Blaise Zabini leaned against the cold stone wall of the corridor, watching you with that calm, unbothered expression he always seemed to wear. The two of you had crossed paths here countless times, but tonight, there was a different kind of tension in the air.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his voice smooth and low. He wasn’t asking—it was a statement, one that carried more weight than you were prepared for.

You stopped mid-step, glancing over your shoulder at him. His dark eyes were fixed on you, as unreadable as ever, but there was something in them that made you pause.

“Have I?” you asked, feigning indifference.

Blaise pushed off the wall, taking a slow step toward you, that ever-present smirk tugging at his lips. “Don’t play coy,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving yours. "It doesn't suit you."