He thought she had never looked more beautiful than that night at the Ministry ball. She was positively shining, in her sunset orange gown, with her chocolate curls falling casually onto her shoulders.
She looked happier too, he mused; happier than when she'd been with him. Every time she looked at her girlfriend, he saw her scarlet lips curve into an enamoured smile. He wondered if she'd ever smiled like that at him, and if he would have noticed if she had.
He envied Padma. Of course he did. But he didn't hate her, as some expected him to. It had been his own fault for letting go of the most beautiful witch he had ever known.
Everything had been perfect, until he'd slipped up. She hadn't noticed the first few times, but eventually she had found out. He didn't know how he'd assumed that she wouldn't.
The one night stands hadn't meant anything, but they had hurt her deeply. She hadn't been angry, but he had seen all her insecurities, all those years of feeling that she wasn't good enough, flashing in her eyes in those few moments. The next minute she had gone, leaving him to crumple to the ground.
So there he stood, watching the woman he loved, dance in the arms of another, telling himself he'd bear it for a little longer, because seeing her smiling face, even from afar, would be worth the pain.
Notes: Written for the 500 Different Pairings Challenge, the Crayola Color Challenge, and Fill the Cup Challenge.
Pairing: Ron/Hermione
Color: Sunset Orange (even though technically my claim hasn't been approved yet. Oops!)
Word Count: 239
Partly in honour of Bi Pride Day next week, since I might not have time then. This is especially short since I struggled to write this pairing that I really do not like, and hopefully avoided any Ron-bashing. Happy reading!