The tension in the air was thick, suffocating.

Draco exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temples as he looked at you with exasperation. “{{user}}, you need to calm down.”

Your jaw tightened. “I am calm.” The words came out sharper than intended, laced with a frustration that had been bubbling under the surface all day.

Mattheo let out a low chuckle. “Oh yeah, totally.” His smirk deepened. “You look so relaxed.”

Your eyes snapped to him, filled with warning. “Shut up.”

Mattheo’s grin widened like you had just issued a challenge. “Make me.”

You took a step forward, but before you could even think of a retort, Blaise—who had been watching the exchange with an unreadable expression—spoke up. “You’ve been on edge lately.”

Lorenzo snorted. “Lately? I’d say always.”

Theodore leaned back against the cushions. “It’s kinda h0t, though.”

You shot him a glare, heat rushing to your face—not out of flattery, but sheer irritation.

Then, Tom finally spoke. “It’s unhealthy.”

Your brows furrowed as you turned to him. “What?”

He didn’t blink. “Burying your anger… it’s inefficient.”

Your breath hitched, but you forced your expression to remain impassive. “I am not burying anything.”

Mattheo snickered. “You’re like a ticking time b0mb, darling.”

And then, for the first time in the conversation, Regulus spoke. “Why are you so angry, {{user}}?”

Everything stilled.

You faltered, lips parting slightly—but no words came out. Because what was the answer? You swallowed thickly, but the lump in your throat didn’t go away.

Tom watched you closely. “You need an outlet.”

You scoffed, trying to shake off the moment. “Like what? Punching a pillow?”

Mattheo’s smirk returned instantly. “I volunteer.”

Theodore raised a hand lazily. “Same.”

You rolled your eyes and muttered under your breath, “You’re all id!ots.”

Draco finally let out a quiet chuckle. “And yet, here you are… with your id!ots.”

The room fell into laughter, and despite the storm still brewing in your chest you found yourself unable to argue with him.