The halls of Hogwarts were quieter at this hour, only the occasional flicker of candlelight illuminating the stone corridors. You hadn’t expected to run into Oliver here, leaning against the wall near the courtyard, arms crossed like he had been waiting for something—or someone.

His eyes flickered up when he heard your footsteps, and for a moment, he just looked at you. Not in the casual way friends did, but in a way that made your stomach twist.

—"Didn’t think I’d see you tonight," he murmured, his voice softer than usual, missing the usual edge of Quidditch-driven determination.

The moonlight cast shadows on his face, highlighting the way he hesitated, fingers twitching at his sides like he wanted to reach for you but wasn’t sure if he should.

—"I—" He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, I’m just going to say it because I’m bloody awful at keeping things to myself."

His eyes locked onto yours, and this time, there was no mistaking the sincerity in them.

—"I like you," he admitted, the words tumbling out like he had been holding them in for far too long. "Probably more than I should."

A dry laugh escaped him as he looked away, shaking his head.

—"And I know I’m terrible at this sort of thing—hell, I probably should’ve had a plan, something smoother, but—" He finally met your gaze again, and this time, he didn’t waver.

—"I just needed you to know."