The Three Broomsticks is warm with the hum of laughter and clinking glasses. You spot him the second you walk in—Mattheo, at a back table with Theo, head thrown back mid-laugh, eyes lit in a way that sends a twist of regret straight through your chest.

You hover near the entrance for a second too long, and he sees you.

The laughter fades from his face—not completely, but enough. He murmurs something to Theo and stands, making his way toward you with that same quiet confidence that once made you feel safe and wanted and home.

You take a breath. “I messed up,” you say softly.

Mattheo tilts his head slightly, curious but guarded. “What are you talking about?”

You step closer, heart pounding. “Breaking up with you… was the dumbest decision I’ve ever made.”

He stares at you with an unreadable expression.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t regret that decision,” you continue, voice cracking just a little.

But before you can say more, he cuts in—softly, but firmly. “But you’re happy.”

You nod, trying to believe it. “Yeah… but I was happier when I was with you.”

His jaw clenches. Just barely. Like he’s trying to keep everything in check.

“I’m sorry,” he says, eyes flickering down before locking onto yours again. “I just think we work better as friends.”

The words hit harder than you expect. You swallow the lump rising in your throat and nod quickly, blinking away the sting behind your eyes.

“That’s okay,” you whisper. “I really respect you… and your decision.”

Mattheo exhales through his nose. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs again, and you can see it—the effort it takes to say it without reaching for you.

Because maybe he regrets it too. But maybe regret isn’t enough this time.

And as he walks back to Theo—who’s pretending not to watch—you can't help but wonder if you should try one last time.