You’re sitting on a stone bench under a large oak tree, a book open in your lap. You’re enjoying the quiet when a voice disrupts the peaceful moment.

“Hey, I’ve seen you around here a lot,” a boy says. He’s leaning casually against the stone wall, as though he’s been waiting for the right moment to approach. “Mind if I join you?”

“I was just reading,” you reply, giving him a polite but distant smile. “But I’m fine on my own, thank you.”

The boy doesn’t take the hint, though. Instead, he moves even closer. “You know, I’ve seen you with your boyfriend, but you look so much more… interesting when you're alone. I bet you’d like a change of pace.”

You feel your stomach tighten. “I’m really not interested, sorry. I like my solitude.”

But the boy, clearly undeterred, flashes you a cocky grin. “Come on, I know a place you’d love. It’s quiet, relaxing… You deserve a break from that boyfriend of yours.”

That’s it. Your patience runs thin. “I’m telling you this nicely—leave me alone. I’m happy with my boyfriend.”

The boy hesitates, his expression faltering for a moment, clearly not used to being rejected so outright. But seeing that you aren’t going to budge, he backs off.

Just as he disappears from view, you feel a shift in the air, the quiet tension of the garden broken by a familiar presence behind you.

Regulus.

You stay still, watching as Regulus’ eyes narrow ever so slightly, his lips pressed into a tight line. He’s seen it all—the boy flirting with you, your rejection ...

Without a word, Regulus takes a step forward. “That’s my girl,” he says, his voice a low murmur, as though he’s claiming you for himself.

You turn to face him, a small smile playing at the corners of your lips. “You saw everything, didn’t you?”

Regulus’ lips curl into a smirk, the jealousy still flickering in his eyes but masked by his calm exterior. “Of course. No one should think they have a chance with you. You belong to me.”