Chapter Four: The Confession

(Draco's POV)

Crap, he beat me to it. My heart raced as I watched Harry approach her with that infuriatingly hopeful smile plastered across his face. What will she say? The tension in my chest tightened like a vice grip. I couldn't let him steal this moment from me—this moment that felt like it might finally be mine.

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(Y/n's POV) 

A mix of surprise and uncertainty washed over me as Harry Potter stood in front of me, his deep-green eyes sparkling with anticipation and a hint of insecurity. He took a small step closer, and the faint scent of his aftershave filled the air. "... will you be my date to the ball?" he asked, his voice steady but edged with vulnerability. My heart did a strange flip, and I felt a flutter in my stomach, yet I knew I had to be truthful. "Sorry, but no thanks for asking, though; I just don't like you like that," I said, trying to keep the sadness from creeping into my voice. *Because I'm in love with Draco,* the thought echoed painfully in my mind as I turned away from Harry's disappointed expression. He looked at me sadly, his lips pressing into a thin line, the hint of hurt lingering in his eyes. "Okay, well, see you around," he muttered quietly, retreating down the hallway, his shoulders slumped.

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(Draco's POV)

*Yesssss!* I thought to myself, a wave of exhilaration washing over me, almost making me giddy. This is my chance. My heart raced as I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me, and approached her with what I hoped was an air of confidence. "Hey, y/n, will you be my date to the ball?" I asked, my voice steady yet laced with anticipation and a hint of nervousness I couldn't quite shake off. She hesitated, biting her lip as her eyes darted away, uncertainty flickering across her face like the light of a candle struggling against the wind. "I—uh..." she stammered, leaving the air thick with suspense. Every second felt like an eternity, and I desperately hoped she wouldn't turn me down like Harry.