Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Saint let out a sigh as he reached the Potions classroom door—late again.

He had a bunch of excuses ready, from “haunted hallway” to “broom emergency,” but none of them were going to help. Truth was, he just wasn’t excited to be paired with a Slytherin today.

Not because he hated them or anything. But... okay, there was history.

Last year, his cauldron had exploded. That sucked on its own, but worse? His Slytherin partner, Airy, had ended up completely bald thanks to what was supposed to be a hair-thickening potion. Rumour had it that Saint did it on purpose because he hated Slytherins. He didn’t. But they didn’t really care.

Saint was just horrible at potions.

So, when Snape announced Slytherins and Gryffindors would be working together again, Saint knew he was doomed.

He’d actually thought about skipping, but Cable told him not to. Something about it being important for his N.E.W.T.s. Whatever.

He muttered, “Nox,” and tucked his wand away before opening the door.

“Mr. Saint, I’m so glad you decided to join us,” Snape said without even looking up. “I assume you have a very good reason for your tardiness.”

"Sorry, Professor. I lost track of time."

"If only you put as much effort into your studies as you do into your social interactions, Mr. Saint."

The class tittered quietly, but Saint didn’t care. He was used to Snape’s comments.

"Take your seat,” Snape continued, dismissing him with a wave of his hand.

Saint moved quickly to the back of the room where Cable and Eve were sitting.

“You’re late,” Eve said as he sat down.

“Thanks Eve. Hadn’t noticed.”

“For a second, I thought you’d actually bail,” Cable whispered.

“I thought about it.” 

Eve and Cable turned their attention back to Snape, but Saint’s gaze drifted elsewhere.

To Shin.

On the other corner of the class, Shin was sat alone, eyes down as he scribbled something in his notebook. 

Saint couldn’t help but look at him.

No one got his attention the way Shin did. Not since their first year.

He still remembers it clearly. He’d been sneaking around the castle late at night, when he stumbled upon Shin.

At first, it seemed like the boy was whispering to himself. But as Saint stepped closer, he realised he was speaking to a small snake curled around his wrist.

“Is that snake yours?” Saint had asked.

The sudden voice startled Shin and he turned around to look at Saint, almost as if he was afraid Saint was going to attack him.

“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you,” Saint said quickly, hands up.

Shin just stared, wide-eyed, not saying anything.

“It’s a pretty snake.”

Saint’s gaze lingered on the snake. He had always liked animals.

The snake lifted its head and hissed softly.

“She said thanks,” Shin had said quietly.

“You can understand it?”

This was not something new to Saint. Saint knew about Parseltongue, of course. His aunt had told him stories—Voldemort had been a Parselmouth. And so had Harry Potter.

Shin nodded, looking nervous. “Yeah. But I’m not evil or anything.”

“Don't worry. I think it's cool. I wish I could speak with them too.”

Shin smiled then. A real smile. And Saint felt... something. Like his heart stopped.

Shin had asked him to keep it a secret.

Saint never told anyone.

But after that night, they didn’t really talk again. Shin got sorted into Slytherin, Saint into Gryffindor, and that was that. Just polite nods and the occasional glance in shared classes.

Still, Saint always noticed him.

“What do you think is going to happen if you just stare at him?”

Saint blinked, snapping back to the present. He turned to Eve, who was leaning towards him with a smirk.

“I wasn’t staring.”

“You were. Your crush is getting out of hand.”

He didn’t answer. Because she wasn’t wrong.

Gryffindor’s golden boy and Quidditch star, Saint, had a big, fat crush on Slytherin’s quiet, introverted potions genius, Shin.

He didn’t even know when it started. Maybe it was that first night when Shin had smiled at him. Maybe last year, when Shin unexpectedly helped him clean up after the cauldron mess.
Maybe it was something else entirely.

Didn’t matter.

All he knew was that Shin was beautiful, and Saint couldn’t stop thinking about him.

“Today,” Snape’s cold voice cut through the room, “you will attempt to brew a potion of considerable complexity. One that requires precision and cooperation.”

His gaze swept over the class.

“As I previously mentioned, in an attempt to promote inter-house relations, Professor McGonagall has requested that Gryffindors be paired with Slytherins.”

A heavy silence fell. 

