Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 18 - Ashley & Faize

A month had passed. Aurora avoided both Tyler and Matteo, not wanting to get in between the boys much more. She had also not seen much of Kyle and no weird rumors about her had started - so she was feeling relaxed.

'Maybe Kyle is not so bad. He probably has no interest in spreading any rumours. I probably just overreacted to seeing him again. If I do see him at some point, I'll apologise.'

In the quiet solitude of the library, Aurora awaited Halo's arrival, expecting another routine study session to ensue. However, her tranquil reverie was abruptly disrupted by the unexpected entrance of Ashley, whose presence in the library was a rarity in itself. Aurora, taken aback by Ashley's urgency, listened intently as her friend divulged the details of a troubling encounter with Faize.

As Ashley recounted the events, Aurora's brow furrowed with concern, her mind racing to process the unfolding drama. "What happened?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

Ashley's breath caught as she began to unravel the tangled web of emotions. "It's Faize," she confessed, her tone tinged with apprehension. "He freaked out. I've barely seen Faize laugh or even smile, he rarely shows emotions, but he was just so... sad."

Aurora's sigh was laden with understanding as she probed further, her concern evident in her voice. "You never told me what happened with you two at that last party, Ash," she remarked, seeking clarity amidst the confusion.

With a heavy heart, Ashley delved into the heart-wrenching account of her tumultuous encounter with Faize, recounting the painful exchange that transpired between them. "The time we left the party," she began, her voice tinged with remorse, "Faize pulled me close and hugged me. He said he was sorry about how he had been acting, but then nothing more. He just walked off."

"And since then we hadn't talked until I was asked out by this 7th year and I said yes - he was cute and tall, dark hair and eyes. At the time I was leaving for the date, Faize stops me to ask where I'm going and I said 'on a date' and he laughed and said, 'he didn't know there were actual guys willing to take me on a date and not just fuck me'."

Auroras eyes were open, but Ashley continued: "So then I slapped him and told him to never talk to me again, I said I regretted sleeping with him, and that he was the only guy I ever regretted sleeping with. I even said I regretted all those times I thought he was my friend. That seemed to shut him up, but as I tried to push past him to leave, he hugged me from the back and held me, apologising and begging me to not go." Aurora insisted she continue: "SO?! What did you do?"

Ashley's resolve hardened as she recounted her decisive actions in the face of Faize's tumultuous behavior, "I wasn't going to let him push and pull me," she asserted, her voice tinged with determination. "Being mean one day and being sorry the next. I pushed him off me and told him to never talk to me again."

Aurora's gaze softened with empathy as she absorbed Ashley's words, contemplating the complexities of their situation. "Are you happy with how things turned out?" she inquired, her voice gentle yet probing.

Ashley's response was tinged with uncertainty as she grappled with her conflicting emotions. "I'm not sure," she admitted, her tone reflective. "I'm still hurt, but if he actually wants me, then he will have to fight for me. I won't be running back just because he said sorry."

With a kiss on Aurora's cheek, Ashley bid her farewell, "Now, I'm off to my date," leaving Aurora to ponder the complexities of love and forgiveness amidst the quiet confines of the library.

..........

Aurora stepped into the dimly lit Slytherin common room, the soft glow of the fire casting dancing shadows across the room. The late hour ensured that most of the residents were tucked away in their beds, leaving the space eerily quiet.

Her gaze fell upon Matteo, seated on the couch, his features softened in slumber.
Sometimes it feels like he actually owns the common room,' she chuckled.

But something stirred within Aurora as she approached him, drawn to the tranquility that enveloped him in his rest. Without fully comprehending her actions, she leaned in, her movements gentle as she pressed a tender kiss to Matteo's forehead. It was a fleeting gesture, yet she couldn't shake the sudden rush of warmth that flooded her chest.

As she turned away, retreating to the solace of her room, a flurry of emotions swirled within her mind. Confusion mingled with curiosity, leaving her to ponder the significance of her impulsive act long after the common room had faded into the darkness behind her,

'Thank God he didn't wake up. Why did I do that?'

.........

Aurora found herself approached by Ashley, flanked by two familiar Slytherin 7th years, Rico and Devon. Rico was a muscular guy with short black hair and deep blue eyes - the male version of Ashley. Devon was a guy with darker skin, tall and muscular with a shaved head. Their presence exuded confidence, and Aurora couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at their proposition, 'Ouu, they are hot. Where does Ashley find these guys?'

Rico's gaze lingered on Aurora, his words smooth as he extended the invitation: "We were wondering if you two would join us tomorrow in Hogsmeade? It's a Saturday, and hopefully, you two agree, since we know you need a break from studying so much." Devon chuckled, his gaze set on Ashley.

A soft blush painted Aurora's cheeks as she nodded eagerly in response. "Yeah, I'd love that, Rico" she replied, her voice carrying a hint of enthusiasm.

Ashley, her attention fixed on Devon, mirrored Aurora's agreement with a nod of her head. With plans set, they made arrangements to meet in the common room the following day around lunchtime, anticipation for the outing already building in the air.

'Oh wow. 7th years are hot.'