Your family and Draco’s are gathered. The atmosphere is formal, but the tension in the air is palpable.

Your father clears his throat. “It’s become clear that someone has been following you. It’s time to ensure your safety before this goes any further.”

His gaze settles on Draco’s father, who nods thoughtfully.

“Indeed,” Draco’s father agrees. “After careful consideration, we believe Draco is the best choice to protect her. He’s more than capable and he understands the responsibility.”

Your stomach twists slightly. The idea of having Draco—of all people—follow you around feels strange. You barely know him, and any interactions between the two of you have always been limited to polite nods and empty pleasantries during family gatherings.

Your mother speaks next. “We’ve already spoken to Draco about this. He’ll accompany you wherever you go from now on, ensure that nothing happens to you. You don’t have to worry.”

Draco shifts in his seat, his eyes briefly flicking to you. His gaze is a little too intense. But there’s no emotion in his face—nothing that gives you any clue to what he’s really thinking.

There’s something about the way he looks at you, something unsettlingly familiar, as though he’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for this.

No one knows the truth. No one knows that it’s Draco, the quiet, aloof boy with an ice-cold demeanor, who has been following you. Watching you from a distance. The whispers in the hallway, the way you’d find a glimpse of silver hair in a crowd and wonder if you were imagining it.

What exactly has he been watching for?

And as Draco stands up, you can’t shake the feeling that something has just shifted. That this agreement is not as simple as it seems.

You try not to flinch when he stands just a little too close, his eyes lingering on yours with a strange intensity.

His words, though calm, don't reassure you. His involvement feels much deeper, much more personal - like an 0bsession.

"Trust me, you’ll feel safer with me around—soon enough."