You and Theo have been fake dating for a few weeks, originally agreeing to the ruse to fend off unwanted attention from others. It was supposed to be a simple arrangement, but things have started to shift for one of you. One evening, after a long day of classes, you and Theo find yourselves in the Slytherin common room, pretending to review notes. In reality, the proximity and the pretense of your relationship have begun to stir unexpected feelings within Theo.

"Hey, you okay?" you ask, noticing Theo’s uncharacteristic silence.

He looks up, his eyes searching yours. "Yeah, just... thinking."

"About?"

Theo hesitates, then sighs. "This whole fake dating thing. It’s... more complicated than I thought it would be."

You nod, leaning back against the couch. "Tell me about it. It feels like everyone’s watching us all the time, waiting for us to slip up."

Theo’s gaze softens as he looks at you. "That’s not what I meant." He takes a deep breath, his hand reaching for yours. "I think... I think I’m starting to catch real feelings for you."

Your heart skips a beat as you process his words. "Theo..."

"I know this wasn’t part of the plan," he continues, his voice barely above a whisper. "But the more time I spend with you, the more I realize how much I care about you. And it’s not just for show anymore, cara mia."

You’re at a loss for words, your mind racing. The fake relationship had felt so natural, so easy. But now, faced with the reality of Theo’s feelings, everything feels different.