Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 17 - the Confession

In the pulsating atmosphere of the party, Aurora and Ashley found themselves downing shots, the fiery liquid fueling their energy for the night ahead. As the festivities continued, they danced with boys from Ravenclaw, their laughter mingling with the rhythm of the music. Aurora couldn't help but notice Ashley's growing interest in one of the guys, sensing her friend's desire for a more intimate setting. However, their moment was abruptly interrupted as Faize stormed over to the both of them, his expression stern and disapproving. Without hesitation, he grabbed Ashley's arm and led her away through the common room door into the hall. Left alone momentarily, Aurora couldn't suppress a smile, her thoughts veering towards the idea that maybe Faize and Ashley could finally fix whatever was happening in their relationship.

Refusing to dwell on Ashley's departure, Aurora seamlessly transitioned back into the rhythm of the party, her movements fluid as she danced with a boy named Kyle. At least she thinks that's what his name was. Yet, amidst the pulsating music and swirling lights, Matteo's voice echoed in her mind once again, "You seem to be having fun."  Whipping her head around, Aurora spotted Matteo in the corner of the room, his intoxicating gaze evident as he was surrounded by a bevy of admiring girls, their eyes fixed upon him in awe. Aurora couldn't be mad, she knew most girls wanted to sleep with him.

'He's entering my mind again. It's harder to suppress under the influence of alcohol. Whatever, I'll just ignore him.'

The pulsating energy of the party enveloped Aurora as she danced, her movements becoming a desperate attempt to drown out the thoughts of Matteo and Tyler swirling in her mind. Amidst the colourful lights and throbbing music, she found a brief reprieve when Kyle, a boy she was dancing with, pulled her close and complimented her: "You are really beautiful," Kyle's voice cut through the music as he said.

Aurora couldn't help but smile, revealing in the newfound sense of freedom after her recent breakup. "Thank you, Kyle." However, her moment of tranquility was shattered when his next words took a disquieting turn, "you know, I'm surprised you're dancing with me at all, Aurora."

"Why?" she inquired.

"You don't remember me, do you? I was actually a student from Castelobruxo wizard school around the same time you were," Kyle revealed.

Aurora's face dropped, the world went silent, her heart started to pound as she looked at the smirking boy, terrified. "Oh... I see."
Kyle leaned in with a smirk, unsettling Aurora even further. "Ah, so now you remember me?"

With a sudden surge of panic, Aurora pushed Kyle away, causing him to stumble backwards a few steps.

"Excuse me." She pivoted on her heels and darted out of the common room, the sounds of the party fading into the background as she fled, her mind fraught with fear and confusion.

'I have to get away!'

..............

In the solitude of the Room of Requirement, Aurora's racing thoughts were drowned out only by the sound of her own frantic breaths. She collapsed onto the floor, overcome with emotion, tears cascading down her cheeks as she struggled to regain control. She was having a panick attack. As she battled against her overwhelming tears, the door to the room materialized once more, shattering the fragile sanctuary she had sought. With her head bowed and her heart heavy, she prayed silently that it wasn't Kyle who had found her.

'Why him? Why now?'

Then, amidst the turmoil of her despair, a familiar voice pierced through the darkness. Matteo's presence was unexpected, yet strangely comforting, as he knelt beside her, his hand gently resting on her trembling back:

"Aurora, are you alright?" Matteo's voice was filled with concern, cutting through the suffocating silence like a lifeline in the darkness.

Aurora couldn't bring herself to meet Matteo's gaze, her fear and vulnerability rendering her unable to face him directly. Instead, she pleaded softly, her voice trembling with raw emotion: