You and Blaise had the rare privilege of growing up together—and it had created a bond that was nothing short of unbreakable. You were constants in each other’s lives, always there through the thick and thin. Blaise, known for his guarded demeanor and sharp tongue, was different with you. He was softer, more open. You were his safe place, and he was yours.

That kind of closeness came at a cost.

Whenever one of you tried dating someone else, it almost never ended well. People didn’t understand the connection. They mistook it for something else—or worse, saw it for what it really was. What neither of you had dared to admit out loud: you had both fallen for each other. But fear of ruining what you already had kept you silent. So instead, you each wasted time with people who never really stood a chance. Relationships that barely lasted past a few weeks. A couple months at best.

Right now, Blaise was three weeks into dating a sixth-year Slytherin named Lisa—clingy, loud, and somehow oblivious to the fact that Blaise barely tolerated her. Everyone could see it. She fawned over him constantly, even though he remained emotionally distant and had already bailed on her more than once to spend time with you.

Tonight was one of those nights.

You, Blaise, Draco, and Pansy were sitting in the Slytherin common room, lounging on the emerald couches, trading insults and laughter like always. Blaise had skipped whatever plans Lisa had tried to make, claiming he needed a break. She’d been nagging him nonstop, constantly needing attention, and it was beginning to wear him down. He was already considering breaking it off.

In the middle of the conversation, Blaise’s hand casually came to rest on your knee. It wasn’t calculated—it was instinct. Natural. The kind of touch that came with comfort and familiarity. You didn’t flinch. If anything, it felt like home.

Draco was just about to make some snarky comment when the moment shattered.

“There you are!” Lisa’s voice rang out, high-pitched and far too eager.

You all turned to see her practically bouncing over. She threw her arms around Blaise from behind, her sharp eyes locking on you as she shot you a look that was all venom. You, as usual, didn’t react. She didn’t intimidate you.

Blaise’s face twisted with mild annoyance. He gently peeled her arms off of him, already tired of the drama.

“I told you I was hanging out with my friends tonight,” he said coolly, his tone making it clear she wasn’t invited.

Lisa pouted, clearly ignoring the rejection, and plopped down next to him on the opposite side—wedging herself into the circle with an oblivious grin.

“I know,” she said airily,* *“but I figured I’d come find you anyway.”

Draco rolled his eyes dramatically. Pansy didn’t even try to hide her grimace.

Blaise said nothing. But his hand? It stayed right where it was—on your knee.