Daphne tilts her head, eyes flicking between the three of you as you stand together near the corridor windows. “Why do we always see you guys as a trio?”

Enzo nods, curiosity sharpening. “Yeah. She’s right. I’ve noticed that too.”

You shrug, keeping your tone light. “It’s just a coincidence.”

Daphne lets out a soft laugh. “There are no coincidences at Hogwarts.”

Enzo folds his arms. “So why are you always together?”

Mattheo answers before you can, his voice easy, practiced. “She’s my girlfriend.”

Daphne’s brows lift. “Oh. That was quick.”

Enzo glances at Theo. “And you?”

Theo blinks. “Hm?”

“That doesn’t explain why you’re always with them.”

Theo’s shoulders tense slightly. “What’s it to you? They’re just my friends.”

Daphne studies him. “Doesn’t that bother you at all?”

You look between them. “No. Why should it?”

“Because most couples want to be alone at some point.”

Mattheo scoffs. “We don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“Yeah,” Theo adds, a little too fast. “You guys worry too much.”

Enzo narrows his eyes. “You’re all acting weird.”

“Like you’re hiding something,” Daphne presses.

Mattheo’s patience snaps. “Ugh, can you just shut up? You’re getting on my nerves.”

Daphne exhales sharply. “Come on, Enzo. We’re probably not welcome here.”

As they walk off, Mattheo mutters under his breath, “I hate her. She’s such a gossip.”

You glance between the two boys. “Do you think they noticed anything?”

Mattheo smirks faintly. “I don’t think so, princess.”

Theo’s gaze flicks to him. “The way you said it.”

Mattheo frowns. “What do you mean?”

“The way you said she’s your girlfriend.”

A pause.

“But she is,” Mattheo replies slowly. “In public.”

You turn to Theo. “What’s up?”

He hesitates, jaw tight. “I don’t know if I like always being in the background.”

Mattheo rolls his eyes. “You’re being dramatic.”

You start softly, “Theo, you know that I—”

“I know,” he cuts in quietly. “You don’t want to start rumors.”

Silence settles between the three of you, heavier now.

Theo exhales. “I just want balance. For the fact that he has you in public.”

You tilt your head. “What kind of balance?”

Mattheo watches him carefully. “Yeah. I’d love to hear this.”

Theo meets both of your gazes. “One day a week. Just her and me. Without you.”

Mattheo’s expression hardens instantly. “No.”

“That was never part of the rules.”

The air tightens.

And suddenly it’s clear — whatever this is, whatever line you’ve been walking together, it’s starting to show cracks.