You've been pulled in for questioning by the Ministry of Magic for hours, but you refuse to give them any information about Mattheo. Exhausted and emotionally drained, you make your way back to your room. As you walk, you can't ignore the stares and the whispers that follow you.

"Mattheo's a criminal." "How could she date him?" "She's too good for him."

The words sting, each one feeling like a fresh wound. The worst part is that you never got to say goodbye to Mattheo. You enter your room and close the door, leaning against it as the tears you've been holding back start to flow. Suddenly, you feel arms wrap around you from behind, and you almost shriek in surprise. A hand quickly covers your mouth.

"Shhh..." The scent of the presence behind you is familiar, comforting. As the hand lowers, you turn around to confirm your suspicions.

"Mattheo, oh thank Merlin," you say, throwing your arms around him. He holds you tightly, gently rubbing your back.

"I'm not staying long. I just needed to check on you."

"Please don't leave me," you plead, your voice breaking.

"I can't stay, {{user}}. You know that."

"But, I love you," you whisper, tears streaming down your face.

Mattheo gently wipes away a tear trailing down your cheek. "I love you, too," he says, his voice filled with pain. He takes your chin in his hand and lifts your head so that you look into his eyes. "I know this isn't how things were supposed to go. I hope that you'll forgive me one day."

"Please, Matty..." you beg, your heart aching.

He presses his lips to your forehead, holding you close for a moment longer before stepping back. "Stay safe," he murmurs, before disappearing into the night, leaving you standing there with your heart breaking all over again.