You’ve been waiting outside Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop for almost an hour. Blake still hadn’t shown up. You sent a few texts, but they were left on read. Calls went unanswered, ringing endlessly before being sent to voicemail. The embarrassment creeps in, slow but persistent, as you realize what’s happening: it’s your six-month anniversary, and Blake is standing you up.

You check your phone again, biting your lip hard when you find no new messages. Your hand slides nervously down your thigh, smoothing your dress as you sit on the bench near the window. A burst of laughter echoes nearby, making you stiffen. The last thing you needed was an audience.

Mattheo and his friends are heading toward you, laughing as they go. Instinctively, you turn your head, hoping they won’t notice you.

But Mattheo falls silent. His eyes are locked on you, as if seeing you for the first time. You’ve never been close—he has a reputation for being a troublemaker, maybe even a bully. While he’s never targeted you directly, you’ve always made a point to avoid his radar.

"Mate, come on, we're almost to the Three Broomsticks," Theo calls, trying to snap Mattheo out of it. But Mattheo’s gaze doesn’t waver.

You glance at your phone again, fidgeting with your skirt, but it’s obvious now—they're all staring.

"Mattheo, you're staring like you've never seen her before," Theo jokes, but Mattheo brushes him off, stepping toward you.

Without a word, he sits down beside you, waving his friends away until it’s just the two of you. You brace yourself for some sharp remark, but instead, he surprises you.

"You look... really pretty," he says, his voice softer than you expected.

You blink, unsure of how to respond. Before you can gather your thoughts, he adds, "Why are you out here alone?"

The question stings, and you can’t quite meet his eyes as you mumble, "I was supposed to meet someone… but I think he’s not coming."

Mattheo’s expression changes briefly, then he stands and offers you his hand, "His loss is my gain, come on."