The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

40. The Lines We Cross for Each Other

"Relax," I said gently. "You're safe here."

He looked at me then — really looked — and something in his expression softened, the tension easing just a little.

"I know," he said quietly. "That's the problem."

I stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the faint tension humming through him, and brushed my fingers lightly over his shoulder.

The contact almost made him jump out of his skin.

He froze, then very deliberately didn't move, like if he stayed perfectly still the moment might not notice him.

"You okay?" I asked softly, tilting my head.

He nodded a little too quickly. "Perfectly fine. Completely fine. Exceptionally fine."
Then he paused, clearly realising that sounded suspicious.
"Just—" He swallowed, throat bobbing. "You're my girlfriend now."

The way he said it — half wonder, half disbelief, like he was testing the words to see if they'd explode — made my heart do something ridiculous.

I tried. I truly tried not to beam.

I failed.

"I am," I confirmed, voice warm.

He let out a breath that sounded like he'd been holding it since the war ended. "That's... new."

"Is it terrifying?" I asked sweetly.

"Yes," he said instantly. No hesitation. No shame.

Then, after a beat — softer, quieter, more honest —

"But also... wonderful."

Oh.

That did something to me.

My chest warmed in that deep, steady way that felt less like excitement and more like rightness. Like something had clicked into place without either of us forcing it.

I turned toward my dresser, reaching for my pyjamas, and the second my fingers brushed the fabric—

Draco's head snapped in the opposite direction so fast I was genuinely concerned he might injure himself.

The poor man nearly gave himself whiplash.

"Oh Merlin—Draco," I laughed, unable to help myself. "I'm not stripping in front of you."

His ears went a violent, alarming shade of red.

"I wasn't—I mean—I didn't think—you just—" He waved a hand helplessly in the general direction of the wall. "Just go change!"

I grinned wickedly, enjoying this far too much. "You're very flustered for someone who just survived a war."

"This is worse," he muttered, still staring at the wall like it had personally offended him.

I grabbed my clothes, still laughing under my breath, and slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

On the other side, I heard him exhale dramatically — like a man who had just narrowly escaped a scandal — and I smiled to myself, heart light, head buzzing, knowing full well...

I was absolutely going to tease him about this forever.

When I came out — in soft pyjama bottoms and an oversized jumper — Draco was standing awkwardly by the bed, still fully dressed, shoes on, shirt buttoned to his throat like he was preparing for a Ministry hearing, not sleep.

"You do know," I said, climbing into bed, "that sleeping fully dressed is not a requirement."

He blinked at me.