"I can't believe how gullible {{user}} is," Pansy’s voice cut through the room, dripping with disdain. From where you were standing just out of sight, her cold laughter sent a shiver down your spine. "And Theo managed to convince her that he actually wanted to be with her. She's so pathetic," she continued, her tone dripping with scorn.

"Look, Theo would do almost anything for laughs and money," Malfoy’s voice piped up next, filled with a mix of incredulity and amusement. "But I can’t believe he would have gone out with her just for a bet."

The words hit you like a punch to the gut. Your hand flew to your mouth as a gasp escaped you, your heart racing. You turned slowly, your eyes wide with disbelief, and saw Theo standing in front of you. His face was etched with concern, but the damage was done.

"{{user}}...?" Theo's voice was tentative as he took a step toward you, reaching out with a trembling hand. "It's not what you think. I can explain—"

"Don’t," you interrupted, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. You took a step back, shaking your head. "Don’t touch me! Was I just a bet to you? A game to you and your friends? How dare you?!"

Theo’s face twisted with pain and desperation. He looked like he was struggling to find the right words. "It started as a bet," he admitted, his voice cracking. "I never meant for it to go this far. But somewhere along the way, things changed. I didn’t expect to develop real feelings for you. It’s not just a game to me anymore. I... I really care about you."