Just Friends

Chapter 14

As Draco stepped into the common room and leaned against the closed doors, he took a moment to catch his breath, reflecting on the magical evening he had just spent with Cormac. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within him; never in a million years had he imagined that someone like Cormac would harbour such a massive crush on him. A smile graced his face as he reminisced about their date. Cormac had been the epitome of a sweet gentleman, treating Draco with an affection and tenderness he had never known before. It undeniably made him feel good about himself.

The smile slowly faded from his face when he realised that the image of Theo popped in his mind when Cormac was about to kiss him just now. Irritation prickled at Draco. Why did Theo have to invade even his thoughts and disrupt the date? Pushing aside these unwelcome memories, Draco refocused on Cormac. He found himself eagerly anticipating their next encounter, a faint smile returning to his face at the thought of a second date with Cormac.

"Just got back from whoring around, did you?" Theo's voice echoed through the empty common room. Draco abruptly lifted his head and spotted Theo seated on the couch directly facing the entrance. A cigarette dangled from one hand, while the other gripped a glass of amber liquid, arms casually resting atop the back of the couch. In the dimly lit room, illuminated only by the embers of the fireplace, Draco could barely discern Theo's face. Yet, he couldn't miss the intensity of Theo's piercing gaze fixed upon him.

Draco averted his eyes and sighed deeply before striding toward the stairs leading to the dorm rooms, fully intending to ignore Theo. However, Theo's voice pierced the air once more, derision lacing his words, "So, what are you like Mclaggen's bitch now? Couldn't believe how easy you are Malfoy," Theo's words halted Draco in his tracks, prompting him to turn his gaze towards Theo.

Draco fixed a cold gaze on Theo as he spoke, "You know what, Nott? Whatever I choose to do and whoever I choose to do it with has nothing to do with you. So, why are you still so invested in my business?" Draco's expression remained icy.

Draco chuckled before retorting, "I was merely watching out for you, Malfoy. Accepting a date with someone as lowly as Mclaggen? That's the ultimate display of desperation. Honestly, it's so pathetic I actually felt sorry for you." His tone dripped with derision and spite.

Draco sneered disdainfully at Theo as he spoke, "Don't waste your time 'watching out for me,' Nott. You don't need to concern yourself with me, or even acknowledge my presence. If you're unable to maintain a civil manner with me, just go back to your old habit of ignoring me, just as you've done for years. This time, I'll return the favour and do the same." Draco paused, taking a deep breath before delivering a final blow, "And Nott... Cormac is twice the man you'll ever be." With bitter, cold contempt, Draco spat the words before walking away, leaving Theo alone in the common room.

Theo's fury surged through him, a tempest brewing within as he violently hurled the glass from his hand, shattering it upon impact with the unforgiving floor. Fragments of glass and the remnants of the spilled liquid scattered on the floor. His jaw clenched, knuckles whitening as his hand balled into a trembling fist, the intensity of his rage palpable. Unable to restrain the stirring anger within him, Theo abruptly rose from his seat and strode purposefully toward the dorm rooms. The shards of broken glass crunched beneath his bare feet, the pain dulled by the overwhelming rage that consumed him, leaving bloody imprints with each step up the stairs, his senses numbed by his seething emotions.

Theo burst through the door, discovering Draco in the midst of stowing away his coat near the wardrobe. In a swift motion, Theo lunged towards Draco, seizing his shoulders and thrusting him back against the wardrobe. Attempting to restrain Draco, Theo grappled with him, sparking a struggle between the two before Theo exerted more force and slammed Draco against the wardrobe, weakening his resistance from the impact. With a firm grip on both of Draco's wrists, Theo pinned him forcefully against the surface.