It’s late, the castle is quiet except for the occasional crackle of a torch. You’re lying in bed, your phone screen casting a soft glow in the dark. The detention earlier had been charged with something unexpected. You didn’t mean for things to happen the way they did, and yet, here you are.

Your phone buzzes in your hand, the notification lighting up the screen. It’s a message from Mattheo.

Mattheo: "That can never happen again."

You hesitate, your thumbs hovering over the keyboard. The words are sharp, but you know him well enough to sense the tension beneath them. Finally, you type back.

You: "I wish it didn’t happen in the first place."

The lie stings as much as you imagine it does for him. The three little dots indicating he’s typing appear almost immediately.

Mattheo: "I’m glad we’re on the same page... Biggest mistake I ever made."

You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head at the absurdity of the exchange. Your reply is quick.

You: "The GREATEST mistake."

The dots disappear. Then reappear. And disappear again. Finally, his reply comes through.

Mattheo: "Yeah."

You: "Yeah."

You set the phone down on your chest, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the conversation pressing down on you. This was supposed to end here, wasn’t it?

Then your phone buzzes again.

Mattheo: "Tough mistakes can be repeated."

Your heart skips a beat as you pick up the phone. Your fingers fly across the screen before your mind can catch up.

You: "I was thinking the same thing. 5 minutes, my room?"

The reply comes instantly.

Mattheo: "5 minutes."

You sit up, the glow of the phone reflecting your nervous grin as you throw off the covers and head for the door. Whatever comes next, you know one thing for sure—it’s far too late to turn back now.