O R P H I C. [Tom. R × Reader]

47. Utterly Unexpected.

It's 11 o'clock, and Tom, Abe, and I leave the ball early, retreating to my room. Abe collapses onto my bed, sprawling out as if it's his own, while Tom takes the armchair by the fireplace.

I perch on the edge of the mattress, and Abe shifts to lie on his stomach, his head near me, as he starts flipping through photos on his phone. The sight immediately puts me on edge-photos at events like these never sit right with me.

"DELETE that right now!" I exclaim, horrified, as he shows me a particularly unflattering shot of me mid-dance to some upbeat music.

"Not a chance." He laughs, dodging my attempts to grab his phone.

I lunge, nearly toppling onto the mattress in my desperate bid to reclaim my dignity. Just as I land with a thud, a knock echoes at the door.

We freeze, glancing at one another.

"I'll get it," I mutter, pushing off the bed. I smooth my dress and step into the small foyer to open the door, thankful that whoever it is won't have a direct view of the room.

When I swing it open, my breath catches. "H-hey."

Xander shuffles awkwardly, hands buried in his pockets. He looks out of place but also-oddly enough-determined.

"Hey! Are you alright? What are you doing here?" I ask, my smile warm but puzzled.

"Alex?" Tom's voice cuts through the moment, and my stomach twists. I hear his heavy footsteps approaching and prepare myself for the inevitable.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Tom snarls, brushing past me to stand in the doorway.

"Tom-"

"I wanted to see if anyone's going to the afterparty," Xander interrupts, his voice steady despite Tom's obvious hostility. "I need to loosen up, but I don't want to show up alone."

"We're not going-"

"Abe and I are going," I interject, shooting Tom a sharp look before he can finish his lie.

Tom glares at me, but Xander doesn't seem fazed. "Abe as in... Abraxas?" he asks, his voice quieter now.

"Yeah? What about it?" Abe appears beside me, his blonde hair slightly mussed from lying down.

"Oh, it's nothing," Xander says, running a hand through his hair in a way that's almost distractingly attractive. "Do you mind if I tag along?"

"Of course! The more, the merrier," Abe says, pulling Xander into the room before anyone can object.

Tom doesn't hide his displeasure, but he doesn't voice it either. Instead, he grabs his cloak and bids me a tense goodbye. "Stay safe," he mutters, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek.

"I will. You too."

As he steps out, I notice him slipping a small book into his pocket. I raise a brow but say nothing. What kind of prefect duties involve needing a book?

=🌿=

The afterparty is in full swing, the muffled bass of music vibrating through the walls as voices hum around us. We're tucked into a quieter side room, drinks in hand, trying to avoid the jostling crowd.

"No way," Abe says flatly, shaking his head in disbelief as Xander and I recount the story of how we first met.

"I'm serious! I had to smash the glass to get him out," I insist, grinning as Xander nods along.

"She wasn't exactly thrilled that night," he adds, smirking.

"Alright, whatever you say." Abe chuckles, his tone skeptical but amused.

We migrate to a couch in the corner, swapping more stories. Eventually, the topic shifts to Quidditch-a subject Abe can't resist. Xander, however, clearly can. He excuses himself after a while, claiming he wants to "make some friends," though I'm pretty sure it's just the alcohol talking. Abe and I encourage him anyway.

With Xander gone, the conversation dwindles. Abe's usual enthusiasm for Quidditch has fizzled, leaving a lull that might have been awkward if not for the pleasant buzz of alcohol.

When I return from refilling my drink, though, the atmosphere shifts entirely.

"Y/N," Abe says, his voice lower than usual. "I was hoping I could talk to you... about something serious."

I tense at the shift in tone. "What do you mean, Abe?"

He fidgets, running a hand through his blonde hair. "It's nothing bad! Just... awkward. I feel like now's the time to bring it up, you know? Since I've had a few drinks."

I move to sit beside him, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm sure it's nothing too bad. Is it private?"

"A little," he admits, his gaze darting to mine before quickly looking away. "I just thought... with Tom gone for a bit, it might be easier to say."

I suddenly notice how close we are, and for the first time, I truly see the vibrant blue of his eyes. They're brighter than I'd ever realized, deep and clear, drawing me in.

He inches closer, his expression shifting to something softer, almost reverent. And then his lips brush mine-gentle, hesitant, and utterly unexpected.

I pull back instantly.

"I-I'm sorry," he stammers, his cheeks flushing. "I don't know why I did that. If it was heading that way, I meant to ask first. Oh man, Y/N..." He groans, burying his face in his hands.

"Abe..." I begin, but he cuts me off.

"I'm really sorry, Y/N. I know you're with Tom, and that was way out of line. I just... I couldn't keep it in anymore. It's been suffocating, like I'm lying to you every time I don't say it."

I sit frozen, unsure of what to say.

"I love our friendship," he continues, his voice cracking. "I love spending time with you. And I don't want this to change anything. Please don't hate me, Y/N. I just... I need you to know that I--"

"Abe." I say softly, pulling him out of his panicked rambling.

His words hang in the air, raw and unfiltered. And then, with trembling hands, he tilts my chin up, his blue eyes locking with mine.

"I'm in love with you, Y/N."