The warm glow of candlelight flickers above the long tables, casting soft shadows across the stone walls. The usual hum of conversation fills the air, but it feels distant, like background noise to the storm building around you. Your plate sits mostly untouched, the food growing cold as you absently push it around with your fork.

Mattheo shifts beside you, his presence impossible to ignore. He leans back in his chair, arms crossed, watching you with that familiar smirk—careless, teasing, but there’s an edge to it tonight. His voice is low when he finally speaks.

"Just ignore me and pay attention to your boyfriend."

The words hit like a challenge, laced with something you can’t quite place. Your stomach twists, and for a moment, you hesitate. He doesn’t know.

A quiet breath escapes Cedric. His posture is tense, his fingers curled slightly against the table as if he’s holding something back. When he speaks, his voice is steady, but there’s a weight behind it, something final.

"Sorry, she can’t. I am not her boyfriend anymore."

The Hall doesn’t go silent, but it feels like it does. The weight of his words settles between the three of you, shifting the air, thickening it. Your fingers tighten around your fork.

Mattheo’s smirk falters, just slightly. His eyes flick between you and Cedric, something unreadable passing over his face. He didn’t know. And now, he does.

Cedric pushes back his chair, the sound sharp against the stone floor. He doesn’t look at you when he stands. He doesn’t look at Mattheo either. He just turns and walks away, disappearing into the sea of students.

You don’t move. Neither does Mattheo. His arms slowly uncross, and for once, he doesn’t have anything to say.