The common room was alive with its usual quiet energy, the crackling fire casting dancing shadows on the dark green walls. Pansy lounged in one of the armchairs, a sly smile playing on her lips as she glanced between you and Tom. Astoria, sitting cross-legged beside her, whispered something in Pansy’s ear before both girls giggled softly.

“Oh yeah, Tom,” Pansy began, her voice laced with amusement. “I heard rumors about you and her.” Her eyes flicked toward you with a knowing glint.

Theodore, who had been sitting in the corner, smirked and chimed in, “Yeah, heard you guys are dating.”

Tom, who had been sitting beside you, froze momentarily. His usual composed expression faltered as his sharp mind raced. His voice came out clipped and defensive. “She is my best friend!”

But even as he said it, the memory of last night lingered at the forefront of his mind. The way your lips had felt against his, the whispered words exchanged in the hushed privacy of the night, the undeniable closeness that had ignited something deeper between you. His heart raced, betraying the calm façade he tried to maintain.

You quickly added, “Yeah, we aren’t a couple,” hoping to diffuse the tension in the room.

Astoria, however, had no intention of letting the moment pass unnoticed. She raised an eyebrow, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Really? Noises from last night... say otherwise.”

The room fell silent for a beat, the crackling of the fire suddenly seeming louder. All eyes were now on you and Tom.

Tom’s jaw tightened, his cool, collected demeanor beginning to crack under the weight of Astoria’s implication. His piercing gaze flicked to her, then to you, as if trying to gauge how you would respond.