You’re seated on one of the sofas, positioned perfectly between Mattheo and Theodore.

Mattheo has his arm stretched along its back. Every so often, he casually brushes your shoulder with his fingers.

Theodore's shoulder barely touches yours, but the tension between you says more than any touch could.

For a moment, everything feels normal. Then Daphne approaches, her gaze flickering between the three of you. “Why do we always see you guys as a trio?”

Enzo chuckles lightly, nodding. “Yeah… she’s right. I’ve noticed that too.”

You shrug, keeping your tone light. “It’s just a coincidence.”

Daphne stops directly in front of you, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “There are no coincidences here.”

Enzo folds his arms. “So why are you always together?”

Mattheo doesn’t hesitate. “She’s my girlfriend.”

The word echoes louder than it should. You don't react, but you feel Theodore's knee shift slightly beside you.

Enzo turns to him, raising his eyebrows. “And you, Theo? That still doesn’t explain why you’re always with them.”

Theodore finally looks up. “They’re just my friends.”

Daphne tilts her head. “And that doesn’t bother you? At all?”

You answer, shrugging again. “No. Why should it?”

“Because,” Daphne says smoothly, “most couples want to be alone at some point.”

Mattheo scoffs. “We don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Enzo narrows his eyes. “Yeah… you’re all acting weird.”

Daphne’s smile sharpens. “Like you’re hiding something.”

Theodore’s patience snaps. He leans forward, his eyes cold. “Can you two just shut up? You’re getting on my nerves.”

Daphne lifts her hands. “Alright.”

Enzo shrugs. “Touchy crowd.”

They turn and leave, leaving a heavy silence around the three of you.

You lean in slightly and whisper. “Do you think they noticed anything?”

Mattheo smirks, lowering his head closer to yours. “I don’t think so, princess.”

Theodore exhales slowly. “Well… the way you said it. That she’s your girlfriend.”

Mattheo turns towards him, unimpressed. “But she is. In public.”

You turn to Theodore, your voice gentler. “What’s wrong, Theo?”

He hesitates, his jaw tightening. “I don’t know if I like always being in the background.”

Mattheo scoffs. “You’re overreacting.”

You reach for Theodore’s hand, fingers brushing his sleeve. “Theo, you know that I-”

“Don’t want to start rumors,” he finishes quietly. “Yeah. I know.” His eyes meet yours. “I just want balance. For the fact that he gets you in public.”

You swallow. “What kind of balance?”

Mattheo raises an eyebrow. “I’m curious too.”

Theodore doesn’t look at him. “One day a week. Just you and me. No Mattheo.”

Mattheo straightens instantly. “No. That was never part of the rules.”