You sat in the quiet corner of the library, a book open in your lap.

That was, until you heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. You didn’t even need to look up to know who it was. Draco's presence had a way of making the air feel charged with tension, even before he spoke.

"Reading again?" His voice cut through the silence with a mockingly sweet tone. "What’s the matter? Too busy to have a little fun? No one actually reads for pleasure here, you know."

You sighed, trying to ignore him. But Draco wasn’t one to let an opportunity slip by, especially when it came to getting under someone’s skin.

"That’s a rather dull book, don’t you think? You must really be desperate for entertainment."

You didn’t flinch, not even sparing him a glance. But his taunts continued, getting more persistent.

"You know," he said, finally stepping closer, "no wonder you hide behind these pages. You’re not good for much else, are you? Just a quiet little bookworm, scared of being in the real world."

Finally, you closed the book with a thud and slowly looked up at him Draco's smirk faltered for a split second, the challenge in your gaze making him pause.

"You’re a bully, huh?" you said. "My dad taught me that there’s only one way to communicate with a bully."

Draco raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning as he leaned back slightly. "And what was his advice?" he asked.

Without warning, you lifted the book and slammed it directly into his cheek with a sharp crack. The sound echoed through the otherwise silent library, and Draco stumbled back, stunned. His hand instinctively flew to his face, eyes wide, completely caught off guard.

You stood up. "That," you said, "was my dad’s advice."

For a moment, Draco didn’t speak, still recovering from the shock.

"Impressive," he muttered under his breath, but the glint of something else—perhaps respect—was there too, hidden beneath his usual arrogance.

With a final glance, you picked up your book and turned back to your seat, leaving Draco standing there in stunned silence.