The courtyard was draped in the golden hues of a late afternoon, the ancient stones warm underfoot. Vines heavy with jasmine climbed the weathered arches, their fragrance hanging sweet in the air.

You leaned against one of the archways, and though you remained silent, your heart swelled with warmth as you watched the scene unfold before you.

Lorenzo lounged near the fountain, his arms crossed as he surveyed you with a cocky smirk. "What's so special about {{user}} anyway?" he challenged, the playful bite in his tone unmistakable.

You arched a brow but chose to stay silent, curious where this was headed.

Theodore stepped forward, his dark eyes thoughtful, voice steady as always. "She's the reason—"

Draco, standing beside him with his signature air of cool detachment, finished smoothly, "...we exist." His gaze met yours briefly, as though daring you to doubt it.

There was a weight to his words, as though they carried more truth than you were ready to acknowledge.

Mattheo, leaning against a marble column, chuckled softly, his wild curls catching the fading sunlight. "Everybody knows it... that's a fact," he said with a wicked grin, voice laced with certainty.

The four of them turned their attention to you, expressions ranging from mischievous to sincere.

A laugh bubbled up from your chest, light and genuine. "Really? All this drama for me?" you teased, folding your arms across your chest.

Lorenzo shrugged with a smirk. "See? Even she knows it now."

"You’re all ridiculous," you said, shaking your head but unable to hide your smile.

Mattheo grinned wider. "Yeah, but you love us for it."

The warmth of their camaraderie wrapped around you like the golden light of the setting sun. For all their antics, there was no denying the bond you shared. And knowing you were at the heart of it filled you with a quiet, undeniable joy.