[CHAPTER 2]

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───

TITLE : MAKING IT BELIEVABLE

ELLIE HAD NEVER BEEN more aware of Mattheo Riddle's existence than she was now.

It wasn't like she hadn't noticed him before. You couldn't be on the Slytherin Quidditch team and not notice Mattheo—he was loud, passionate, and had a talent for making even the most experienced players feel like they were still doing everything wrong. But ever since they'd shaken on this ridiculous arrangement, it was like he had suddenly taken up permanent space in her life.

Or more specifically, within her personal space.

She had barely survived breakfast that morning after Mattheo so casually draped his arm around her shoulders, like they always did that. She could still feel the weight of his arm, the warmth of his body pressed just slightly against hers, the way his fingers had brushed against her sleeve.

And worse? Lorenzo had noticed.

She had seen the flicker of surprise on his face, the way his gaze lingered for just a second too long. It was a small victory, but it meant that the plan was working.

...If only she could survive Mattheo's antics long enough to see it through.

Now, they were walking through the corridors toward Charms class, and Mattheo was once again pushing the limits of normal behavior.

"I still think we should have gone with the 'I saved you from a rogue Bludger' story," he said casually, walking beside her with zero concept of personal space.

Ellie huffed. "And I still think that's the most dramatic thing I've ever heard."

"But it would've been fun," he argued, smirking. "I could've carried you off the pitch in my arms—"

"I would rather die," Ellie deadpanned.

Mattheo snickered. "That's not very romantic of you, love."

Ellie groaned, shoving him lightly. "And stop calling me that!"

"Why?" he asked, feigning innocence. "It's authentic. Couples use pet names, remember? Or would you rather I start calling you 'darling'?"

Ellie glared at him. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, you picked me for this fake dating scheme." Mattheo grinned, nudging her as they turned the corner.

Ellie opened her mouth to retort, but then she spotted Lorenzo up ahead, chatting with a group of Slytherins outside the Charms classroom. Her stomach immediately flipped.

Mattheo must have noticed, because he let out a low chuckle. "Showtime."

Before Ellie could process what was happening, Mattheo grabbed her hand.

He grabbed her hand.

Her brain completely short-circuited as his fingers intertwined with hers, warm and firm, like he had absolutely no issue holding her hand in the middle of the crowded corridor.

Ellie, however, was not okay.

"What the—?" she hissed under her breath, trying to yank her hand away, but Mattheo held on tight, giving her a look that said, 'Play along.'

So, with Lorenzo still standing just a few feet away, she forced herself to breathe and act normal.

Or at least, as normal as one could be when Mattheo Riddle was holding her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Oh, hey, Ellie," Lorenzo said, looking up and smiling.

Ellie definitely imagined the way his gaze flickered down to her and Mattheo's joined hands.

Lorenzo's expression was unreadable for a split second before his easy grin returned. "Didn't see you two at practice this morning."

Ellie froze.

Practice.

She had completely forgotten about Quidditch practice this morning.

Which meant—oh no—that meant Mattheo had skipped, too.

Mattheo, as in the Mattheo Riddle, the one who would rather die than miss a practice session. The fact that he had skipped was practically scandalous.

Ellie slowly turned her head to look at Mattheo, horrified.

Mattheo, the absolute menace, just shrugged like it was no big deal. "Figured I deserved a break," he said nonchalantly. "Besides, Ellie and I had some... other priorities."

Ellie choked.

Did he seriously just imply—

Lorenzo's eyebrows shot up slightly, and Ellie felt her soul leave her body.

"Other priorities?" Lorenzo  echoed, sounding genuinely curious.

Ellie wanted to die.

Mattheo only grinned, still holding her hand like this was the most normal thing in the world. "You know how it is, mate. New relationship and all."

Ellie was going to murder him.

Lorenzo let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right. Well, don't let me keep you."

Just like that, he turned back to his conversation with the other Slytherins, as if their definitely fake relationship wasn't the strangest thing he had heard all day.

Ellie, on the other hand, was trying very hard not to explode.

The moment they stepped into the Charms classroom and found a seat, she ripped her hand away from Mattheo's. "Are you insane?" she whisper-yelled.

Mattheo simply grinned, resting his chin in his hand. "What? That was perfect."

"Perfect?!" Ellie seethed. "You just implied that we—" She stopped, her face burning.

Mattheo raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. "That we what, Eleanor?"

"I hate you," she hissed.

"No, you don't," he said smugly.

Ellie turned away, gritting her teeth as Professor Flitwick began class.

This was a terrible idea.

She was going to regret this.

She already regretted this.

But when class ended and they stepped out into the corridor, Lorenzo was waiting just outside the classroom.

And this time, when his gaze flickered toward her and Mattheo, there was something just a little different about it.

A little more curious.

A little more... uncertain.

Ellie's heart pounded.

Maybe—just maybe—this wasn't such a terrible idea after all.

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───