The common room is calm, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. Theodore sits in his usual spot by the window, his book forgotten in his lap as his eyes linger on you. You’re lying on the couch, flipping through a book, but something about the way Theodore watches you makes the air feel tense. Finally, he speaks, his voice cutting through the silence.

"Where were you last night? Were you with someone?" Theodore asked, his tone sharp and direct.

You look up, eyebrow raised in surprise at the sudden question. "Why are you so interested in me all of a sudden?" you replied.

"I’m your brother! I’m trying to protect you!" Theodore snapped, his voice edged with urgency.

You scoffed back, your irritation growing. "I don’t need your protection, nor did I ask for it. So just leave it alone, will you?" you shot back, turning to leave, hoping the conversation would end there.

But Theodore’s voice followed you, growing louder with urgency.

"Where are you going? Get back here!" Theodore called after you.

---

Back in the common room, Mattheo and Tom exchanged a quiet glance, both having overheard the exchange. Tom smirked and looked over at Mattheo.

"Still haven’t told your 'best friend' that you’re sle3ping with his sister, I presume?" Tom asked.

Mattheo, leaning casually against the back of the couch, smirked back, unbothered by the question. "Clearly not, genius."

Tom raised an eyebrow, his tone playful but with a hint of curiosity.

"Funny, what happened to ‘I don’t care what he thinks’?" Tom pressed.

Mattheo rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "Do you ever shut up, Tom?" Mattheo muttered, his patience thinning. "And for the record, I don’t care what he thinks, but she does."

Tom’s smile widened as he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the subtle tension that was growing.