Boundless

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖

Potions had been tolerable, despite being paired with Mattheo. We hardly spoke, and when we did, it was strictly about class. There was no need for a facade of friendship or forced civility; focusing solely on our project suited me just fine.

Draco and Blaise occasionally peeked at our results and essays, but other than that, the class passed without incident. Yet, I felt drained, as if the day had demanded more of me than it actually had.

Entering my room, I dropped my bag to the floor and flicked my wand to light the candles with a simple charm. I was about to stretch when I saw Sebastian sitting on my bed.

"What the fuck, Seb!" I yelled, startled at first and then annoyed by his presence. "I didn't mean to scare you," he said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace as he stood.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded bluntly.

"I came to talk," he said vaguely.

"I'm really not in the mood to talk, Seb. I'm tired, and I don't need your apologies," I said firmly, trying to maintain control, unlike the other night.

"I'm not here to apologize," he scoffed, catching me off guard.

"Good because I already got your apology from Draco," I sighed.

"I never told Draco to say that," Sebastian confessed, making my stomach twist with confusion and irritation.

"Why would he fake an apology from you?" I demanded, desperate to understand the chaos of that night.

"I don't know," Sebastian snapped back. I shook my head in disbelief. "So, you couldn't even stomach an apology for your behavior that night, and Draco had to do it for you?"

"I'm not sorry for being the only one to stand up to you," Sebastian retorted harshly.

"That's not what I call standing up for yourself. You were hostile and aggressive. At one point, I thought you were going to attack me. What the fuck was that all about, Seb?" I fired back, my voice rising with each word.

How could he just stand there in my room and blame this all on me, as if his intrusive curiosity justified his viciousness?

"You really want to talk about being different? Why don't you start and tell me why you've changed so much this year?" He snapped back, his laughter tinged with bitterness.

"I've barely changed. Why are you always so dramatic?" I retorted.

"Seriously? You smoke all the time now, and you think I haven't noticed? No amount of spray covers it up, Stella," Sebastian accused.

"So what if I smoke now? You think I'm going to die from a bad lung? I'll probably be killed by a Death Eater before that happens," I shot back, my frustration peaking.

"You're seriously comparing smoking to getting killed by a Death Eater?" he challenged.

"I'm just showing you how ridiculous you sound. You're not my father, so stop treating me like I'm a child," I snapped.

"Then stop acting like one," Sebastian retorted sharply.

"What the fuck is your problem, Seb?" I demanded, my temper flaring.

"You're my fucking problem, Stella," he shot back.

"Oh, so now you want to fight?" I challenged, standing my ground.

"Yeah, actually, I do," he admitted.

"What did you do this summer?" he pressed, his tone accusatory.

"I told you already, I didn't do anything," I lied.

"So Oxford was a one-off? Don't patronize me, Stella," he pressed, his frustration evident.

"I went out a couple of times, so what? I'm allowed to have fun without you," I asserted, my voice firm.

"So why did you act like you were a wreck all summer when it turns out you were living it up at random parties?" Sebastian accused.

"You're being dramatic. I may have been grieving, but I was still allowed to go out," I countered.

"So why didn't you just say that? We've been walking on eggshells around you since it happened when apparently, you've been fine?" he exploded.

"I've been far from fine," I confessed quietly.

"I don't even recognize you anymore, Stella," Sebastian admitted, his voice breaking.

"I grew up, Seb. It happens," I said coldly.

"There's growing up, and then there's changing. You changed," he accused.

"Is that so bad? I'm glad I'm not the naive idiot who follows you around anymore. You're just upset that I have my own mind now," I said defiantly.

"You're not a puppet, Stella. I don't care what you say or do, I just don't want to be in the dark about this anymore. You're my girlfriend, and I don't even know who you are now," he said desperately.

"So what? You want to break up?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

"I want a break," Sebastian said after a tense pause.

"A break? We're not children, Seb. You know that never ends well," I argued.

"I don't want to be rid of you, Stella, but I can't let you drag me down with you," he admitted.

"Are you hearing yourself right now?" I scoffed.

"Look, Stella. I love you, but I've got to look out for myself this year," Sebastian said, his voice heavy with resignation.

"Alright, then go," I yelled spitefully, my heart sinking as I watched him barge past me and slam the door behind him as he left.

In that moment, I knew that our relationship would never be the same again.