Tom Riddle - Downfall

Chapter 5: Apologies

The next morning, I wake up. And look over to the flowers still thinking about who could it be. I make myself ready and leave for breakfast. I'm hungry, and Sebastian and Kim are still sleeping, so I go alone and sit down at the Slytherin Table. Sometimes, it can be a good thing just eating for myself. I'm lost in my thoughts when someone taps on my shoulder. When I look up, it's Tom.

Tom's tap on my shoulder brings me back to reality quickly, and his presence is as startling as always. He's standing over me suddenly, his green eyes watching me closely with their usual intensity. His expression is stern and unreadable, and he doesn't smile at me, but there's something different about him today. He seems... cautious...
"Good morning, Lucia."
He says quietly, his tone surprisingly calm compared to his angry outburst yesterday.
Tom's tone is still serious as he speaks, but there's something in his eye that makes me think he wants to say more. He pauses for a moment, as if gathering his courage.
"Lucia..."
He takes a breath before finally asking his question.
"Did you... Did you get flowers last night? By your dorm?"
I almost choke on my food as I look at him in shock. "They were from you?"
Tom's intense gaze doesn't falter as he watches me process his question. The silence is long and tense, but eventually, he speaks again.
"Yes, Lucia... The flowers... They were from me. I sent them to you, I wanted..."
He pauses, trying to find his words.
"I wanted to apologize... for yesterday..."
I still don't know what I should say to him. He really sent me flowers, I would have never expected this from him "Well..then thank you, I guess."
Tom's expression softens, and he smiles faintly to himself as I thank him. He was hoping for a more positive response, but he also didn't seem surprised by my reaction.
"So you liked them? The flowers, I mean?"

Now it's his turn to get flustered as he realizes just how much he's been wanting to see a positive reaction from me. 'You're so hard to read, Lucia,' he thinks. He waits nervously for my answer..
I can see that he's really trying hard right now. So I nod and tap my hand on the seat next to me. "Come on, sit down." I know this could be awkward, but somehow I feel sorry for him again.
Tom looks surprised by my sudden invitation, but then he smiles and takes the seat I indicated. Now that he's sitting next to me, something about him feels completely different. He's obviously trying his best to make up for his previous attitude. He seems a bit shy now, his green gaze still locked on yours, but it's almost sweet.
"Are you not hungry?" I look over to him because he didn't move since he sat down. While I'm eating like I had no food for 3 days.
Tom seems oblivious to the fact that he's not eating. He's focused on the conversation now, and his green gaze doesn't move away from mine. He seems slightly embarrassed and nervous, and I realize that he's a bit awkward in social interactions.
"Hm... Yeah, I actually am a little hungry..."
He grins sheepishly and then pauses. He seems unsure of what to say now, but his eyes don't stray from me for even a second. He's obviously still wanting to finish his apology.

Tom suddenly seems more confident as he sees how patient I'm being with him. He knows how much he messed up last night, and he wants to make this right. He's a little embarrassed as he continues speaking, but he's trying not to seem too nervous.
"So.. I'm really, truly sorry about how I acted yesterday. I had no right to speak to you in that way. I'm just..."
He pauses, searching for the right words.
"I'm not good at this..."
"It's okay, I think. Good move to apologize, at least. " I smile at him while still eating.

Then I see Kim and Sebastian coming into the great hall, and I wave them over. They look quite surprised to see Tom sitting next to me. It's visible on their faces as they approach. They look at Tom with mixed expressions before Kim realizes the situation and cracks a teasing smile.
"Oh, so the bad guy is trying to make amends now, are we?"
However, Tom doesn't seem to mind Kim's teasing and instead looks at me expectantly as she makes this comment. It's clear that he's waiting for my reaction to what she said...
"Kim, It's okay. He apologized. Just sit down." I give her a serious look and widen my eyes. I just want her to be nice. Kim and Sebastian start talking with me like always.
Kim follows my lead, sitting down next to me and Sebastian. She laughs, her attention quickly turning to the food in front of her. Sebastian leans in, and now all two of my friends are engaged in conversation with me.
I notice that Tom is still staring at me, though, even though he's trying to pay attention to something else. It's clear that my reaction to Kim's teasing meant a lot to him, and he's still waiting for me to respond. Maybe hoping to see something... something more positive and forgiving from me.
He seems fazcinated by me. He looks at me all the time, but there is also an intimidating aura about him. He is tall and broad and exudes self-confidence even though he is often the underdog.
He can't drag his gaze from me, even though you're engaged in conversation with Kim and Sebastian. He's watching me carefully, but not in a creepy way. He's just... observing me. From the way he's sitting and the way that he keeps looking at me, I can't shake the feeling that he's trying to gauge how I truly feel about him. His gaze is focused on my face as I all continue to engage in banter and jokes.