The garden is quiet, soaked in the soft purple-gold glow of dusk. You’re kneeling in the dirt, tending to a wilted little plant—one that hasn’t gotten as much light as the others.

It’s so fitting, really. You run your fingers through the soil, trying to stop your hands from shaking, your thoughts from spiraling. But the ache is too loud.

“You missed dinner,” a familiar voice says from behind.

You look up sharply. Draco stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets.

“Wasn’t hungry,” you murmur.

He walks over to you, glancing at the plant. Then at you. “What’s wrong?”

You hesitate before you finally bear your soul to him. “It’s Hermıone. She’s everything—brilliant, gifted. I’ve spent years standing next to her, hoping I’d be seen too. But I’m always in her shadow.”

Your voice falters. “And today I found out my crush likes her.”

You wipe your eyes, hoping he won’t notice. But Draco sees everything.

He leans down and takes your hand, causing you to stand and face him. “Love… look at me,” he softly urges.

You freeze. That word—gentle, unexpected—makes your breath catch.

You meet his eyes, and he looks impossibly soft in the fading light.

“You’re more than your sister’s shadow,” he tells you. “I promise you that.”

You blink fast as you try to register his confession.

“You don’t have to be loud to be seen. You notice what others don’t. You care. You feel. You give a damn when no one else does.”

You avoid his gaze in an attempt to keep the unshed tears from falling.

“And I see it,” Draco adds. “...I see you.”

A tear slips free before you can stop it. He reaches out and gently brushes it away.

“You deserve someone who chooses you. First. Always.”

His hand brushes against your chin as he guides your attention back to him. “Do you understand me?”