“Funny, we’re standing here like before… but the chapter was over,” Evan says, leaning back against the wall.
You glance at him, then look away. “Yeah... it feels like back then,” you whisper.
He steps closer, watching you carefully. “Something’s on your mind, isn’t it?”
You bite your lip. “Yeah… it’s over with Theodore.”
Evan’s brow furrows. “Somehow I had already sensed something like this.”
You let out a bitter laugh. “It was just a message. No big scene. No explanations.”
“Absolute coward, if you ask me.” He shakes his head.
You shrug, trying to seem indifferent. “It did hurt… but somehow it was also a relief. I guess I was tired of pretending.”
“Because you no longer feel like you’re the problem?” Evan asks, stepping closer.
You nod slowly. “Maybe... I think I’m done blaming myself.”
“I like you the way you are,” he smiles, “even if you almost drive me crazy sometimes.”
You roll your eyes, but you can't help but smiling. You reach out and cover his mouth with your hand. “Shut up,” you tease.
He leans into your touch, gently brushing his thumb across your hand.
“Barty’s planning a party tomorrow in the common room,” you say, breaking the moment.
“And... are you going?” Evan asks, tilting his head.
You shrug. “I don’t know. Are you?”
“I’ll go if you go.”
You bite your lip, thinking of your brother. “If Barty sees us together... he’ll get suspicious again.”
“We just pretend everything’s normal,” Evan says, smirking.
“Evan…” you warn.
He laughs softly. “I bet you won’t be able to stop looking at me at the party.”
“That won’t be difficult,” you reply with a grin.
“Okay,” he says, “and every time you look at me… there’s a shot for you.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Then same goes for you too.”
“Agreed,” he smirks, “although I think I get buzzed pretty quickly.”
The following evening, you are sitting in front of the mirror in your room with Daphne and Astoria, getting ready for the party.
Daphne smiles. “You look amazing, seriously. Tonight’s going to be fun.”
Astoria nods. “Barty’s parties are never boring.”
You force a smile, but inside, your thoughts are racing. Theodore might be there, probably with Barty. The memory of that text message flashes in your mind and you wonder how you’ll handle seeing him face to face tonight. And then... There is Evan.
“What if Barty finds out that Evan and I were together?” you ask quietly.
Daphne shrugs, “Who cares?”