Unreal

Chp 58 Closer than Before

"Someone's eager," I said, breath hitching halfway through.

He smirked, flustered — flustered — but still himself. "You kissed me, Hart."

"And you nearly devoured me."

"I was being polite," he said, all mock-offense. "That was me holding back."

I stared at him.

He winked.

And just like that — I was flustered again.

Stupid, handsome, smirking menace.

And Merlin help me, I wanted to kiss him again.

I flushed—violently. My face felt hotter than it had any right to be in the middle of February.

So I did the only thing my body could think to do.
I leaned into him.

Rested my head gently on his shoulder.

His shoulder was warm. Familiar.
I could smell him this close — fire whiskey and soap and something citrusy that made me want to melt into the stone.

"I'm..." I swallowed. "I'm really grateful for you, Fred."

He didn't say anything at first. Just let out a slow breath, like he was trying not to feel too much.
Then I felt him turn slightly toward me, his chin grazing the top of my head.

"I'm worried about you, Hart."

His voice was softer now. Not teasing. Not cocky. Just honest.

"I know."
I closed my eyes. "But I'll be okay."

He didn't push.
Didn't tell me to prove it or explain why.

He just sat with me in the quiet.

The courtyard was still — a cold breeze brushing past us, rustling the ivy on the walls. The stars stretched wide above the towers, clear and bright. It almost didn't feel real, like the castle had paused just for us.

After a moment, I said, "Tell me something dumb."

Fred blinked. "Dumb?"

"Yeah. Something fun. Something stupid and warm so I can pretend I'm not about to face death in front of a crowd."

He chuckled, a quiet rumble under my cheek.
"All right," he said. "Fourth year. George and I charmed Filch's broom cupboard to scream every time he opened it. Took him two weeks to figure it out. We almost got expelled."

I smiled into his shoulder. "That's awful."

"You're welcome."

I let my fingers play with the edge of my sleeve. "Mine's Third year. Back in my Muggle school. I climbed to the roof of my school with snacks and just... stayed there. Skipped class. Watched clouds. Got sunburnt. Totally worth it."

Fred laughed. "That is dumb."

"It was beautiful."

He tilted his head slightly so his temple rested against mine.

"We should start collecting more of those," Fred said quietly.

I turned slightly, blinking up at him.
"More of what?"

"Stupid, warm memories."
His voice was lower now. Not teasing. Not flirty. Just... Fred.

The real kind.

I swallowed. "We already did."

He looked down at me, his brows rising just a bit like he wasn't expecting that.