You sit beside ReguIus in the courtyard. He’s staring at the fountain ahead, his jaw clenched.

"{{user}}," he finally says softly, breaking the silence. "Do you still remember the promise?"

Your heart sinks at the question, the memory of that day in third year flashing in your mind. His young, earnest face, the warmth of his hand in yours when you and him promised to marry each other. It feels like a lifetime ago. You take a deep breath, your gaze faltering as you look down at your hands. "Reggie, please stop it. That’s the past."

He turns his head toward you. "Not to me, it’s not," he says quietly but firmly. "You know it just… it hurts to see you with him."

You swallow hard. "If it’s any consolation, Theo treats me well."

ReguIus lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "No, {{user}}, that isn’t any consolation to me." He looks back at the fountain, his voice growing heavier with pain he can no longer hide. "Because I know it should be me."

You feel a lump form in your throat. You’ve never seen him this vulnerable before. Before you can respond, you hear Theo’s voice calling your name from across the courtyard. His charming smile is the first thing you see as you glance toward him.

You turn back to ReguIus, who is staring at the ground, his expression unreadable. Gently, you reach out and place your hand on top of his. "Reggie, please…" you whisper.

But he doesn’t hold your hand back. Instead, he abruptly stands, his shoulders tense as he turns away from you.

"ReguIus–" you start, but he cuts you off, his voice quiet yet sharp, full of hurt.

"No. It’s nice to know that promises mean nothing to my best friend."

"ReguIus, wait!" you call out, standing up, but he doesn’t stop.

"Don’t, {{user}}," he says without looking back, his voice cold and detached. "Just go back to him."

You feel Theo’s presence behind you before you hear his voice. "Everything alright?"