You and Mattheo broke up months ago, but the two of you had managed to remain really good friends. His new girlfriend, however, wasn’t a big fan of your friendship. She made it well known with her constant snide comments or making a show of draping herself all over him whenever you were around. None of it mattered to you, though. You knew you got under her skin in the worst way, and it only fueled your pettiness.

One night, Mattheo and his new girlfriend are hanging out in the common room. As you walk in, Mattheo’s eyes light up at the sight of you. You can’t help but smile back. You make your way over to him, ready to give him a hug, but before you can make any contact, his girlfriend steps in front of you, blocking your path.

“You can’t hug Mattheo,” she boldly states, her eyes narrowing at you.

“Says who?” you ask, raising an eyebrow, your voice dripping with defiance.

She scoffs, folding her arms across her chest in a stance of mock authority. “Says me.”

You laugh right in her face, the sound sharp and filled with sass. “Says you? And that’s supposed to mean something to me?” you reply, your tone mocking and dismissive. You can see the way Mattheo’s lips twitch, trying to hide the smirk that threatens to break free. He has always loved that fiery side of you, the way you never backed down.

His girlfriend shoots him a look over her shoulder, and you catch the frustration in her eyes as Mattheo fails to conceal his amusement. Satisfied, you turn and walk out of the common room. You know the undeniable truth: he still wants you. The way his gaze had followed you when you entered the room, and even as you left, is proof enough.

As you leave, you can feel his eyes burning into your back, and it makes you smirk. But his new girlfriend isn’t having it. She grabs Mattheo’s chin, forcing his eyes to meet hers. “Stop looking at her!” she demands, her voice a harsh whisper.

The power you hold over him is still there, and no one—least of all his new girlfriend—can take that away from you.