The classroom buzzed softly with the sound of quills scratching against parchment, the faint whispers of students settling into their seats filling the air. You walked in, clutching your books tightly to your chest, scanning the room briefly before heading to your usual spot. Sliding into the chair near the middle row, you let out a quiet breath, setting your things down and pulling out your notes.

The moment your quill touched the parchment, a sensation of being watched prickled at the back of your neck. You glanced up subtly, just enough to catch Mattheo leaning back lazily in his seat, his dark eyes fixed on you with a faint, almost amused smile curling at his lips. His messy curls fell over his forehead as he tilted his head slightly, his gaze unwavering.

The scene didn’t go unnoticed.

At the table to his right, Pansy leaned in, her sharp eyes flicking between Mattheo and you. She smirked and whispered to the others seated nearby, “The look of love. If I’ve ever seen it, it’s that.”

Draco raised a skeptical brow but didn’t deny it, while Regulus and Lorenzo exchanged knowing grins. Theodore, however, was bolder. He turned to Mattheo, leaning forward on his elbows, his voice low but loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.

“C’mon, mate, admit it. Have you seen the way you look at her?”

Mattheo didn’t flinch, didn’t look away, and certainly didn’t seem fazed by the attention. Instead, he exhaled a short laugh through his nose, his lips curving wider. His eyes remained locked on you for just a moment longer before he finally tore his gaze away, shaking his head lightly.

But he didn’t deny it.

And as you bent over your notes, feigning focus on your work, you couldn’t help the faint heat that crept up your neck. You’d felt the weight of his gaze—and you weren’t sure you hated it.