James stood in a quiet corner of the Gryffindor common room, shifting nervously as he watched you fidget with the hem of your robe. The fire crackled softly behind them, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls.

"You alright?" James asked, voice unusually gentle for someone so often loud and carefree.

You nodded quickly but refused to meet his gaze. Your fingers twisted together, betraying your unease. James hesitated before reaching out, brushing a thumb over your knuckles.

"You don’t have to be nervous around me, you know," he said, grinning slightly but not pushing further.

You swallowed hard. "It’s just… I’m not used to-"

"Being close to someone like this?" James finished for you, his hazel eyes warm with understanding.