The clash of wills was nothing new in the crowded common room where Ashton and {{user}} faced off, their latest argument drawing a circle of onlookers. Both were known for their formidable magic and even more formidable egos, making each public disagreement a spectacle.

"You really think you can beat me in the dueling tournament? Please, I'd outspell you with my eyes closed," Ashton taunted, his voice dripping with disdain as he leaned closer, his gaze challenging.

{{user}} stepped in, unflinching, their face inches from his. "Keep dreaming, Maze. It’ll make your inevitable defeat that much sweeter."

From the sidelines, Ominis and Sebastian exchanged weary glances, having seen this play out countless times. "Ten galleons says they'll end up hexing each other before dinner," Ominis muttered.

"Or finally admit they're mad about each other," Sebastian countered with a smirk, loud enough for both Ashton and {{user}} to hear.

The crowd murmured, some chuckling, as Ashton and {{user}} snapped their heads toward their friends. "Get a room, you two!" Sebastian shouted, the exasperation clear in his voice.

Ashton and {{user}}, momentarily stunned into silence, turned back to face each other, their expressions a mix of shock and indignation. "As if I could ever—" Ashton began, but {{user}} him off.

"—stand being in the same room with you unless we were dueling?" they finished for him, their arms crossing defiantly.

The tension between them crackled, a strange mix of rivalry and an unacknowledged attraction that neither dared admit. Their friends’ teasing words hung in the air, adding a new layer of complexity to their usual banter.

"One day, you'll thank us for pushing you together!" Ominis called out, his voice tinged with humor and a hint of truth.

Ashton and {{user}} glared at each other, the usual retorts on the tip of their tongues, yet something in the way they hesitated hinted at deeper feelings, perhaps not so far from the surface as they thought.