HIDDEN REFLECTIONS

₊𓂃 FIVE 𖥔 ݁ ˖

CHAPTER FIVE

A tense silence hangs in the air as Theodore and I stand on opposite sides of the wooden table, our eyes sealed in a gaze. My hands remain tightly clenched into fists by my sides, reflecting the growing tension between us. Despite the intensity of the moment, Theodore's jaw stays locked as he moves, refusing to break eye contact.

As the male attempts to land the final cup in front of me, his aim falters, causing the ping-pong ball to bounce off the table and onto the floor. In that instant, a wide smile spreads across my face, causing my cheeks to ache from the sheer joy and satisfaction I feel.

The ping-pong ball makes a small sound as it rolls over the floor, taunting him. Theodore's frustration boils over, causing him to unleash a loud curse. His hands find their way into his hair, gripping it tightly. In the midst of his frustration, Draco, with a hint of playful mockery, calls him an idiot for missing.

It's my turn now. I step back from the table, raising my hand. Taking a moment to ensure my aim is impeccable, I align myself with the cup, my eyes fixed on the target. I release the ping-pong ball, all seven of us watching with anticipation as it gracefully descends, landing directly into the cup. The room erupts with a mix of awe and excitement, as if the ball was destined to find its place in that very cup.

Mattheo's excitement bursts in the form of a loud holler beside me, matching my own. In that moment of shared triumph, I can't contain my joy, and I let out a high-pitched squeak. I barely feel Mattheo's arm fall over my shoulder and then wrap around my waist as we celebrate. Together, we break into a ridiculous dance, a spontaneous expression of our shared victory.

❝That was amazing! Finally, someone managed to defeat them in beer pong,❞ Pansy says as she enthusiastically joins our celebration.

Lorenzo's excitement is palpable as he joins in on our conversation as well. ❝I'm actually surprised by how well you guys make such a good team,❞ he remarks, directing his words toward both me and Mattheo.

Mattheo's laughter fills the room as he throws his head back, thoroughly amused by Lorenzo's comment. ❝Me and Leah? We tight as fuck,❞ he says with a playful grin, tugging me closer to his body. ❝Sorry, Pansy, but you're not getting your bestie back anytime soon.❞

The combination of the weed and alcohol I've consumed throughout the night only adds an extra layer of euphoria to the atmosphere, making Mattheo's words sound even more light-hearted and hilarious. As his comment registers in my mind, another wave of laughter spontaneously bubbles up from within me, escaping through my throat.

While Theodore sulks in his spot, Draco seems to have moved on from the loss, engaging in a conversation with Astoria. ❝Aww, Theodore, I think your face might permanently set into that frown if you don't crack a smile soon,❞ I taunt him.

Theodore fires back with a defensive tone, dismissing our victory as mere luck. ❝Shut up, that was just luck,❞ he retorts, his words tinged with frustration. ❝You guys probably cheated.❞

Mattheo shakes his head at his friend's retort, clearly not buying into his claims. With a playful smirk, he fires back, ❝nah, don't be a sore loser.❞

As another wave of laughter washes over me, I feel a gentle pressure against the back of my head, and I realize it's Mattheo's chest. It dawns on me that we are standing close. In that moment, I become acutely aware of his hand resting delicately on my waist and how my back is leaning into his chest.