The common room was unusually quiet, save for the crackling of the fire and the soft murmur of the night. You were curled up on the couch, your book lying forgotten in your lap, as your gaze wandered across the room.

Mattheo leaned against the armrest, his eyes studying you with an intensity that made you raise an eyebrow. The others—Theodore, Draco, Regulus, Lorenzo, and Blaise—were scattered around, each of them watching this moment unfold with varying degrees of curiosity.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Mattheo broke it, his voice low but clear.

"Can I ask you a question?" he asked, his dark eyes locking onto yours.

"Yeah, of course," you replied, your heart fluttering in your chest, wondering what was coming.

Mattheo took a slow breath before asking, his tone more serious than you'd ever heard it before. "If it was just down to him and me… and you had to make a choice... who got the goodbye? Who would it be?"

The room went still. All eyes shifted between you two.

You met Mattheo's gaze, then slowly turned to look at Theodore, who was sitting across the room. There was a quiet understanding in his eyes, and something inside you softened. When you spoke, your voice was steady, though your heart ached with the weight of your words.

"I love Theodore," you began, your gaze never leaving him. "He came into my life when I needed someone, and I fell for him instantly. No matter what I feel for you... I never un-fell for him."

The room seemed to exhale collectively. The boys all looked at each other, some with surprise, others with understanding, but all silent. Mattheo’s face didn’t give away much, but his eyes were softer now, less guarded.

He nodded, a small, resigned smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I get it," he said, his voice quiet. "It’s always gonna be Theo."