The golden hues of the setting sun spill across the worn stone pathways of the courtyard. You lean against the cool stone railing, watching the sky shift from blue to streaks of orange and pink, your thoughts wandering until a familiar voice cuts through the idle noise.

“Hi, {{user}},” Mattheo drawls as he saunters up beside you, hands shoved lazily into the pockets of his robe. His usual smirk tugs at the corner of his lips, eyes flickering with amusement. “Make anyone cry today?”

You turn your head slightly, meeting his gaze with a slow, knowing smile. “Nope,” you say, your voice even, deliberate. Then, with a slight tilt of your head, you add, “But it is only 4:30 PM.”

Mattheo lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Plenty of time left, then,” he muses, tapping his fingers against the stone ledge. “You really are relentless.”

You shrug, pushing off from your spot. “I like to keep things interesting.”

He watches you for a moment, his smirk deepening, before he steps into stride beside you as you start walking. “I have to admit,” he says, voice lighter now, “it’s impressive. People usually cry because of me, not for me.”

You snort, glancing at him. “Oh, please. Half the school worships the ground you walk on. The other half hate you.”

Mattheo laughs, the sound rich and unbothered. “Balance is important,” he says easily, flashing you a grin. “And where do you fall, then?”

You pretend to consider for a moment, then smirk. “That depends on the day.”

He lets out another chuckle, nudging your arm playfully as you near the castle doors. “Come on,” he says. “I’m starving. Let’s see if the kitchens have anything worth sneaking out before dinner.”

With a small shake of your head, you follow, knowing full well that with Mattheo, boredom is never an option.