[CHAPTER 4]

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───

TITLE: THE TROUBLE WITH FEELINGS

ELLIE HAD OFFICIALLY LOST CONTROL.

It had started as a simple plan—fake dating Mattheo to make Lorenzo jealous. But somehow, it had spiralled into something far more chaotic.

Because now, instead of her watching Lorenzo, she had to deal with other people watching them.

Emma Sterling, for one, had been subtly keeping tabs on them every time they walked into the Great Hall. Lorenzo's friends had started whispering whenever she passed by. And to make things worse, some very nosy Slytherins—namely, Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy—had taken an extreme interest in her "new relationship".

Ellie was exhausted.

And Mattheo?

Mattheo was thriving.

The next afternoon, Ellie sat in the Slytherin common room, attempting to finish her Transfiguration essay when he plopped down beside her.

"Ellie," Mattheo drawled.

She didn't even look up. "No."

Mattheo chuckled. "I haven't even said anything yet."

"You exist," she grumbled. "Which means you're probably about to say something stupid."

He pressed a hand over his heart. "That hurts, love."

Ellie finally looked at him, narrowing her eyes. "What do you want, Riddle?"

He grinned. "I'm taking you on a date."

Ellie choked on air. "You're what?"

"A date," Mattheo repeated, leaning back against the couch. "You know, that thing couples do? Where they go out, spend time together, and look madly in love?"

Ellie stared at him, waiting for the punchline. "You can't be serious."

"Oh, but I am." He smirked. "And before you argue, think of the optics, love. A date makes everything more believable. Lorenzo will definitely take notice."

Ellie opened her mouth to argue—but damn it, he had a point.

Still.

A date?

Ellie groaned, rubbing her temples. "Fine. Where are we going?"

Mattheo grinned. "Hogsmeade. This weekend."

Ellie let out a long, suffering sigh. "I hate you."

"No, you don't," Mattheo said, slinging an arm around her shoulders.

Ellie shoved him off.

The weekend arrived far too quickly.

Ellie had barely processed the idea of fake dating before she was actually standing outside The Three Broomsticks, waiting for Mattheo to arrive.

She adjusted her scarf, heart pounding in a way that was entirely unnecessary. This wasn't real—it was just part of the plan.

So why did she feel like she was about to step into actual danger?

Before she could spiral, Mattheo appeared, grinning like he had all the answers in the world.

"Ready, love?" he asked, offering his arm.

Ellie scowled. "Don't call me that."

"Too bad. It's my boyfriend privilege."

Ellie rolled her eyes but took his arm anyway. "Let's just get this over with."

Hogsmeade was bustling with students.

Ellie had hoped they could keep things low-key, but Mattheo had other plans.

The second they walked into The Three Broomsticks, Mattheo pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as if it were second nature.

Ellie stiffened. "You're laying it on a bit thick."

He just smirked. "That's the point."

They slid into a booth, and Ellie immediately spotted Lorenzo sitting a few tables away—casually chatting with some Ravenclaws.

Good.

This was good.

She could do this.

Mattheo, meanwhile, had other ideas.

As soon as the drinks arrived, he took a sip and dramatically sighed.

"Merlin's beard," he said, shaking his head. "You know, I was thinking about you all morning."

Ellie nearly choked on her Butterbeer. "What?"

Mattheo leaned in, eyes twinkling with pure mischief. "Couldn't stop thinking about how lucky I am to have you. It's honestly distracting."

Ellie's face burned. "You're insufferable."

"Am I?" Mattheo teased, reaching for her hand. "Because I think you love it."

Ellie was about to murder him—but then she caught sight of Lorenzo.

He was watching them.

She hesitated for only a second before squeezing Mattheo's hand back.

Two could play this game.

"Oh, darling," she cooed, leaning forward. "You're so sweet."

Mattheo's grin faltered for half a second.

Ellie smirked.

Mattheo cleared his throat, recovering quickly. "Anything for my girl."

And just like that, he reached up and tucked a stray curl behind her ear—his fingers brushing lightly against her skin.

Ellie froze.

The entire room seemed to pause.

Because for one awful second—she forgot they were pretending.

She forgot about Lorenzo.

She forgot about the plan.

All she could focus on was Mattheo—his stupid, warm hand against her cheek, the way his brown eyes softened just slightly, like maybe—just maybe—this wasn't a game at all.

Her heart skipped.

She yanked her hand back, pulse racing. "Enough," she muttered.

Mattheo leaned back, looking far too smug.

Ellie glared at him, desperate to regain control of something. "You know what?" she said suddenly.

Mattheo raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Ellie smirked. "It's your turn to be flustered."

Mattheo blinked. "Come again?"

Ellie didn't answer. Instead, she leaned in, lowering her voice.

"You know I've been thinking about you too, right?" she murmured, tilting her head just slightly.

Mattheo's smirk vanished.

Ellie bit back a grin. "It's honestly distracting."

Mattheo swallowed.

Oh.

Oh.

Had she just won?

"Ellie—"

Before he could say anything else, the door to The Three Broomsticks swung open—and in walked Emma Sterling.

Mattheo tensed.

Ellie followed his gaze, stomach twisting.

Because Emma wasn't alone.

She was with Lorenzo.

And the way they were standing—close, whispering to each other—it was clear.

Lorenzo hadn't been watching Ellie.

He had been watching Emma.

Her throat went dry.

This was not part of the plan.

───🦋･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.🦋───