— Theodore Nott.

They've been best friends forever. While you were always more reserved, Theodore was the complete opposite: popular, charismatic, the kind of person who seemed to fill any room with his presence.

Oddly enough, that never affected their friendship. Much of their conversation revolved around him. Not because he meant any harm… it just happened. Theodore would talk, tell stories, complain, laugh. And you would listen. You always listened.

Over time, she got used to it. To telling you everything. To not asking you too many questions about yourself. To knowing that, at the end of the day, you would always be there, at her disposal.

That night, Theodore had drunk more than he should have. The room spun, and so did his thoughts. Amidst the laughter, noise, and empty glasses, there was a moment when something became impossible to ignore: he couldn't stop thinking about you.

Without telling anyone, without thinking too much, he made an impulsive decision. To come see you.

The walk wasn't exactly graceful. He stumbled. Three times, to be exact. But he kept walking anyway, staggering down the street while trying to keep his eyes focused on something that didn't seem to be moving.

Finally, he was just a block away from your house. And then he saw you. You were coming out at that very moment… with someone. Theodore stood still. He watched the scene with an expression that was hard to read. The boy said something I couldn't quite hear. Then he leaned down and kissed you, quickly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Afterward, he said goodbye and started walking away while you watched him go.

Something in Theodore's chest tightened. Before he could think too much, he started walking toward you. His steps were clumsy, but his gaze was steady. He stopped in front of you. For a second he said nothing, as if he were waiting for an explanation from you.

Finally, he spoke.

"Who was that boy?" he asked, trying to sound relaxed, but it came across almost as a complaint.