“You will be working in pairs.”

No one was looking forward to this.

“Miss Eve and Mr. Tinn.”

Eve sighed. “Could’ve been worse,” she muttered.

“Mr. Cable and Mr. Fadel.”

Saint and Cable turned to each other at the same time.

“He’s going to kill me,” Cable whispered.

“Don’t be dramatic,” Eve said.

“Please include that on my tombstone,” Cable replied.

Saint nodded. “I’ll make sure they spell your name right.”

“And then… Mr. Saint and Mr. Shin.”

Saint’s brain short-circuited.

Silence.

What?

No way.

Saint must have misheard.

The universe couldn’t possibly hate him this much.

“Well, isn’t this interesting,” Eve said with a crooked grin as she glanced at Saint. “Good luck.”

Saint didn’t respond. He was still staring at Snape, half-hoping he’d change his mind if he just waited long enough.

But Saint wasn’t that lucky.

Being paired with Shin, of all people, made his stomach twist.

A few Slytherins were already laughing under their breath like they knew this would be a trainwreck.

Potions was his weakest subject by far—he was, without question, the worst student in the whole school. Shin, on the other hand, was the best.

Snape’s gaze swept over the class. “Now that you all know your partners, move to sit together.”

Taking a deep breath, he made his way to the corner where Shin was sitting. His steps felt heavier with every one he took. He dropped into the seat beside Shin and set his bag down without saying anything.

Just get through this, he told himself.

Snape picked up right where he left off. “As I was saying, you will be brewing a new potion. Or trying to, considering most of you are hopeless.” Snape droned, looking directly at Saint, “You have the instructions in front of you, I expect you to be finished by the end of this class.” 

“Professor, the potion doesn’t seem to have a name,” Cable spoke up.

“What an intelligent observation, Mr. Cable,” Snape said in a sarcastic tone. “You will brew the potion and determine what it is. I expect no delays—your time starts now.”

Saint glanced at Shin, who was already flipping through his notes. He looked away just as quickly and focused on the cauldron in front of them.

A few minutes passed in silence.

Then he cleared his throat. “So… what do you want me to do?”

“Get the ingredients from the storeroom.”

Shin didn’t even look at him. But Saint didn’t argue. He stood up and made his way to the storeroom, weaving between desks.

Inside, it was cramped and musty, packed with shelves and jars. He was halfway through picking out ingredients when Eve appeared beside him.

“So, how’s it going with the love of your life?” she asked, smirking as she sifted through the ingredients.

Saint groaned. “Seriously. Shut up.”

Eve snickered. “Does he—”

“Mr. Saint. Ms. Eve.”

Saint winced. Snape’s voice echoed through the storeroom.

“This isn’t the Gryffindor common room. Ten points from each of you. Back to your seats.”

He and Eve exchanged a look before Saint grabbed the rest of the ingredients and hurried back.

By the time he got to the table, Shin had already set everything up. He gave Saint a quick look, then took the ingredients without a word and started preparing the base of the potion.

“Here,” Shin said, handing him a small sprig of mint-colored leaves. “Chop these.”

Saint picked up the knife and started chopping, focusing on getting the pieces even. 

“Make them small,” Shin added, adjusting the flame under the cauldron.

Saint nodded, focusing hard. He didn’t want to ruin the whole thing five minutes in.

I hope I don't screw this up.

There was a small sigh beside him.

“I'm sorry.”

Saint blinked, glancing up. “What?”

Shin didn’t look at him as he stirred the potion. “I’m not trying to order you around. I’m just not used to working with someone else.”

Saint hesitated. “It’s fine.”

He bit the inside of his cheek, trying to play it cool.

This is going to be the longest Potions lesson of his life.

Chapter Text

The potion bubbled quietly. Snape’s voice cut through the classroom noise like always.
“Time’s nearly up. You're already behind if you haven’t added your final ingredients.”

“Final ingredients?” Saint muttered, glancing at Shin.

Shin didn’t look up. “We’re fine. Just add the powdered moonstone.” He nudged the container toward him.

Saint took it, hands a little shaky, and tipped the powder. It sank into the potion like glitter disappearing into glue.

“Now, the pearl dust.”

Saint fumbled with the jar, but Shin reached over and steadied his wrist. Together, they poured it in. The potion glowed faintly, and the surface rippled like it was alive.

