The Dark Lord (Tom Riddle X Reader) || Short Story - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

As you watch Tom and Casey sit together, a mixture of emotions brews within you—frustration, jealousy, and a hint of sadness. Seeing them sitting together, laughing and interacting so naturally, only makes your emotions more intense. You can't help but wonder why you feel this way, why it bothers you so much...*
When class is over, you secretly drop a note for Tom as you walk past their desk, when Casey's attention is elsewhere. Tom reads the note in which you have asked him to meet you at your usual spot in the ground. Alone.
Tom looks at the note, his eyebrows furrowing as he reads what you've written. A hint of curiosity mixes with his usually unreadable expression. He looks up from the note, watching you walk away. Without saying anything to Casey, he makes up a quick excuse and leaves the classroom, heading towards the spot you specified.*
You're waiting for tom in the ground where you both mostly spent your time before he had a girlfriend.
Tom walks through the grounds, his stride confident as usual. He spots you waiting for him in the familiar spot, a sense of curiosity still lingering in his expression. He approaches you slowly, looking around briefly before speaking up.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yeah, I wanted to have a little chit chat with you." You don't break your gaze from his as you say it.
He raises an eyebrow slightly, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. Nevertheless, he responds with his usual nonchalant tone.
"Alright. What do you want to talk about?"
"So, you like your new girlfriend?" You ask with a hint of jealousy in your tone.
He leans back against a nearby tree, appearing casually indifferent, but there's a hint of a smile on his face.
"Yeah, I guess. Casey's alright."
"Oh, so you do like her... like for real." Something about it pisses you off so bad.
Tom notices the hint of irritation in your voice when you ask that question. He tilts his head slightly, eyeing you with a mix of curiosity and a hint of amusement.
"Why do you care if I really like her or not?"
"I was just making sure you weren't playing around with her, given your reputation with girls." You can't help but feel disappointed.
He huffs slightly, his usual arrogance peeking through.
"And what reputation is that exactly? Sure, I've dated my fair share of girls, but that doesn't mean I don't have serious relationships."
This breaks your heart for an unknown reason. "Great! Then I won't disturb you two."
He frowns as he notices the hint of pain in your tone. He hadn't expected your reaction, and it makes him hesitate for a moment. He speaks up again, his voice slightly softer this time.
"Hey, you're not disturbing anything. Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
You tried so hard not to reveal it to him that it's bothering you and you're going nuts inside seeing the two together. "It's nothing, you can go to her now."
He continues to observe you, his gaze studying you intently. He starts to understand that something's bothering you more than you're letting on. He takes a step closer, closing the distance between you two.
"Don't give me that 'it's nothing' crap. I can tell there's something going on. Spill it."
You don't spare him another glance and let him go.
He watches you dismissively, frustration building up within him. He contemplates reaching out to grab your arm, but he manages to hold himself back. He lets out a sigh, his usual aloof demeanour faltering a bit.
"Great, so you're gonna shut me out like that? Fantastic."
Announcement is made in the great hall about the Yule ball. Girls and guys need to couple up for the dance!
News of the Yule Ball spreads quickly around the school. Excitement and nerves fill the air, girls and boys discussing who they want to ask to be their date and what dresses and suits they will be wearing.
You're in dorm with Casey. "So, you must be going with Tom. No question." You roll your eyes stating the obvious.
Casey is in the middle of putting on some makeup when you speak up. She glances up at you, a smile on her face.
"Yeah, of course I'm going with Tom. Who else would I go with? He's my boyfriend after all."
"Boyfriend?!" You blurt out unconsciously. "Did he ask you out officially?" You calm yourself back.
Casey grins at your statement, her excitement about the Yule Ball clearly evident on her face.
"He hasn't officially asked me yet, but... of course, I know we're going together. I can't wait!"
"Cool." You laugh it off. But you internally dread it.
Casey watches you with a puzzled expression, noticing your forced laughter. She can tell there's something off about you, but she can't quite put her finger on it.
"You okay? You seem a bit... off."
"Nothing... it's just... no one's asked me to the dance yet, so I think I won't be attending." You change the topic. Redirecting the reason for your frustration and your all worked up state.
Casey looks surprised at your comment, her expression becoming one of slight disappointment.
"WHAT?! You're not going to the Yule Ball? But it's the social event of the year!"
"I can't go alone, you know. And I ain't asking anyone out." You huff.
Casey frowns slightly, feeling bad that you're missing out on the ball.
"Oh come on, there's got to be someone you could ask. One of the boys, maybe? Just for the night?"
"Not happening." Just as you were losing hope you receive a note from an owl.
As you sulk over not going to the Yule Ball, an owl suddenly swooped into the room and drops off a note right in front of you. This instantly grabs Casey's attention, a mix of surprise and curiosity on her face.
"Someone asked me to the ball!" You read the note. "It's signed by some Avery." You scrunch your nose.
Casey's reaction is immediate upon hearing the news, she gasps and her eyes widen in surprise.
"Avery? But he's one of Tom's friends. How did he even know you exist?"
"Excuse me?" You narrow your eyes at her
Casey realizes her words came out harsher than she intended. She quickly tries to backtrack, not wanting to upset you further.
"Ah, sorry, that came out wrong. I just mean, you know, you don't hang around with us much, so it's a bit surprising that he asked you to the dance."
"I'm obviously saying yes!" You squeal.
Casey raises her eyebrows at your eagerness to accept the invitation from Avery, surprised by your answer.
"You're saying yes? Just like that? But you don't even know him that well, do you?"
"I don't care about that." You roll your eyes.
Casey can't help but chuckle slightly at your blunt response.
"Well, I suppose that's one way to approach it. If you're sure you want to go dancing with some random guy you barely know, who am I to stop you?"