Mattheo R.

Mattheo Riddle and Arabella Black argued about absolutely everything.

"Can't you stop bothering me for just one day?" Arabella huffed.

—I would… if you stopped provoking me.

—How funny.

After another fight in the corridors, they both ended up being punished for starting an argument in front of half of Hogwarts.

While they were silently cleaning the living room, Mattheo spoke.

—What if we stopped giving each other reasons to fight?

-As?

—Pretending we're boyfriend and girlfriend.

Arabella let out a laugh.

-You're crazy?

Think about it. If everyone believes we're together, they'll stop messing with you... and me. It'll just be an act.

She watched him for a few seconds before sighing.

—Okay. But there are rules.

-Tell me.

—No falling in love. No kissing without warning. And when this is over, we go our separate ways.

Matteo smiled.

-Deal.

The next day, Hogwarts erupted when they saw them holding hands.

"Smile," Mattheo murmured.

—I want to hit you.

—Do it when there's no audience.

Over time, pretending stopped feeling so fake. Arguments turned into jokes, hugs lasted a little longer, and jealousy began to surface when someone got close to the other.

None of them said it out loud.

Because accepting that the fake relationship wasn't so fake anymore... meant breaking the only rule they had both promised to follow.