A soft, warm scent rose from the cauldron, curling around them like invisible tendrils. Saint blinked, momentarily dazed. The smell was... familiar.

“Do you smell that?” he asked, leaning in slightly.

Shin sniffed. “Yeah.”

“It’s nice,” Saint didn’t notice how close he was getting.

The scent pulled at him, weirdly comforting. His spoon drifted toward the cauldron without him thinking.

He knew that smell.

He leaned in more.

It was only when Shin’s hand shot out, gripping his arm firmly, that Saint snapped out of it. “Don’t lean in like that. This potion’s dangerous.”

Saint blinked and immediately straightened, his breath catching as he realised just how far he’d leaned over the cauldron—his face so close to the shimmering liquid that he could feel the warmth against his skin.

Saint jerked back, blinking fast. He’d been way too close. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“I know. Just be careful.”

Saint nodded, still flustered. Then it hit him. The smell.

“Are you sure we brewed it right?”

Shin frowned. “Why wouldn’t we have?”

Saint was pretty sure they had made a mistake. There had to be something wrong.

Because the content of their cauldron smelled exactly like Shin’s cologne.

Saint hesitated, his face heating. “It’s just that… don’t know...”

“You need to tell me if there's something wrong.”

“It's...uh... it smells like your cologne?”

“What?”

Shin gave him the most confused expression Saint had ever seen. He felt the embarrassment starting to kick in. He should have stayed quiet.

“The potion. It smells like you.”

Silence.

“That’s not possible.”

“No, I swear it does.” Saint leaned closer to the cauldron as if to make Shin believe him. “It smells exactly like you.”

Shin didn’t respond right away. He just stared at Saint, expression unreadable. Then he looked back at the potion.

Saint felt his face heat up even more. “I mean—not exactly exactly. Just… similar.”

Shin’s gaze darted back to him before he moved to finish their work.

Saint felt overwhelmed. He didn't know what was going on, but his heart was working double, and he felt like something was trying to crawl out of his chest.

“Let’s do the final steps, then we’ll see.”

Saint let out a breath he didn’t realise he was holding.

Okay.

Nothing's wrong.

They finished the last steps without saying much. The potion simmered quietly, the colour shifting slightly under the low dungeon light.

Shin moved, and Saint accidentally caught his eye.
He looked away fast, cheeks heating. “So… you think we got it right?”

“Looks fine.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“Saint-”

But before Shin could answer, Snape’s voice cut through the silence.

“You should all be done by now. Bring a sample of your potion to my desk for grading. Label it clearly with both your names. If I don’t see a label, you don’t get a grade.”
He shot a sharp look at Fourth and Gemini, whose cauldron was bubbling suspiciously.

Shin grabbed the vial and walked up. When everyone was seated, Snape proceeded.

“Can anyone tell me what potion you’ve brewed?”

No one spoke.

“Mr. Shin?”

Shin cleared his throat. “It’s Amortentia, sir.”

Saint didn’t react. The name meant nothing to him. 

“It’s the most powerful love potion,” Shin continued.

“What is one of Amortentia's characteristics, Mr. Shin?”

“It… smells different to everyone.”

“And why is that?”

A brief silence followed. This was unusual. Shin never hesitated. 

Saint glanced at him, wondering if there was something wrong. Shin was struggling, eyes darting between Snape and Saint. 

Why’s he hesitating? Doesn’t he know this?

Suddenly, a different voice answered.

“Amortentia smells differently to each person, depending on what they are most attracted to.”

Snape nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Fadel. Ten points to Slytherin.”

Saint froze.

Wait.

Attracted to.

That scent…

Oh no. No, no, no.

His brain stalled. The potion had smelled like Shin.

His cologne.

Saint’s stomach twisted, and heat flooded his face so quickly he thought he might combust on the spot.

Was that why Shin didn’t want to answer?

Saint dared a glance at him, but Shin wasn’t looking at him anymore. His dark eyes were fixed on Snape.

Had Shin realised? Did he know?

“Mister Saint.”

He jumped. Snape was staring at him now, unimpressed.

“Do try to focus,” Snape said. “Unless you’d like to spend your evening scrubbing cauldrons in detention.”

