Mattheo’s smirk was downright smug as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his eyes locked onto yours. “So, sweetheart… we have heard you have a little crush on someone…” he said.

Your fingers tensed around the edges of your book, pulse quickening. “I don’t—who told you that?”

Theodore let out a soft chuckle from beside you, shifting closer. “Yeah, come on, please… tell us.” His tone was teasing, but there was something else behind it, something that made your stomach twist.

Your throat felt dry as Draco hummed, tilting his head. His smirk was as infuriating as ever, but the way he was watching you made your skin tingle.

“Yeah, don’t be scared, darling…” he murmured.

You swallowed hard, shifting in your seat under their collective stares. It was unfair, really—how easily they could unravel you, how effortlessly they pulled you into their games.

Lorenzo let out a low chuckle. “Alright, boys, stop messing with her, yeah?” he said. He wasn’t exactly coming to your rescue—more like watching from the sidelines, entertained.

But Mattheo only grinned wider, sitting back as he stretched his arms over his head. “Okay then,” he mused, his voice dripping with satisfaction, “we’ll just assume she likes all of us, then.”

A wave of heat rushed up your neck, your breath catching as Regulus let out a low chuckle, arms crossed, watching you.

Tom, silent until now, merely smirked, his fingers tapping against his knee in slow movements, as if calculating your reaction.

Your heart pounded as six pairs of eyes watched you, waiting.

You were completely, utterly lost.