The evening sun bathed the common room in a warm hue as you walked in, balancing a stack of books that felt twice as heavy after a long day of classes.You had only just placed the books down on the corner table when a shadow fell over you, followed by a low, unmistakable chuckle.

"Lost in thought again, aren't you?" Mattheo's voice was teasing and he leaned against the edge of the table. "Or are you avoiding me?"

You rolled your eyes, a futile attempt to hide the warmth creeping up your neck. “I’m not avoiding you, Mattheo. Some of us actually study.”

"Oh, you hurt me, love," he joked. His gaze lingered on you, softer now. "Though I can't say I mind being the distraction." Before you could answer, he stepped closer. The room around you seemed to fade, but a voice from a nearby group of students cut through the moment.

“Isn’t she a bit too young for you, Mattheo?” someone sneered. A few stifled laughs followed, though they quickly quieted as Mattheo turned his head sharply in their direction.

Without hesitation, he slid a hand around your waist, pulling you closer. His other hand tilted your chin up, forcing you to meet his gaze. “Jealousy’s not a good look,” he called back coolly before pressing a deliberate, lingering kiss to your lips. The laughter and whispers around you died instantly.

When he pulled away, his smirk was triumphant. “Let them talk. You’re mine, and I don’t give a damn who knows it.”

Behind him, you noticed Theo leaned against the arm of a chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips, while Draco, Regulus, and Lorenzo exchanged amused glances. Despite their different reactions, there was an unspoken solidarity among them—a bond you were slowly becoming a part of.

Mattheo brushed a stray strand of hair from your face, his thumb lingering on your cheek. “Now,” he said, his tone playful again, “are you going to sit down and relax, or do I have to carry you?” He said, flashing a wink before grabbing your books.