A few students snickered. Saint ducked his head, face burning, and pretended to mess with his notes.

“Clean your stations. Class is dismissed.”

Chairs scraped and bags rustled. Saint packed up fast. He needed out. He slung his bag over his shoulder and turned to leave, determined to escape before anyone could look too closely at him.

“Wait...Saint.”

Please let me leave.

Saint’s chest tightened as he turned towards Shin.

Was he about to say something about the potion?

“I think this is yours.”

Saint blinked, his heart still hammering as Shin held out a book. It took him a second to register it—his Potions textbook, balanced casually in Shin’s hand.

“Oh,” he stammered, the tension in his chest collapsing into a confused mix of relief and lingering nerves. “Uh, thanks.”

He reached for the book, careful not to meet Shin’s gaze.

Shin didn’t say anything else. Saint clutched the book and turned quickly, making a beeline for the exit.

It’s fine, he told himself, gripping the book tighter. It’s fine. He probably doesn’t care.

He won’t even remember.

Chapter Text

Cable blinked. “Wait. Wait. You what?”

Saint buried his face in his hands. “Don’t make me say it again.”

“Please say it again.”

“No.”

“Saint.”

He looked around like someone might be eavesdropping. They were alone. He still lowered his voice. “I told Shin the potion smelled like him.”

Eve stared at him. “Out loud?”

“Yes.”

“To his face?”

“Yes.”

Cable took a long sip from his juice box like he was emotionally detaching. “In the middle of Potions?”

“YES.”

There was a single beat of silence—then Eve threw her head back and cackled.

“WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!”

“I didn’t know what the potion was yet!” Saint hissed, fully red in the face now. “I thought there was something wrong with it!”

Eve was wheezing now. “And what did he say?!”

Saint slumped. “He just… stared at me. Like I’d grown a second head.”

“Well, you did basically say, ‘Hi, I’m in love with you,’ like it was casual,” Cable said.

Saint sat up just to glare at his friends. “You said you wouldn’t laugh!”

“We never said that,” Eve said, absolutely grinning. “This is hilarious.”

“Maybe he didn’t get it,” Saint muttered hopefully.

“Oh, he got it,” Cable said flatly.

“He definitely got it,” Eve added.

“I’m never showing my face in Potions again.”

“Yes, you are. I need to see his face next time you walk in.”

Saint threw a quill at them. “You’re both the worst.”

Eve caught the quill and handed it back to him. “We’re your support system.”

The laughter faded slowly. Eve wiped her eyes, still grinning, but Cable was watching Saint more carefully now.

Saint had gone quiet. He was fiddling with the corner of his sleeve, eyes somewhere far off. “What if I messed it up?”

Cable tilted his head. “Everything...like your reputation?”

“I’m serious!”

“You always are,” Eve said. “That’s why it’s fun.”

Saint groaned. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like that.”

“It’s very you, though,” Cable said.

Saint glared. “You say that like it’s a compliment.”

“It is!” Cable insisted.

“He’s gonna think I’m weird,” Saint mumbled.

“Newsflash: he already knows you’re weird,” Eve said.

“I’m gonna move schools.”

“No. You’re gonna go to Potions tomorrow like a normal human being,” Cable said, poking him in the arm.

“I just don’t want him to laugh at me.”

Cable’s expression shifted. “Wait. You think he would?”

“I don’t know!” Saint snapped, then shook his head. “No. Probably not.”

“Exactly,” Cable said. “That’s not who he is.”

Eve nodded. “Yeah, come on. Even when you tried to make Airy bald—”

“That was an accident!”

“—Shin helped you clean the classroom,” Eve finished.

“And even if he’s surprised or weird about it at first,” Cable said, “he’s not going to humiliate you. He’s not like that.”

Saint rubbed the back of his neck. “…You really think so?”

“I know so,” Eve said. “He looks tough and cold, but he’s actually… kind of nice.”

Saint didn’t respond right away.

He knew they were right. Of course they were.

That was the whole reason he liked Shin in the first place—because even when Shin barely said anything, even when he looked like he couldn’t be bothered with anyone, he never acted mean. He never made people feel stupid. He paid attention when no one else did. He helped without making a show of it.

Saint felt a little lighter, just thinking about it.

