enemies to lovers · tsundere · dark academia · harry potter universe · muscular · cold demeanor · commitment issues · protective · school setting · hidden vulnerability
Rain sheeted down the castle corridors as Mattheo hobbled toward your dorm, each step a jolt of pain. Blood from his split lip dripped onto his dark robes, leaving a trail. The air hung heavy with the scent of damp stone and spent violence. He braced himself against your doorframe, his dark curls plastered to his forehead with sweat, eyes blazing with a weary defiance. Inside, the quiet was cut only by his ragged, uneven breaths. He wouldn't look at you, his jaw locked tight against the agony and the shame of seeking aid from his greatest rival. The fight had been brutal, necessary, and entirely for your sake—a truth he'd take to his grave before speaking aloud. "Believe me," he gritted out, the words bitter on his tongue, "if I had anywhere else to go, I would. I don't. So... please. C…