Falling For You-Draco Malfoy x Y/N

9- 𝑬 𝑪 𝑯 𝑶

the next morning, i woke up with the same strange twisted feeling in my stomach from the night before. images of his gentle smile, the way his fingers had brushed my hair aside, and that one word—darling —played over and over in my mind like an echo. i could hardly believe it had actually happened. i dressed quickly, still half-wondering and debating if this was just a dream like the one i had a while back or, actual real life.

as i made my way down to breakfast, the halls buzzing with the usual morning chatter, i couldn't shake that strange feeling lingering from the night before. every now and then, i'd catch myself glancing around, half-expecting to see draco rounding the corner or appearing beside me. i felt a flicker of embarrassment for how his simple word had set my thoughts spinning. darling. was he just being playful, or did it mean something more? the more i thought about it, the harder it was to keep my emotions in check.

in the great hall, i spotted him at the slytherin table, casually leaning back as he listened to something blaise was saying. his usual smirk was in place, but for a split second, he looked up, catching my gaze. i quickly looked away, hoping he hadn't noticed the way my cheeks flushed. i could practically feel his smirk deepen, like he somehow knew he'd managed to unravel my thoughts.

i took a seat with my friends at the ravenclaw table, - i know i'm in slytherin but i always go to ravenclaw table as the professors don't mind- determined to keep my mind on anything but draco malfoy and his disarming glances. but when i allowed myself a quick peek his way, i noticed he was still watching me, an unreadable expression on his face. as soon as he noticed me looking back, he raised an eyebrow, his head and mouth tilting into that familiar, almost teasing smile. my heart did an odd little flip, and i quickly focused on my plate, trying to act as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

just when i thought i'd successfully settled into a normal morning, an owl swooped down and dropped a small folded note beside my plate. i blinked, trying not to draw attention as i carefully unfolded the parchment.

'meet me in the library after herbology.'

i recognized his handwriting immediately. short and to the point, it was undeniably draco. my heart skipped a beat as i tried to decipher the meaning behind the message. was this about last night? or was he going to brush it off, pretending like none of it really mattered? i tucked the note into my bag, feeling a surge of curiosity—and, admittedly, nerves—about what this meeting might bring.
—
when i arrived at the library later, he was already there, waiting near the back shelves where few students ventured. he looked up as i approached, his usual guarded expression replaced by something quieter, more thoughtful. the bustling sounds of students and whispers faded, leaving just the two of us in a small corner of stillness.

,,so, you got my note," he said, keeping his tone casual but his gaze steady.

i nodded, trying to keep my expression as neutral as possible. ,,you don't usually ask people to meet you in the library, do you?"

a ghost of a smile crossed his lips. ,,not usually, no. but i figured it would be quieter here." he paused, looking down for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. ,,about last night... i just wanted to say thanks. for listening and... not making me feel like an idiot for opening up."

i softened at the uncertainty in his voice. ,,you're welcome, draco. i meant what i said, you know. you shouldn't feel trapped in other people's thoughts."

he shifted, leaning against the bookshelf, his eyes darkening slightly. ,,i know. it's just... harder than it sounds. the expectations feel like a cage. sometimes, i don't know where their influence ends and where i begin." his voice was quiet, almost vulnerable, and i could sense how much it cost him to admit even this much.