The common room is alive with energy. You sit, pretending to read, but your focus is entirely on the unfolding scene before you.

Mattheo grins as he nudges Regulus. “Alright, mate, you’ve been brooding enough. Time for a little fun.”

Regulus sighs, flicking a glance over at you. The subtle smile that plays at the corners of his lips only fuels the unease swirling in your stomach. He knows. He always knows.

Draco chimes in. “Meet Emma. She’s sharp, charming—just your type. We think you two will get along great.”

Regulus tilts his head, his expression as cool and unreadable as ever. “I’m not really interested in matchmaking, but I’ll indulge you.”

The rest of the boys cheer like they’ve already won, pleased by his compliance. But you see through it—Regulus is only going along with this to keep the peace.

Emma enters from the side and you can tell she’s eager to impress. “Regulus! It’s so nice to finally meet you,” she says. Regulus offers a polite but distant smile.

The conversation begins awkwardly, but Emma is determined to change that. She laughs easily, her tone light and flirtatious. “I’ve heard you’re a bit of a mystery, Regulus. I like a challenge,” she says. “Maybe I can get you to crack that icy exterior.”

Regulus gives her a polite smile, but there’s an edge of restraint in his voice. “I’m not sure there’s much to crack,” he says.

But Emma is undeterred. She takes a small step closer, her gaze never leaving his. “Come on, I’m sure there’s more to you than meets the eye. You just need to relax a little. I can help with that.”

She reaches out, her fingers brushing against his arm in what you can only assume is an attempt to push past his boundaries, to see how much she can make him react. Regulus stiffens imperceptibly, his jaw tightening.

You feel the familiar, protective instinct surge through you. A part of you wants to rush in but another part of you wants to see if he’ll handle it on his own, if he’ll make his own decision to pull away.

It’s up to you now: step in, or stay back?