“…You’re right,” he said eventually.

Eve gave a small, encouraging nod.

“He’s like…” Saint hesitated. “Like a kitty.”

“Nope,” Cable said immediately, setting down his juice box like he refused to be associated with the conversation anymore.

Eve groaned. “Saint.”

Saint turned red but lifted his chin anyway. “I’m just saying!”

“See? This is why we call you weird,” Cable muttered.

Saint grinned, a little smug despite the faint blush still clinging to his ears. “I’m just being honest.”

“I’d rather you lied,” Cable mumbled.

Eve rolled her eyes, though there was still amusement tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Okay, Mr. Honest. What are you gonna say to Shin when you see him tomorrow?”

Saint’s smile faltered. “I… don’t know.”

Cable raised an eyebrow. “Planning to just crawl under the table and stay there for the whole class?”

“That’s the current plan, yes,” Saint said dryly.

Eve bumped her shoulder against his. “You’ll figure it out. You always do.”

They sat like that for a moment, the quiet settling again, comfortable this time.

Whatever happened tomorrow, Saint figured he’d survive it. Probably.

Saint was going to be sick.

He was gripping his quill like it had personally wronged him, knuckles white, breath shallow. The dungeon classroom was too cold, and somehow, he was still sweating.

“Stop panicking,” Eve whispered beside him, nudging his elbow.

“I’m not panicking,” Saint lied.

“You’re vibrating,” Cable said from his other side. “Like an overcaffeinated ferret.”

Saint didn’t answer. He was too busy staring at the door.

Shin wasn’t here yet.

Any second now, he’d walk in. Any second now, Shin would look at him and either a) laugh, b) confront him, or c) transfer schools.

Saint wasn’t sure which option terrified him more.

The door creaked.

Saint froze, spine going stiff.

Shin stepped into the room, bag slung over one shoulder, expression as blank as ever. His uniform was a little crooked like always, and he didn’t make eye contact with anyone. He just walked straight to his usual corner, slid into his seat, and pulled out his notes.

Like nothing had happened.

Saint blinked.

Shin didn’t look his way. Didn’t act weird. Didn’t glance. Not even once.

Saint had never felt so insulted by normalcy in his life.

“Is that relief or disappointment on your face?” Cable asked, not looking up from his notebook.

“I don’t know,” Saint muttered.

“Want him to jump you in front of the cauldron next time?” Eve added, flipping through her textbook.

Saint slouched low in his seat. “I hate both of you.”

Before either could reply, the classroom door slammed open again.

Snape swept in like a thundercloud, robes billowing behind him, expression sourer than a poisoned lemon. “Open your books to page one-ninety-three.”

Everyone scrambled.

The lesson began.

Potions passed like it always did—stern lectures, scribbled notes, the soft bubbling of cauldrons around the room. Shin answered one question in that low, disinterested voice of his. Saint fumbled a stir count and had to restart his brew.

Shin didn’t so much as glance at him.

By the end of class, Saint didn’t know how to feel.

He shoved his things into his bag, moving on autopilot.

Eve leaned in again as they packed up. “Well? You survived.”

Saint nodded slowly. “I did.”

“Not exactly the dramatic outcome you were bracing for,” Cable said.

“Yeah,” Saint said. “I don’t know if I should be relieved or disappointed.”

“Well, at least you don’t have to change schools now.”

“I’m not—”

“Saint.”

He froze.

He knew that voice.

Eve went stiff beside him. Cable blinked like he hadn’t expected that either.

Saint turned around slowly, his heart thudding like a drumline in his chest.

Shin stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable as always.

Eve jabbed Saint in the ribs

“Saint? Shin’s talking to you.”

Saint grabbed her arm. Feeling embarrassment creep into his face.

Saint cleared his throat. “Yes?”

There was a beat of silence. Then, finally, Shin tilted his head slightly.

“I was wondering if…” he began, voice soft and even. “And I’m sorry if I’m bothering you.”

Saint blinked. “Not! I mean no, you’re not.”

Cable made a choking sound, like he was physically restraining laughter.

“It’s just that” he said. Calm. Soft. “Did you take my quill by accident?”

Well…That’s not what Saint was expecting.

Saint blinked. “What?”

