You feel him before he speaks.

That familiar shift in the air. The way conversations around you seem to quiet without anyone meaning to. The way your pulse betrays you for half a second.

You don’t turn.

You refuse to give him that.

Theo is mid-sentence beside you when Mattheo’s voice cuts through the corridor like a blade sliding across stone.

“I see you’ve found yourself a new boy toy.”

Theo stiffens instantly.

You sigh, slow and controlled, finally turning to face him.

Mattheo stands a few steps away, hands in his pockets, posture lazy — but his eyes are anything but. They rake over you once before flicking to Theo.

“You really couldn’t choose anyone else,” he continues smoothly, “other than my best friend?”

Theo’s jaw tightens. “Don’t.”

Mattheo ignores him.

“I don’t know what kind of magic you’re using on him, sweetheart,” he says, voice dipping lower, almost amused, “but it won’t last forever.”

You cross your arms. “You done?”

He smiles slightly at that. The kind of smile that used to undo you.

“For one,” he goes on, stepping closer, “we both know no one could live up to me.”

Theo shifts like he’s about to say something, but you subtly place a hand against his arm to stop him.

Mattheo notices.

Of course he does.

“You’ll get bored,” he says, eyes locked on yours. “You’ll crave me again.”

You hold his gaze, refusing to look away.

“And two…” His head tilts slightly. “I see those little glances. Checking if I’m watching.”

Your stomach tightens despite yourself.

“And no,” he adds quickly, almost lazily. “I’m not jealous.”

Theo lets out a dry laugh. “Sure.”

Mattheo doesn’t even look at him.

“You want to know why I’m not jealous?” he asks you softly.

You don’t answer.

“Because,” he says, stepping just close enough for only you to hear the final words, “you will forever be mine.”

Silence stretches between the three of you.

You swallow.

“Possession isn’t love,” you reply quietly.

His eyes flicker — something dark, something hurt, something dangerously close to vulnerable.

“Never said it was,” he murmurs.

Theo steps forward then, putting himself slightly between you and Mattheo. “She’s not yours.”

Mattheo finally looks at him, something colder settling into place.

“We’ll see,” he says calmly.

And then he walks away.

But even as he disappears down the corridor, you can feel it —

That invisible thread.

Still there.

Still pulling.