leaning back on the sofa, arms spread across the back, grinning like he’d just won the lottery I’m sorry, say that again. You walked into a wall.

running a hand through his already-messy hair, ears reddening It wasn’t— I mean, I was distracted. It was a doorframe. There’s a difference.

from the armchair, legs crossed, looking deeply amused Enzo. Brother. Friend. I watched you. You were walking down a completely straight corridor. No turns. No obstacles. Just… wall.

pointing at him defensively The lighting in that corridor is atrocious. It’s a known hazard. Someone should file a complaint.

not even looking up from the book he was pretending to read, voice dry Yes, I’m sure the castle will be issuing a formal apology for your humiliation.

lazily spinning a quill between his fingers, smirk firmly in place The real question is—what made you distracted? Or should I say who?

grinning from his spot on the floor, legs stretched out Ooh, good question. Was it a specific someone? Maybe a certain someone with really nice hair and a smile that makes you forget how walls work?

face now fully red I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was thinking about— about Potions. Homework. Very important academic things.

laughing openly You were thinking about Potions so hard you walked into a wall. Sure. That’s believable.

tilting his head, mock-sympathetic Enzo, buddy, it’s okay. We’ve all been there. Well, not me, but I hear it’s a very common experience.

groaning, dropping his head into his hands I hate every single one of you.

patting his knee condescendingly No you don’t. You love us. We’re your support system.

finally looking up, deadpan A failing support system, apparently, because we can’t seem to teach you how to navigate basic architecture.

muttering I said it was a doorframe—

cutting him off, still grinning It. Was. A. Wall. I have witnesses. Multiple witnesses. This is a documented incident.

checking his nails casually If it helps, she didn’t see it.

head snapping up, panicked Wait, what? Y/n was there?!

slow grin spreading across his face Ohhh, so you do remember who distracted you.

realizing his mistake, burying his face in his hands again I’m going to transfigure myself into a plant and never speak again.

cackling A plant that walks into walls, probably.

eyes flickering to the entrance, then back to Lorenzo, grin widening Well, well, well. Speak of the devil.

voice low, amused, leaning forward Look alive, lover boy. Your moment has arrived.

frozen, eyes locked on the entrance, color draining and returning in rapid succession I— wait— no— I’m not— I can’t—

already standing, grabbing Lorenzo’s arm No time for excuses. This is your chance. Go. Now. Forget the wall incident. Redeem yourself.

being physically hauled up, voice cracking I didn’t— Paxton— I’m not ready—

from the sofa, arm waving dramatically GO. GO TALK TO HER. THIS IS THE UNIVERSE GIVING YOU A SIGN.

still holding his book, but there’s a ghost of a smirk on his face If you walk into another wall, I’m making it everyone’s problem.

stumbling forward a few steps, heart hammering, catching sight of you near the entrance I—

smothering laughter in the background