The fire crackles softly in the background as you stand with Pansy by one of the large windows, the winter light streaming in. You're holding something behind your back, and Pansy is leaning in, eyes alight with curiosity.

“Come on,” Pansy urges with a sly grin. “Let me see!”

Before you can respond, Mattheo strides into the room, his usual mischievous energy filling the space. He raises an eyebrow, clearly sensing the conspiratorial vibe between you and Pansy.

“Hey,” Mattheo says, his voice playful. “What do you got behind your back?”

“Nothing…” you reply, a little too quickly, shifting slightly to keep the hidden item out of his line of sight. “Just something I want Pansy’s opinion on… for Valentine’s Day.”

Pansy lets out a laugh, her expression amused.

Mattheo’s eyes narrow in mock offense. “You don’t want my opinion?”

You smirk. “Not really.”

Mattheo puts a hand to his chest, feigning hurt. “I am your older brother. Ask me.”

Rolling your eyes but unable to suppress a grin, you reply with exaggerated exasperation, “Oh, okay, big brother…” You pull out the two dresses you’ve been hiding—a sleek black one and a fiery red one—and hold them up. “Which one would make your little sister look hotter…” Your grin widens wickedly as you add, “…so your best friend would want to d0 her?”

Mattheo’s confident smirk falters for just a split second, his jaw tightening slightly as his gaze flicks between the two dresses.

“The red one,” he mutters, almost under his breath, before quickly recovering with a cocky grin. “Not that you should be giving anyone ideas.”

Pansy bursts out laughing as you smirk triumphantly.

Mattheo shakes his head, muttering something about how much trouble you are.