Mattheo grinned wickedly, exuding confidence. “I can’t believe she actually thinks I like her! I am so winning this bet.”

Draco let out a snort. “She’s smarter than most, I’ll give her that. But apparently not smart enough.”

Regulus smirked faintly, but Lorenzo didn’t laugh. He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched Mattheo. “You sure about that?” he asked.

Mattheo chuckled and leaned forward, as if to emphasise his point. But before he could speak, a sound cut through the silence.

A scoff.

The room froze and Mattheo’s smile faltered.

You were standing just a few feet behind him with your arms crossed over your chest. Your expression was a mixture of anger and amusement.

Your raised eyebrow said everything. You had heard it all.

“It’s not true,” Mattheo stammered quickly. “I was joking - just messing around.”

You tilted your head, a humourless smile tugging at your lips. “A joke? Because it didn’t sound like a joke.”

The silence that followed was suffocating. Theodore shifted uncomfortably. Draco glanced at Lorenzo, whose smug little smile told the truth: this wasn’t going to end neatly.

You stepped closer, raising your voice just enough for everyone to hear. “Do you think it’s funny? Playing with someone’s feelings? Was it entertaining, Mattheo? Was I entertaining?”

Mattheo’s throat bobbed. “No, that’s not-”

“Save it.” You laughed. “You’ve proven your point. Congratulations, you win.”

Mattheo’s hand twitched like he wanted to reach for you. "I was just joking around, {{user}}."