The warm glow of the fireplace bathed the common room in a soft amber light. You were tucked away in a quiet corner, deep in your studies. The boys were gathered near the hearth, their chatter echoing softly.

Tom sat in his usual chair, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight as he sipped from a cup of tea. Theo, who had been silently observing the room, suddenly leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Truth or dare, Tom?" Theo asked.

Tom arched a single brow, his expression bemused as he glanced over the rim of his teacup. "We’re not playing a game."

Theo smirked. "Doesn’t matter. Truth or dare?"

Tom set his teacup down on the table beside him. "If I must humor you," he said, "then dare."

Theo grinned wickedly. "Alright. Truth it is, then."

Tom’s expression didn’t falter. "You seem confused about the rules of your own game."

"When did you start hooking up with her?" Theo asked, tilting his head in your direction.

The room went silent. Your hand stilled, quill frozen mid-word as your eyes widened in surprise.

"I’m afraid I don’t understand your insinuation," Tom said.

Draco leaned forward, a smug grin playing on his lips. "I saw you leaving her room at 4 a.m. this morning, mate," he interjected.

Tom’s gaze flicked briefly to Draco. "I needed something."

Theo leaned back in his chair, feigning a thoughtful expression. "Oh, of course. Just… something. How convincing."

Lorenzo chimed in. "Since when, Tom?"

Draco grinned, adding fuel to the fire. "C’mon, Tom. Don’t leave us hanging."

Tom finally exhaled a soft sigh, the faintest hint of exasperation flickering across his face. "Merlin’s sake… Three months."

A ripple of laughter and disbelief spread through the group, accompanied by a few whistles and murmurs of approval. You buried your face in your hands, your cheeks flaming as all eyes turned toward you.

Tom glanced in your direction, his dark eyes locking with yours. For a brief moment, a ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips—a rare display of something softer.