The corridors of the castle are quieter at night. ReguIus walks alongside Blaise, hands shoved into his pockets, the weight of exhaustion and longing etched into his every step.

Blaise glances at him. “You’ve been quiet lately. Missing {{user}}?”

ReguIus doesn’t answer right away. His jaw tightens. He’s been thinking about only you every waking moment since you left for Ilvermorny. The letters, as beautiful as they are, don’t feel like enough.

“More than I can explain,” he says finally. His voice is soft, almost a whisper.

Blaise nods, though his expression is thoughtful. “You two have been together for years… but do you really think it’s practical? Long distance?”

ReguIus stops walking and his gaze falls to the floor. For a moment, Blaise wonders if he’s said the wrong thing.

“Practical?” He exhales. “I don’t care if it’s practical. I’d give anything just to see her face to face again.”

Blaise studies him for a moment, then nods once and claps him on the shoulder. “Then hold onto that.”

Blaise heads to the library while ReguIus makes his way to his dorm. Their conversation plays on repeat as he reaches for the door.

But when he pushes it open, he freezes.

You’re there. Standing by his bed, that familiar smile lighting up your face.

“Hey, you.”

His breath catches, disbelief and relief colliding all at once. “…You’re here.”

You nod, your eyes shining with unshed tears. “Surprise.”

He doesn’t even hesitate. His bag hits the floor with a dull thud, and he crosses the room in three long strides, pulling you into his arms like he’ll never let you go again.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” he says softly before he lifts you up, your legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

For the first time in months, everything feels right as he holds you in the comforting silence.