{{{rose}}}

   S t o p saying that. Yes, in reality, the feelings are mutual. Avoiding them
   just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Now, here they are, and
   she feels t e r r i f i e d. In one way, if she doesn’t admit that she returns
   the sentiment, then nothing will ever happen between them. They’ll be stuck
   as friends, and she doesn’t want that in all honesty. However, if she admits
   that the feelings are mutual, then she would have consequences to face.

        d e c i s i o n s, decisions.

   As they stared at each other in silence, she contemplated the pros & cons
   of each path she could take.
       And, in that moment, she realized, she had to stop being a c o w a r d.

❝You know, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, you placed me in quite an awkward
situation. Blimey, we’ve been best mates for a long time.
    —— However, I’ve decided that I don’t want to be best mates anymore.
    In fact, I think I’m past that. 
    I guess what I’m trying to say is——
              I L I K E you too.❞

   And in that moment, Rose Weasley actually s m i l e d. Not a forced smile,
   or a smile with a sarcastic meaning behind it, but a genuine smile.

    ❝But ?❞
 Scorpius knows his best friend . And there are things you pick
 up on after long exposure to Rose Weasley . He decided to
 dissect her words , her expression meticulously . It was a real
 smile , yes (and with this knowledge he nearly grinned himself ; 
 he couldn’t have hoped for better ) , but there was something
 behind it , a detached and concerned part of her .

 Something was wrong .

 If Rose was really being Rose , she’d have squeezed his hand or 
 something , just to let him know she was all-in . Scorpius knew
 when there was an issue in her head ; it was plain on her face this
 time . A thousand options flickered through his mind in an instant
 before the obvious answer presented itself . He could laugh for how
 plain it should have been .  

    ❝Ah , I’ve got it . It’s your father , isn’t it ? 
    You know he wouldn’t approve . It’s okay .  
    Family first , you know ? I don’t want to be
    the one to come between you two . It’s okay .❞

 ( it’s not okay it’s not okay it’s not okay it’s not okay )

    ❝Really .❞