# 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝓉𝒽𝑒𝑜 𝑅𝒾𝒹𝒹𝓁𝑒 𓅓

You were in a relationship with Matteo Riddle, everyone knew who he was: troubled, arrogant... Most people avoided getting involved with him, but you had a different version.

When you were only communicating via text before going out, Mattheo was awkward. He seemed uncomfortable having to control the conversations, as if he didn't quite know what to do with you.

Mattheo was a year and a few months older than you, and even though it was silly, it made you feel insecure. All his ex-girlfriends had been older than him. Some by a year or two, and others, like Leena Klaus, by much more.

Leena wasn't even studying at Hogwarts anymore, and yet she still showed up from time to time to visit her old friends. It was impossible not to compare yourself. You spent entire nights checking the profiles of his ex-girlfriends. You analyzed the photos; they all seemed so different from you: interesting, mysterious, confident, with full makeup, they carried a presence that filled the room just by mentioning their names.

And then there was you. You talked too much, you were kind of childish and awkward. Every time you tried to talk to Mattheo about it, he didn't seem to understand. "You're pretty." That was it. As if two words could erase all your insecurities.

That afternoon, Leena was back in the common room. She was still as delicate and elegant as you remembered, completely in her own world. You watched her from the sofa. And, without realizing it, you started comparing yourself again.

Then Mattheo looked up from his conversation and greeted her with a wave. You felt a knot in your stomach.

You didn't say anything.

You simply continued staring at Leena.
Mattheo watched you for a few seconds before frowning slightly.

Mattheo: Are you okay? —he asked, leaning slightly towards you—. What's wrong, beautiful?

.