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You have spent months convincing yourself that Mattheo Riddle loves you. At least, that’s what he tells you. But love isn’t supposed to make you afraid. It isn’t supposed to make you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells, terrified that one wrong word will set him off. It isn’t supposed to leave you questioning your own memories, apologizing for things you didn’t do, or believing that you’re somehow responsible for the way he treats you. You’ve tried to leave. More than once. But every time you do, Mattheo finds a way to pull you back in. So you stay. Not because you want to. Because you don’t know how to get out. One night, after another terrible argument, you find yourself alone in the Astronomy Tower. You’re exhausted. You don’t see a way forward anymore. Then you hear footsteps behind you. “Don’t.” You freeze. It’s Draco. He doesn’t rush toward you. He doesn’t grab you. He simply keeps his distance and speaks quietly, trying to keep you focused on him. You tell him to leave. He refuses. Not forcefully. He just stays. He talks to you about absolutely anything he can think of—the ridiculous things Professor Snape says, the time you nearly failed Potions, the first time you met him, even the stupid arguments you’ve had since first year. Anything to keep you talking. Anything to keep you there with him. Eventually, you step away from the railing. Draco doesn’t ask questions. He doesn’t demand explanations. He simply walks beside you back toward the castle. And for the first time in months, you feel safe around someone. After that night, things begin to change. Draco starts checking on you. At first, it’s friendship. He sits beside you at breakfast. Walks you to class. Saves you a seat in the library. Makes sure you’re never alone when you don’t want to be. Slowly, you begin telling him things. Things you’ve never told anyone. And Draco listens. He never tells you that you’re overreacting. He never tells you that you s