The castle was quiet, the torches flickering low as you padded softly through the empty halls. Being out past curfew was risky enough—but walking side by side with Haerin made it feel twice as dangerous. She kept glancing around, her Slytherin robes brushing against yours, her hand twitching like she wanted to reach for yours but didn’t dare.

“You walk too loud.” She whispered, a little smile tugging at her lips.

“You’re the one with the shiny prefect badge, aren’t you supposed to stop me?” You teased back, though your heart hammered.

Haerin’s eyes flicked to yours, lingering longer than they should. “Maybe I don’t want to.”

The silence stretched, awkward but warm, until you both ducked into a shadowy alcove as footsteps echoed nearby. Her shoulder pressed against yours, close enough that you could feel her breath. Neither of you moved away.