Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 23 - the Secrets

In the waning days of their 6th year, a sense of tentative normalcy settled over their friend group. Ashley and Faize's blossoming romance brought a renewed sense of camaraderie, while Tyler's gradual return to the fold added a familiar comfort to their interactions. Tyler was finally speaking to Aurora like it was normal, their friend group was back - all except Mara. Yet, beneath the surface, unspoken tensions lingered, particularly evident in the covert glances exchanged between Tyler and Aurora. Matteo often observed Tyler's lingering gazes at his girlfriend with a mixture of apprehension and understanding. He avoided reading his friends thoughts, the times he did do it, he regretted it. He knew how much Tyler cared for Aurora, how much he wanted her back. Matteo would never tell Aurora.

He knew that Aurora desired a gradual friendship with Tyler, hesitant to reveal her relationship with Matteo until their friendship had fully mended. Despite Matteo's genuine affection for Tyler, his allegiance lay unquestionably with Aurora. As horrible it was to admit to himself, he'd choose her over anyone. She had effortlessly disrupted the carefully constructed walls around his heart, leaving him utterly captivated and unapologetically enamored.

For Matteo, Aurora had become the axis around which his world revolved, her presence eclipsing all other considerations. The mere thought of her brought a warmth to his heart, a sense of contentment he had never known before. With her by his side, the burdens of his past seemed more bearable, and the uncertainties of the future less daunting. There were things he was still hiding from her, unresolved matters left over from before his fathers death. He knew there would be a day when he'd have to be honest with her, but for now - he just wanted to enjoy the feeling he had by being with her.

Adding fuel to the fire. The absence of Mara's icy glare was a welcome relief to Matteo, a testament to the newfound peace he had discovered in Aurora's embrace. Her arrival had heralded a profound shift in his existence, liberating him from the suffocating grip of Mara's feelings. Before, Mara would hunt him down every day, touch him when he didn't want her to, sit in his lap if another girl came near and constantly show up in his bed naked. That all had come to an end. In Aurora, he found solace, understanding, and an unwavering source of love that transcended the complexities of their tumultuous world.

As the days dwindled and the end of the school year loomed on the horizon, Matteo found himself daring to envision a future where he and Aurora could forge their own path, unbothered by the shadows of their past. Together, they would navigate the uncertainties of the world, their love a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding them towards a brighter tomorrow.

..........

In the tranquil confines of the library, Aurora and Halo found themselves immersed in a candid conversation, their voices hushed to avoid disrupting their fellow students. Halo was helping her with her Defense Against the Dark Arts prep for the next test. As Halo fidgeted nervously, Aurora couldn't help but notice his uncharacteristic demeanour, prompting her to inquire about his well-being, "Is everything alright, Halo?"

Halo sighed, clearly hesitant. "Well, there's actually something I've been meaning to tell you."

Intrigued, Aurora leaned back, giving him her full attention. Halo spoke quietly, mindful of the library's ambiance. "There's this girl..."

Aurora's eyes widened with anticipation, her mind racing with possibilities. Halo had never spoken of any girl, Aurora had thought he was too smart to even feel love. Halo continued, his cheeks tinged with a blush, "Her name is Kora, and she's actually a Hufflepuff."

Aurora's curiosity was piqued. "Do I know her?" she inquired. Halo looked down, his blush deepening. "She's a 5th year. She's very kind, with long red hair, pale skin, and brown eyes."