Mattheo and Saya had been together for quite some time, and they were undeniably the "It" couple—the pair that everyone admired and envied. Their relationship seemed perfect from the outside, and their chemistry was the stuff of social legend. You were friends with both of them, but your connection was more peripheral; you moved in the same social circles but weren’t particularly close to either of them.

While you’ve had your fair share of relationships over the years, you were currently single and had no real desire to jump back into the dating scene. You were content with your independence and focused on your own life.

Recently, though, you began to notice something peculiar about Mattheo. He had a tendency to gaze at you in a way that felt more intense than casual or friendly. At first, you thought you might be imagining things, attributing it to a trick of your own mind. But then, a few of your friends made offhand comments about Mattheo’s lingering glances, which made you wonder if there was more to it than mere coincidence.

The situation took a turn one evening when you and Mattheo were paired up for a Herbology project. Your task was to nurture and study the Moonshade Orchid, an extremely rare and delicate plant that only thrives under the light of a full moon. This challenge demanded both precision and teamwork, as the plant required specific lunar conditions and a carefully controlled magical environment. What initially seemed like a routine academic assignment soon grew into something more intense.

You were seated across from Mattheo at a cluttered table in the Herbology greenhouse, surrounded by various plants. The soft glow of moonlight filtering through the glass created an otherworldly atmosphere around your workspace. Mattheo’s usual confidence was tempered by an unusual intensity as he carefully tended to the Moonshade Orchid, his eyes frequently meeting yours with a lingering, thoughtful gaze.

"Can I help you?" You finally ask after he keeps staring at you.