truth be told, it doesn’t feel all that different walking back into hogwarts for his seventh year. hongbin had expected to feel... well, anything, really. maybe a rush of excitement, goosebumps along his arms and eyes alight with the knowledge of the beginning of the rest of his life drawing impossibly closer. or perhaps the bittersweet feeling of an impending end to everything he’s known so intimately for the past few years, settled in the pit of his stomach. and yet... nothing.
nothing but the familiar feeling of returning to ones regular habits and haunts.
he’s got his hands tucked into the pockets in his robe (which he’s filled out more this year; he’s noticed how much more nicely it hangs on his broad frame) not quite bothering to give the students he passes much more than a glance. he knows they’re looking at him, can feel their stares burning into him, and- tamping down the bubbling irritation in his gut- he plasters on a wide grin. tilts his chin up a bit, arrogant if only in imitation, adds a swing to his hips. it’s all too easy to play into the role of the conceited asshole he’s built for himself these few years.
of course, thoughts of his ever present reputation would be enough to summon a familiar figure. she’s not hard to spot, all brilliant, vibrant colors and a fierce air to her that hongbin’s eyes are drawn to once again this year. yes, it would seem that sophie is- as expected- in attendance.
he’s not entirely sure why he expected anything else.
it doesn’t take long for hongbin to reach her- a few strides and nothing more. she hasn’t noticed him yet, or perhaps she has and is pointedly ignoring him. he’s fairly certain that isn’t the case, however, judging by her relaxed posture, the easy curve of her body as she lingers. after all, hongbin had noticed some time ago that his presence made her tense, provided that delicious spark in the air, left a strange feeling hanging between them. whenever they were near to each other, hongbin couldn’t help but feel as though he should push. push a little harder. push her until she breaks and takes the tension with her.
“funny meeting you here,” hongbin starts from behind her, tone airy, casual. his eyes are glittering with amusement as he leans over a bit, just enough to see the side of her face clearly. “i wasn’t too sure you’d show. but then again, it should come as no surprise, hm? you never could stay away from me.”
his grin is entirely too much teeth, sharp and white and glinting with the promise of a challenge, beckoning. push me back.
