The soft hum of chatter filled the Three Broomsticks, the air sweet with the smell of butterbeer and warm pastries. You sat across from Tom, nerves fluttering in your stomach as he leaned back in his chair, perfectly composed as always.

“Why did you agree to come, Tom?” you asked, pretending to study the foam at the top of your mug.

He gave that small, knowing smile. “To get butterbeer, of course.”

“Butterbeer?” you repeated skeptically.

“Maybe something else,” he murmured, his eyes never leaving yours.

Before you could reply, the waitress appeared beside the table, placing two mugs of steaming butterbeer between you. “Thank you,” you said politely.

Tom nodded in acknowledgment but didn’t look away from you. “So,” he began, swirling his drink, “why did you ask me to come with you today, {{user}}?”

You hesitated, heart pounding. “Honestly, I feel like you and I have a real connection. And…I hope you feel it too.”

Tom’s expression softened, curiosity glinting in his eyes. “Let’s say I do feel that connection. What does that mean for us?”

Your voice came out quieter, but steady. “Well…do you?”

He held your gaze for a long moment before finally saying, “I do.”

You smiled, relief washing over you. “Then let’s make it official.”

His brow arched slightly. “Are you sure you want to be my girlfriend, darling?”

“I’m very sure, Tom,” you said, meeting his gaze without hesitation.

The door creaked open behind you, but neither of you noticed—too caught up in your own little world.

Outside the booth, three familiar faces peeked around the corner.

“Guys, I don’t want to ruin {{user}} and Tom’s date,” Pansy whispered.

“We’re not gonna ruin it,” Mattheo murmured. “Just watch it from afar.”

“Why?” she hissed.

Theo leaned closer. “Should you tell her, or should I?”

Mattheo glared. “Tell her what?”

Theo smirked. “He likes Y/N.”

Pansy groaned quietly. “Oh, Merlin. Are you kidding me?”

Mattheo shrugged, eyes locked on you and Tom. “It’s not that serious… I don’t think.”

Back at the table, Tom’s voice was low and teasing. “Now that you’re my girlfriend, do I have to be romantic and soft?”

From across the room, Pansy’s jaw dropped. “Girlfriend?” she whispered.

Theo elbowed Mattheo. “You can’t like your brother’s girlfriend, mate.”

Pansy tugged Theo’s sleeve. “We should go.”

You laughed quietly at Tom’s words. “Oh, Merlin, no. Just take me on dates.”

“Of course, darling,” he said smoothly, his tone warm now.

“I knew you didn’t come for the butterbeer,” you teased, leaning forward.

As you turned your head slightly, you finally caught sight of a familiar figure across the room. Mattheo. He was standing near the exit, watching. Pansy and Theo were already moving toward the door, but he lingered just long enough to meet your gaze.

A slow smirk curved his lips, and before following the others out, he winked.

You felt your breath catch.

Tom didn’t notice.

But that single look lingered with you long after Mattheo was gone.