“It’s just,” Shin continued calmly, “did you take my quill by accident? It wasn’t in my kit. Since we worked together yesterday, I thought maybe…”

“Oh. Uh—no. I don’t think so?” Saint said, already yanking his bag open, rifling through it like his life depended on it.

Shin nodded once. “Okay. Just checking.”

And with that, he turned and walked away without so much as a glance at Eve or Cable.

Saint stayed frozen, halfway through unzipping his bag, blinking after him.

Eve made a strangled noise.

“Riveting.”

Saint let his head fall forward onto Cable’s shoulder. “I hate everything.”

Eve patted his back. “On the bright side, he spoke to you.”

“I accidentally confessed my feelings via potion, and he asked if I stole his quill.”

“Baby steps,” Cable said dryly.

Saint groaned. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to crawl into a hole or chase Shin down the hall and say something.

He did neither.

Chapter Text

It was 1 a.m. and Saint was awake.

He lay still for a long time, staring at the ceiling, trying not to think. But his mind, as always, had other plans.

With a sharp sigh, he kicked off his blanket and sat up. The dormitory was silent, the other boys fast asleep. He slipped out quietly, not bothering with a jacket.

He wandered for a few minutes, hoping the walk would help clear his head, but something stopped him. A sound, soft and lilting.

At first, Saint thought it was the wind, but it grew clearer, curling through the hallway like a melody. It was someone's voice.

He paused.

It didn’t sound like any language he knew. The rhythm was fluid, almost like singing.

Curiosity tugged at him, pulling him forward. He moved quietly, careful not to let his slippers slap too loudly against the stone.

As he rounded the corner, the voice became unmistakable.

Shin.

There he was, sitting in a corner, expression softer than Saint had ever seen. He was smiling as he spoke, the almost hypnotic cadence of Parseltongue mesmerising Saint.

On the floor next to him, there was a small black snake coiled at his feet, swaying slightly as it listened to him.

Saint couldn’t bring himself to look away. Shin’s voice was like a spell, pulling him in even as he willed himself to move.

Great, he thought, now I’m just standing here like an idiot.

He needed to leave. There was no way he could face Shin alone after what happened, and he definitely wasn’t ready to get caught spying on him.

But as Saint was getting ready to turn back, Shin’s little snake shifted, its head raising slightly and turning towards Saint before letting out a soft, high-pitched noise.

Well…That can’t be good.

Shin froze mid-sentence. His gaze immediately landed on Saint, who stood awkwardly in the shadows, eyes wide at having been caught.

“What are you doing here?”

Saint leapt away from the corner, clearing his throat like that would somehow erase the fact that he’d just been caught.

“I—uh—I was just… heading to the Astronomy Tower. I didn’t mean to—” He stopped, wincing. “I wasn’t spying or anything!”

Shin raised an eyebrow, his arms still crossed. “So you just happened to be standing there, watching me?”

“I—I heard noise, and I got curious!” he finally managed, “I didn’t know it was you. At first…I mean… I recognized your voice, but…” He trailed off, groaning inwardly at how ridiculous he sounded.

“I mean, not like in a creepy way. It’s just…”

“Just?” Shin pressed, his gaze narrowing slightly.

“Parseltongue,” he mumbled, looking anywhere but at Shin. “You’re the only one I know who speaks it.”

For a moment, Shin just stared at him. Then, sighed loudly. He picked his snake up, stood and began walking toward Saint.

“I never thanked you.” Shin said, his tone lighter than before.

“For what?” 

“For not telling anyone about the Parseltongue thing.” 

Saint blinked. "I would never do that."

Shin tilted his head slightly. "No?"

Saint glanced down quickly, hoping Shin couldn’t see how flustered he was. His eyes landing on Shin’s snake, still coiled loosely around his arm.

“This is your snake?”

Shin hummed. “What about her?”

“Is she the one from before?”

At that, Shin’s expression softened slightly. He lifted a hand, gently stroking the snake's head. "Yeah. This is Nani."

Saint nodded, but his breath hitched slightly as Nani uncoiled and slithered partway down Shin’s arm, her dark eyes fixed on him.

“She likes you,” Shin remarked. “That’s… unusual.”

“Why?”

“She doesn’t trust people easily,” Shin said simply, his gaze flicking back to Saint. “You must’ve made a good impression.”

