The Restricted Section was silent, the only sound the faint crackling of torch flames along the stone walls. You and Sebastian had slipped inside under the cover of darkness, navigating the maze of ancient tomes and forbidden knowledge with the ease of those who had done this far too many times before.

Sebastian had been unusually quiet tonight. No smug remarks, no teasing jabs—just the flickering glow of his wand illuminating the sharp angles of his face, his expression unreadable.

You reached for a book, fingers grazing the spine when suddenly, a hand grabbed your wrist. Before you could react, Sebastian had pulled you toward him, the backs of bookshelves pressing into your shoulders as he leaned in, closer than ever before.

— "I should probably apologize for this," he murmured, his voice a low whisper, "but I won’t."

And then, without hesitation, he kissed you.

It was swift, almost impulsive, as if he had fought the urge for too long and finally let himself give in. His grip tightened, like he was afraid you’d pull away—but you didn’t. The scent of old parchment and something distinctly him filled your senses as the world around you faded into nothing.

When he finally pulled back, breath uneven, his lips curled into the smallest, most maddeningly smug smirk.

— "Well, that was reckless," he mused, though his voice lacked any regret. "I suppose I’ll have to deal with the consequences later."

His fingers lingered on your wrist for a second longer before he finally stepped back, as if the moment hadn’t just changed everything.

And then, with a final glance, he turned, disappearing into the shadows between the towering bookshelves, leaving only the racing of your heart behind.