Engineer of Reality (Draco Malfoy x Y/n)

Chapter 21: Slowly

AN: I said I would not be updating this month anymore, but I feel like this update will be a perfect way to end July. Thank you for the reads and responses that you all posted in our story; I enjoy reading them and having a good laugh because of how funny you all are. I love you guys so much!

You stifled a yawn and stretched your right arm, feeling the stiffness from your recent hospital stay. "Finally," you murmured, relieved to be out of there.

Suddenly, Draco's unexpected presence startled you. "What are you doing here?" you asked, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in your voice.

"I'm here to fetch you, of course," Draco replied with his signature poker face. But beneath his cool exterior, he longed to welcome you with a warm embrace and a smile.

"It's already late," you pointed out, unsure of why Draco would bother coming to get you.

"Yes, that's precisely why I'm here to fetch you," Draco retorted, his tone indicating that there was no need for further discussion.

Reluctantly, you followed him, catching up and walking alongside him in silence for a while. There was an unspoken tension in the air, lingering between you both.

"Are you hungry?" Draco broke the silence, attempting to initiate a conversation.

You shook your head. "I ate in the hospital," you replied simply, not wanting to dwell on the topic.

Draco hailed a cab, and you both climbed inside, closing the door behind you. As the vehicle started moving, Draco made another attempt to engage in conversation. "How's your arm?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

"It's fine. I had Jeremy check on it back at the hospital," you responded casually, referring to a colleague of yours.

"Jeremy?" Draco inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, he's a colleague of mine," you explained.

"Are you two going out or what?" Draco's question caught you off guard.

"What?" you laughed, finding the idea amusing. "No, he's gay."

Draco visibly relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank God," he muttered under his breath.

Confused by his reaction, you pressed further. "Hmm? What's that supposed to mean?"

"N-nothing," Draco stumbled over his words, rolling his eyes and looking away, clearly avoiding the subject.

"Why are you always angry with me? Is it because I look like your ex-girlfriend?" you probed, wanting to push Draco's buttons even further.

"She's not my ex-girlfriend. She's my girlfriend," Draco responded firmly, his voice carrying a hint of defensiveness.

"Sure, but she's dead, right?" you pushed, trying to uncover the truth.

"S-she's... Stop. Will you stop?" Draco's voice trembled slightly, betraying the pain and vulnerability beneath his façade.

"Yeah, sure," you replied nonchalantly, knowing that Draco was well aware of your true identity as Y/n, despite his attempts to conceal it.

You turned to look out the window, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corners of your lips. The game of hiding your true connection seemed to be nearing its end, and you relished the anticipation of what would unfold between you and Draco now that the truth was bubbling to the surface.

After Draco paid the cab fare, you arrived back home, feeling a sense of relief. Pansy immediately enveloped you in a tight hug, and you returned the embrace, grateful for her comforting presence.