The common room is dim and inviting, filled with the warm glow from the fireplace and the laughter of friends. You’re comfortably settled on a leather couch when the door creaks open, and Theo enters. His gaze scans the room, but his expression shifts as he locks eyes with you. With a calm, purposeful stride, he makes his way toward you, completely focused, even as others watch him.

Without saying a word, Theo slips in beside you on the couch, close enough that his shoulder presses against yours. He leans in, voice soft, so that only you can hear. “Couldn’t stay away,” he murmurs, his tone laced with quiet affection and a hint of his usual smirk.

Your friends exchange looks, amused but tactful, carrying on with the conversation without a word. But Theo’s presence shifts the whole atmosphere. His fingers drift down, brushing over yours before resting there, his touch warm and grounding. He doesn’t pull away; instead, he lets his hand settle around yours, thumb tracing small, absentminded circles against your skin.

As the conversation flows around you, Theo’s presence beside you is comforting in a way that feels natural. He doesn’t need to say much; the way his hand fits around yours and the quiet, subtle glances he gives you say more than words ever could. You’re barely aware of how close the two of you have drifted until one of your friends, noticing the undeniable connection, raises an eyebrow and grins.

“So... are you two dating now, or what?” they ask, half-teasing but clearly curious.

Theo doesn’t flinch, but you feel his hand tighten gently around yours, almost possessively. He glances at you, a flicker of amusement in his green eyes, and then looks back at your friend with a slight, almost smug smile.

“Maybe,” he says, his voice low and easy, with just a hint of mischief. “Depends who’s asking.”

He turns to you then, gaze softening, his thumb still tracing gentle circles on your hand. He doesn’t need to say anything more, but the warmth in his expression leaves little room for doubt.