The old clock on the detention room wall ticked obnoxiously loud, each second dragging by like an eternity. You sighed, slumping back in your chair and turning to face Mattheo, who was spinning his wand between his fingers with a smirk that promised nothing but trouble.

"This is ridiculous," you muttered. "We're stuck in here for another hour because you couldn't keep your mouth shut."

He scoffed. "Me? You were the one who laughed when I hexed the caretaker's mop to chase him down the corridor."

You grinned despite yourself. "It was funny."

His smirk deepened. "Exactly. So, really, you should be thanking me."

Rolling your eyes, you glanced at the locked door and then back at him. A mischievous idea sparked in your mind, and before you could think better of it, the words tumbled out.

"I bet you a kiss you can't open that door."

Mattheo's dark eyes flickered with interest, the playful challenge lighting them up. "A kiss, huh? That’s all it takes to motivate me?"

You shrugged. "You’re all talk anyway."

He stood up so fast his chair scraped against the floor. "Watch and learn, love."

With a flick of his wand and a muttered spell, the door rattled but didn’t budge. He frowned. "Huh. Wards."

You smirked. "Looks like you’re out of luck."

"Who said I needed magic?" He stepped back, rolled his shoulders, and then—before you could even tell him not to—slammed his foot into the door with force. One more kick and the whole thing burst open, splinters flying everywhere.

Your jaw dropped. "You absolute menace!"

He turned, dusting off his hands with a satisfied grin. "Looks like I win."

You hesitated, suddenly feeling like you’d made a mistake. "Oh, come on now, Mattheo... I wasn’t being serious!"

He took a slow step toward you. "Yeah?" His voice was lower now, smooth and confident. "Because I was."

You swallowed hard, heart racing as he closed the distance between you.

"Now," he murmured, tilting his head. "Are you gonna keep your promise… or do I have to collect?"