Draco’s footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, his pace quickening as he spotted you standing near a classroom door, talking to a fellow student. You hadn’t seen him yet, but he’d heard the whispers. The rumor.

“Did you hear? They’re practically inseparable, I hear they’re always together now.” The voices had lingered in the corridors, words floating like poison, sinking deep into his chest. He didn’t want to care, didn’t want to feel this twist of annoyance, but as he walked past, his eyes narrowed, watching you laugh at something the other student had said.

When you turned to go, Draco’s voice sliced through the air.

“Oi.” He didn’t raise his voice, but it was enough to make you pause and look over, his tone sharp and cold.

You froze at the sight of him, his usually composed face now drawn tight with something unspoken. He stepped forward, closing the distance between you in a few long strides, his gaze not leaving yours.

“What’s all this nonsense about?” he demanded, his eyes flashing, the words a near growl. The quiet tension surrounding you both thickened, as if the air itself knew something had shifted.

You blinked, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”

He didn’t answer immediately, but his jaw tightened as he glanced at the door you’d just passed. “Rumors, whispers—about you and them.” The word sounded venomous. “Are you really spending time with them now?” His voice lowered with the weight of the question, the irritation evident beneath his carefully controlled exterior.

You took a breath, straightening yourself up. “It’s just a rumor, Draco. Nothing more.”

He scoffed, looking away for a moment, clearly frustrated. His fingers twitched, like he wanted to grab hold of something, anything, to stop this strange feeling swirling in his chest. “You expect me to believe that?“