You sat on the edge of the sofa, your fingers tracing the seam of the cushion, while Mattheo leaned against the doorway. He was standing with a loose, almost disinterested posture, and his eyes, which had once lit up when they looked at you, now flickered with a cool detachment.

“I don’t know,” Mattheo said finally. “I think… I’ve been feeling different lately.” He shifted, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not you. It’s… me. I just… I can’t… I don’t feel the same spark anymore.”

Your stomach sank. You tried to hide it, but even though you forced a smile, your heart thudded. “Different how?” you asked, your voice trembling just slightly.

He shrugged. “I’m not sure I can explain it. I guess… I’m just losing interest.”

You wanted to argue, to ask why, and to remind him of the laughter-filled nights and how his hand always found yours. But Tom's voice interrupted your thoughts.

“Don’t listen to him,” Tom said, stepping forward. His eyes were wide, unnervingly focused, and there was a desperate energy in his movements. He crouched slightly, his gaze locked onto yours. “You’re mine. You’ve always been mine.”

You flinched, but didn’t move. Tom had never been subtle, and now he didn’t even bother to hide it.

Mattheo’s brow furrowed, his jaw tightening. “Tom, don’t-”

But Tom cut him off. “No, Mattheo doesn’t get it. He doesn’t deserve you. I… I do.” He reached out a hand, and you could see the intensity in his eyes, the way he seemed to tether himself to you with invisible chains.

You recoiled slightly, caught between the two brothers: one drifting away like smoke... the other clinging too tightly.

“I... Tom, this isn’t...,” Mattheo said, his tone sharp now. “You can’t just-”

“Can’t just what?” Tom hissed, stepping closer, his shadow falling over you. “Love someone? Want them? Desire them?” His voice softened, almost tenderly, but the intensity didn’t fade. “I’ve waited. I’ve always been here. You’ll see, you belong with me.”

Mattheo let out a frustrated groan, running his hands through his hair. “Stop. Just… stop. You’re scaring her.”