A second chance at Love. [L.B.]

- chapter 09 -

"Hey, Celia." I heard Hermione call out to me as I turned back to face her. "Hermione, hi." I respond. She furrows her brows, looking behind me to see where I was coming from. "Why were you in the Slytherin Dormitories..?" She asks slowly. I raise a brow before realizing what she might be insinuating.

"No, no. I was just in his dorm." I say quickly. "Did you.." she slowed down. "God, no!" I huff. Does she seriously think I'd be having sex with him? She laughs awkwardly. "Sorry." She says. I nod my head as we start walking towards the Gryffindor dorms.

"You know you can date him, right?" She asks after a moment of silence. "What?" I say. "Ginny dated him— but so did a lot of other girls. No one's blaming you if you want to." She explains. I scoff. "I don't even like him." I say. "We all see it, Celia. And.. you might want to rub the smudge on your lipstick." She mutters.

I freeze, quickly wiping my lips. "I'm sorry, Hermione." I sigh. "Don't be. We're just trying to protect you." She responds, patting my shoulder. "Guys like Lorenzo.. they don't change." I nod my head slowly at her.

"Thank you, Hermione.." I say as she smiles at me.

💐

It had been about two days. I'd only seen Enzo once or thrice in the Great Hall. That was until today.

I was sitting with Ron, Harry and Hermione on the staircase while they discussed over some book. "Celia." I heard the familiar voice as my head snapped up.

Enzo.. he was holding flowers. Not just any store bought flowers. The roses he'd given me that day. I quickly stood up, feeling Harry and Ron's stare burn behind my back.

"Uhm.. what's this for?" I asked, reluctantly taking the bouquet from his hands. "To apologize." He responded as my eyes found his again. "It was a rational decision— I should've asked you first. I'm sorry." He says, keeping his voice low.

I sigh, looking back down at the flowers. "It's okay.." I said slowly before looking back. Hermione was forcing the two to get up and leave us alone. I would've laughed at the sight if I wasn't already in conversation with Enzo.

"I think.. I overreacted too. Looking back at it.. you aren't a bad kisser." I shrugged. He smirked slightly. "I'm not?" He asked. "Not for someone's first time." I roll my eyes. "You'd be impressed with the other things I could do for your first time." He says suggestively. I slap his arm as he laughs. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Berkshire." I warn, trying not to laugh myself. "Yes, ma'am." He says as I try not to break out into a smile.