Better than me? | Hermione Granger x Reader (GXG) (UNDER EDITING)

|| 34. New Year's Party (UN-EDITED)

Y/N chuckled, not giving an inch. "Right, because tap water preferences are the pinnacle of riveting discussions."

"Hmm, perhaps, or maybe it's just that... you're genuinely intriguing. Even conversations about water become interesting with you," Hermione countered, her sly smirk revealing her playful intent. Y/N felt her jaw clench as she fought to suppress the blush threatening to rise.

"Well, I'm honored," Y/N retorted swiftly, taking a subtle step backward, trying to regain her composure. Hermione simply hummed, that knowing smile still playing on her lips.

"You should be." Hermione replied blankly.

The playful banter continued between them, like a dance of words and glances that held more meaning than they dared to openly acknowledge. Y/N's heart raced as she felt the weight of Hermione's gaze, her words tugging at something deeper within her.

"Is that so?" Y/N finally managed to reply, her tone light yet tinged with a hint of nervousness. She averted her gaze momentarily, her fingers nervously tracing a pattern on her jacket sleeve.

Hermione's eyes softened, the mischievous glint giving way to a more genuine warmth. "You know, it's not just the tap water topic that interests me," Hermione admitted softly, taking a step closer. 

"It's—"

Before Hermione could continue her sentence, their conversation was abruptly disrupted by Aurora's arrival. She approached them, holding a plate of steaming, fresh takoyaki, which caused Hermione to glance to the side with a hint of irritation, and Y/N to bite her lip in mild surprise.

"Y/N, sorry it took a while, the line was so— oh, hey, you're here?" Aurora murmured, her attention shifting to Hermione.

"Yeah, just... catching up with friends," Hermione replied, a subtle undercurrent of competition evident in her tone as she met Aurora's gaze.

"Uh huh, just friends, huh?" Aurora mumbled under her breath, meant more for herself.

"Pardon?" Hermione inquired, Aurora shaking her head as if dismissing her own comment.

"Y/N, let's explore more food stalls. See you later, Hermione," Aurora quickly interjected, tugging Y/N by the arm and leading her away. Y/N's brow furrowed in confusion and a hint of frustration as she glanced back and forth between Aurora and Hermione, feeling a curious tension in the air.

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"Woah, check out all those food stalls, Y/N!" Aurora exclaimed, pointing at the array of stalls, her excitement palpable. However, Y/N's detachment was evident, her mind still caught up in the conversation with Hermione. Aurora's intrusion had quickly dampened her amusement.

"Are you intentionally doing this?" Y/N asked candidly, Aurora halted in her step, her grip on Y/N's arm loosening slightly.

"What?" Aurora inquired, a wry smile on her lips, Y/N's mouth twitching as she searched for the right words, her brows slightly furrowed.

"Hermione, it feels like... I don't know, you're sort of pulling me away from her? Can't I talk to my other friends?" Y/N murmured, and Aurora was taken aback, emitting a small scoff.

"I'm your date, I want to spend time with you, I didn't mean to make you feel that way, I—" Aurora quickly tried to explain, but Y/N let out an irritated sigh.

"We're just friends!" Y/N exclaimed, her expression softening as she looked to the side. "Just friends." she repeated, her voice more hushed.

"You know what? It's... whatever. Let's just enjoy the party," Y/N retorted sharply, taking Aurora's wrist abruptly and motioning for her to continue walking. The atmosphere around them had shifted, a mix of frustration and unresolved tension tinging the air.

"Y/N, seriously? What have I told you about communicating?" Aurora complained, frustration evident in her tone. Y/N swiftly turned her head to face Aurora.

"What's there to communicate?" Y/N snapped, Aurora clenched her teeth in irritation.

"You're acting like a terrible friend right now—" Aurora retorted.

"Well, what am I supposed to do then?" Y/N fired back, Aurora's patience reaching its limit.

"Would you just let me finish?" Aurora burst out with a mix of exasperation, her voice unintentionally louder than she intended, causing nearby people to glance their way. "You should have told me you felt this way. I'm caught off guard by all of this." Aurora grumbled, her annoyance palpable.

"It's a party, Aurora. Can you not ruin the vibe?" Y/N exclaimed, tugging Aurora to a more secluded spot away from prying eyes.

"Every relationship, whether it's a friendship or not, requires communication," Aurora insisted firmly.

"I don't want to communicate! I don't know how, okay?" Y/N's tone shifted abruptly, and Aurora's gaze softened, realizing the depth of Y/N's frustration.

"We can work on that, Y/N. I know your father was distant, but—" Aurora pleaded, her tone gentle. Y/N pinched the bridge of her nose, frustration evident on her face.

"I don't want to change. I'm fine the way I am, Aurora," Y/N snapped, her words laced with irritation. Aurora let out an exasperated exhale.

"You know I'm just as stubborn as you, right? You won't win this argument, Y/N," Aurora scolded, her determination unwavering. Y/N's jaw clenched in response.

"Could you please stop acting like my mother for once?" Y/N retorted sharply.

"No! Because your mother didn't teach you basic human decency—" Aurora fired back, her frustration evident. Y/N scoffed.

"Don't talk about my mom that way. She did the best she could," Y/N challenged.

"I know she did, but sometimes it wasn't enough. That's why I'm here, Y/N. I want to help you," Aurora exclaimed.

"Why?" Y/N's voice rose, a mix of confusion and frustration.

"Because I care about you, okay? That's what friends do, Y/N," Aurora pleaded, her words striking Y/N deeply. 

It was a sensation she wasn't accustomed to – someone putting in so much effort for her well-being. The overwhelming feeling made her vulnerable, exposing parts of herself she rarely showed. Y/N wasn't one to openly communicate her feelings or ask for help, and yet Aurora's persistence felt like a gentle but firm push out of her comfort zone.

"Y/N, stop settling for halfway or playing it safe in your comfort zone. You can't always have everything under control," Aurora whispered, her voice gentle as her hand reached up to cup Y/N's cheek. Y/N's gaze shifted downward, avoiding eye contact.

"Emotions aren't meant to be embarrassing," Aurora murmured, her tone soothing. Y/N's gaze flickered to the side, avoiding Aurora's gaze. 

"Look at me," Aurora urged, and Y/N reluctantly met her gaze. "I'm your friend, Y/N. I won't betray you or make you feel embarrassed. I promise. I just want you to be more open, to be a better friend to me and the others."

"But you have to promise to invest as much effort as I do," Aurora said with a small smile, chipping away at Y/N's defenses. "Comfort and safety don't have to equate to fear and unpredictability. I won't let you feel neglected, Y/N."

Aurora's words were like a gentle embrace, coaxing Y/N to lower her guard. The walls around Y/N's heart began to weaken as Aurora's patience and care made their mark. 

"Why should I trust you?" Y/N's voice was soft, carrying a hint of hesitation.

"It's not just about me. You can trust Harry, Seraphina, Sophie, and even..." Aurora's voice trailed off, leaving a pause. "Hermione. I see how you look at her, Y/N," Aurora murmured gently.

"Promise me you'll communicate, okay?" Aurora implored, her tone earnest.

"Okay," Y/N whispered, her walls slowly giving way. 

TO BE CONTINUED...