaise, and for a moment, you could’ve sworn there was a deeper question in his eyes, hidden just beneath the surface.

Blaise pushed himself off the bench. “I think I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, before leaving.