The castle was bustling with students rushing to their dorms, chatter filling the air as everyone reunited after the long summer break. You finally reached the entrance hall, your steps quick and excited, heart thudding in your chest. The journey had felt like an eternity, and the thought of seeing Mattheo again had been a constant during the long weeks apart.

You dropped your bags by the nearest pillar with a relieved sigh and took a deep breath, scanning the room. There, standing in a corner with a few of his friends, was Mattheo. His dark hair fell effortlessly around his face as he laughed, his usual charming grin in place, but all you could focus on was him—your boyfriend.

You walked toward him, barely able to hold back your excitement. Without thinking twice, you reached out and tapped him on the shoulder.

He didn’t turn around immediately, but without missing a beat, he snapped, his voice a bit irritated. “I have a girlfriend, back off!”

The words hit you like a splash of cold water, a sharp sting cutting through your chest.

But then, just as you were about to retreat, Mattheo’s eyes finally met yours. The moment he saw you, his expression shifted. His lips parted in shock, his eyes wide, then softened as a look of genuine apology crossed his face.

“Hey, sorry,” he muttered.

Before you could respond, he pulled you into his lap, settling you there like it was the most natural thing in the world. His hands found their way to your waist, holding you close, as if making sure you were really there. He buried his face in your hair for a moment, inhaling deeply, and when he pulled back just enough to look at you, there was a softness in his eyes that made your heart skip a beat.

“I thought you were some girl…” he murmured.

You smiled, your fingers gently brushing his cheek before you leaned in to place a soft kiss on it. “It’s okay,” you whispered.

His voice was almost a whisper as he spoke, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by something more tender. “I missed you, princess.”