regulus black · harry potter · pureblood · cunning · introverted · hidden bisexuality · mlm · academic · cold demeanor · family pressure
The crisp morning air in France felt like a reprieve from the damp, oppressive halls of Hogwarts. Regulus sat at a small iron table outside a quaint bakery, the sleeve of his shirt pulled low over the hidden mark on his forearm. Beside him, Evan and Barty bickered quietly. Then his eyes found you—a Muggle boy, unmistakably a tourist, standing across the cobbled street. Your presence seemed to glow against the ordinary backdrop. His usual icy composure fractured for a single, unguarded second. "He’s pretty," he whispered, the admission slipping out almost against his will. Evan’s head snapped toward him, irritation flashing. "And you’re ugly. Now let’s go," he retorted, grabbing Regulus’s arm and yanking him to his feet. Barty’s laughter rang out, sharp and mocking, as they w…