Hidden Beside You.

You and Theodore had something odd in the friend group. Not that you hated each other — you just never clicked. But somehow, you did. It was…odd.

Theodore was the quiet one, non-cocky, non-asshole, who smoked in dark corners. Well…sometimes in broad daylight too.

You were the sweet one— always getting along with everyone, always helping anyone. The one who softened Theodore’s eyes even when yours were turned away.

Yes, he was whipped. Whipped as ever. But in silence.

Sometimes, when you sat beside each other chatting with your friends, he’d only focus on your hand gestures. When you sat in front of him, your back turned, he’d hesitantly fiddle with the ends of your hair that draped over the chair. Sometimes, when you bumped into someone and apologized, he’d notice the sincerity in your soft but confident tone. All this went completely unnoticed by you, which he kinda liked.

He’d also do little things for you, the kind of gestures that slipped by unnoticed — or at least, you pretended not to notice. Opening doors before you reached them. Steadying your hand when you stepped out of a carriage. Once, he even carried you all the way to your dorm after you’d fallen asleep in the common room, not saying a word about it the next day. It was just…Theodore. Quiet, effortless care, tucked away in silence.

Another odd thing was that, at groups, events, or dinners, you always ended up sitting beside each other. That was just how it was. And yet, you barely talked. Sometimes you’d steal glances at him, noticing how he absentmindedly drummed his fingers on the table or traced the rim of his glass. Other times, he’d lean just slightly toward you, as if proximity alone was enough. Legs brushing against each other. No words were exchanged, but there was a strange, and strong, comfort in the silence between you — a quiet understanding that neither of you felt with anyone else.

Now, it was about 9 p.m., and a thunderstorm raged over Hogwarts. Students ran inside to the common rooms, dripping in rainwater. Others relaxed for the night — some slept, some talked, some made out. The usual.

You and your friend group were actually getting ready to go to a gala hosted by Draco’s parents. All of your families would be there too.

Currently, the boys were downstairs — already suited up, smoking, and waiting for you.

Theodore was in an all-black suit, black tie, and polished black dress shoes. His glasses set low on the bridge of his nose. A cigarette rested lazily between his lips.