You sit under the oak tree at the far end of the courtyard, flipping through a book while half-listening to the birdsong and vaguely noticing low voices coming from the other side of the fountain.

You know they’re talking about you.

You’ve known since Evan looked over five minutes ago and didn’t look away quickly enough.

He leans back on the rim of the fountain with his hands in his pockets and his eyes still on you. “She looks good today. Might ask her out later.”

Barty lets out a low, smug laugh. “Come on. She’d laugh in your face and walk right past you. Maybe hex you for wasting her time."

Evan smirks. “Bold words for someone whose idea of flirting is psychological warfare.”

Barty shrugs, unapologetic. “Is it the family wine cellar or the delusion you think will win her over?”

Evan raises an eyebrow. “It’s worked before. And, unlike you, I don’t introduce myself as a walking red flag.”

Barty grins. “It’s called honesty. Girls love honesty.”

Evan deadpans, “Right, that’s why they flee the room when you wink at them.”

Regulus exhales, like this entire conversation is a headache.

“This is painful,” he says flatly, without looking up from the notebook balanced on his knee.

Barty turns to face him. “Go on then, oh wise one. Enlighten us with your superior method.”

“I don’t need a method,” Regulus replies, his eyes still on the page.

Evan glances between the two. “Merlin, here it comes. Another monologue about brooding superiority.”

Regulus closes the notebook. “If I wanted her attention, I’d have it. No drama. Just one look.”

Barty blinks. “You mean the murd3r-eyes look?”

Regulus doesn’t flinch. “Sometimes that works, too.”

Evan chuckles. “She’s not into guys who read cursed bl00dlines for fun.”

“And yet here you are,” Regulus says, finally rising to his feet. "Bickering while she’s not even looking.”

He starts walking. “I’ll go say hello.”

“Did he just—?” Barty’s voice cracks halfway through.

“He did,” Evan mutters, his jaw tight.

“I think I hate him,” Barty says.

Evan squints toward you and Regulus. “You think she’ll hex him?”

“No,” Barty sighs, resigned. “She’s going to smile.”

Regulus reaches you across the courtyard. “Some boys have been arguing about how to talk to you,” he says, glancing briefly at your book before looking back at you. “I thought I’d save you the trouble and let you choose.”

You look up and raise an eyebrow. "And you assumed I'd choose you?"

He blinks once. “No,” he replies smoothly. “I assumed you’d enjoy making them jealous.”