Saint swallowed, unsure whether to feel relieved or more nervous. He kept still as Nani slithered further toward him, her forked tongue flicking the air near his wrist before retreating.

“Uh… Hi, Nani,” as he extended his arm toward her.

Shin's lips curved upward, clearly amused by Saint’s hesitant greeting. He glanced down at his snake, then back at Saint. “She says hi.”

"She’s… pretty," Saint blurted out, his voice cracking as his chest tightened.

“You’ve said that before.”

He blinked, caught off guard. "I—I have?"

The Slytherin tilted his head, watching him closely. "Mhm. Back when we were kids."

"Well… she is pretty."

Shin took a step closer, eyes glinting with something almost dangerous as he leaned in just slightly.

Saint’s heart hammered in his chest as Shin leaned closer, his presence overwhelming, like he was enveloping him, trapping him in his magnetic pull.

“What exactly do you find so pretty about my snake?” The words seemed to linger in the air, making it impossible for Saint to breathe, let alone think.

Shin was close.

Too close.

His body was so near that Saint could feel the brush of his warmth, the soft scent of his cologne, the quiet intensity of his presence.

Saint’s heart slammed against his ribs. "I’m not—"

“Tell me,” Shin repeated, his voice more commanding now, the teasing edge gone.

His eyes dropped to Shin’s mouth.

Fuck.

Saint swallowed, his chest rising and falling as he fought to control his breath. “Her eyes,” he whispered, his voice had gone breathless. “They’re… intense. Pretty.”

"Huh. That’s interesting."

Saint furrowed his brows. "What is?"

Shin leaned even closer, his breath now warm against Saint's ear. The world seemed to tilt, and for a moment, nothing existed except the two of them in that charged space.

Shin’s lips brushed against the edge of Saint's ear, his voice a seductive murmur. “You know how Patronuses work, right?”

Saint nodded, almost in a daze, the pressure building as he tried to focus on the conversation. "Uh… yeah?"

“What are they?” Shin prompted, his voice low and teasing.

“An extension of someone’s soul,” Saint replied, though his mind was still trying to catch up.

Shin pulled back from Saint’s ear, lips now hovering over Saint’s own. “Ever wonder what mine looks like?"

"I… yes? It’s probably—"

He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes flickering between Shin and Nani, who was still curled around his arm.

Saint. Stopped. Breathing.

The silence between them stretched, tension crackling in the air, until Shin’s voice cut through it, filled with quiet amusement. “You think I’m pretty.”

Shin's Patronus was Nani.

“I thought I was wrong before,”

Saint blinked, his breath catching. “What?”

“Your Amortentia.” He tilted his head, watching Saint’s reaction closely. “I thought it was a coincidence.”

“I should go,” Saint blurted out, stepping back, though his body was screaming to stay. “I really was going to the Astronomy Tower. Before. I just—I have to—”

Saint’s back hit the wall as Shin closed in on him, Nani suddenly gone. His breath hitched as Shin’s arms caged him in, their bodies so close now that he could feel the heat radiating from him.

Shin’s voice dropped to a whisper. “You like me.”

Saint opened his mouth to protest—to say something, anything—but nothing came out.

He shook his head, feeling like he was caught in something he couldn’t escape from. “I’m just—”

“I can feel it, you know. I can feel how you look at me.”

 His fingers brushed against Saint’s jaw, tilting his chin up ever so slightly.

“Tell me,” he breathed, his lips almost touching Saint’s, so soft, so enticing.

“I do,” he admitted, barely above a whisper. “I like you...”

The words hung between them, and the tension in the air thickened, suffocating them both.

“Can I kiss you?” Shin breathed.

“Please, yes.”

Kissing Shin was nothing like Saint could have imagined. There were no fireworks, no flashes of colour behind his closed eyes, just the feel of Saint’s soft lips, the taste of his chapstick.

It was like a sip of hot chocolate on a winter day, warming his chest and spreading colour through his cheeks. A cold hand bumped into Saint’s own, tangling their fingers together and brushing a thumb over his knuckles and— oh. 

Saint pulled away, just enough to breathe into Shin’s mouth, “I like you so much. So much.”

Shin let out a breathy little laugh.

“Good. Me too.”