As you enter the Great Hall, you scan the room before making your way over to sit beside Enzo.

Across the table, Mattheo is watching you closely, his gaze never leaving you as you talk and laugh with Enzo. He doesn’t even notice when Cho approaches him. “Mattheo, want to come back to my room later?” she asks, a smirk on her lips, confident that she’d get the answer she expected.

Mattheo shakes his head. “Not interested,” he replies.

Cho blinks, clearly taken aback. “What? But why not? Who wouldn’t want to be with me?”

When Mattheo barely looks at Cho, Pansy raises an eyebrow at his unusual behavior. “You never pass up an opportunity like that,” she teases. “What’s changed?”

Mattheo’s eyes flicker over to you before he responds quietly, “Maybe I’ve changed.”

You hear his comment but don’t think much of it, continuing your conversation with Enzo. As you laugh at something he said, Theo leans forward. “Hey, want to hang out later?” he asks casually.

You shrug, smiling. “Sure, why not?”

Before Theo can respond, Mattheo turns to him. “Are you going to tell her about all your girlfriends, or should I?”

Theo shoots Mattheo a warning look, feigning ignorance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mattheo.”

Annoyed by the sudden tension, you turn to Mattheo. “Quit it, Mattheo.”

Mattheo meets your gaze, something dark and intense in his eyes. “Excuse me for trying to look out for someone.”

You scoff, rolling your eyes, irritated by his attitude. “The only person you look out for is yourself.”

Your comment strikes a nerve, and you see the flash of hurt and anger in his eyes. His jaw tightens as he responds. “Fine. I didn’t take you for the kind of girl who wanted to be nothing more than a side piece, but if that’s what you want to do, then I won’t try to help you.”

The words sting, and you feel your temper flare. “You don’t know me, Mattheo. Just mind your business.” You stand up abruptly as you turn and leave the table, not wanting to deal with him any longer.