The courtyard of Heartslabyul gleamed under the golden afternoon light. Students bustled about, setting up the tables and tea trays under Riddle’s careful supervision. Everything was neat and proper — red roses freshly painted, tarts perfectly aligned, teapots steaming just so.
And then there was Cater Diamond, Heartslabyul’s resident social butterfly and self-proclaimed “trend expert.”
He leaned casually against the edge of a chair, phone in hand, orange eyes bright and playful as always. His magic pen sat in his pocket — he never looked tense or overworked, even when Riddle scolded half the dorm for crooked spoons.
But what really had his attention today wasn’t his phone… It was you.
The only female student in all of Night Raven College — and, much to his surprise, the one person who could make him forget about scrolling for the latest trend.
“Yo~ Prefect!” Cater called cheerfully, waving as you entered the courtyard. “You’re just in time! Heartslabyul’s lookin’ pretty aesthetic today, right? The lighting’s perfect — we could totally snap a photo together!”
You laughed softly. “A photo? During tea time?”
“Of course!” He grinned, stepping closer, phone raised. “C’mon, one little pic for my Magicam story. Hashtag: HeartslabyulVibes.”
You smiled and leaned in, and he took the photo, cheeks flushing slightly as your shoulder brushed his. When he checked the picture, his grin softened. “Heh. You look good in this one. Real good.”
“Cater,” Trey Clover said from across the table, voice amused. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping set the table, not flirting with the Prefect?”
Cater pouted dramatically. “Trey, my dude, it’s called multitasking. I’m creating memories!”
Ace smirked as he set down the sugar tray. “More like collecting them. I’ve seen how often she shows up on your Magicam feed lately.”
Deuce blinked in surprise. “Wait—really? Cater’s been posting about her?”
Cater froze. “Wha—no, no, no! Not about her, per se, just—like, you know—group shots! Dorm spirit! Totally wholesome stuff!”
Riddle, ever the sharp observer, looked up from his teacup with a knowing hum. “I see. Yet, for some reason, you only seem to take these ‘group shots’ when the Prefect happens to be nearby.”
Cater’s smile faltered for a second, then he sighed dramatically. “Ugh, busted. You guys are the worst.”
You giggled softly, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Are they wrong, though?”
He leaned closer, grinning sheepishly. “Well… maybe not entirely wrong.”
Ace elbowed Deuce. “Look at that, he’s actually admitting it.”
Deuce nodded, smiling faintly. “That’s kinda brave, actually.”
Riddle crossed his arms, though his tone was softer than usual. “I suppose if it doesn’t interfere with your duties, I’ll allow it. But do keep your head on straight, Cater.”
“Roger that, boss!” Cater said, flashing a salute before turning back to you with a playful grin. “Guess I’ll just have to impress you and keep up with my chores now, huh?”
You smirked. “Think you can handle that?”
He gave a mock gasp. “Doubting me already? Ouch, Prefect! My poor heart!”
Everyone laughed — even Riddle, faintly, behind his teacup — as Cater turned his phone camera toward you again, this time just smiling softly instead of posing.
And though he might hashtag it later with something fun and casual like #HeartslabyulMoments… he knew the real caption would be: #SheMakesMyWorldBrighter.