Hermione couldn't believe what she had just said. She had never been the type of person who just blurted out what she felt.
She knew she probably should've told Theo already that they had met before—even though they had never spoken, but based on what happened after she Had used Obliviate on her parents, nothing good could come of it.
Theo kept staring at her, as if she hadn't spoken. Or she had spoken in a different language.
"Theo? Could you please say something?" Hermione pleaded, her heart pounding even faster as the seconds ticked by and he didn't say a word.
She was afraid she had messed things up before they could even start. Theo's face was too hard to read, and Hermione felt her heart breaking at the thought of him finding her weird.
"Do you like me?" Theo asked in a small voice, coming near Hermione. "A crush is liking someone, isn't it?"
Hermione nodded, looking down, not wanting to see his expression. He couldn't be happy with her little secret, could he?
"I like you too, Mia," Theo whispered, making Hermione's head snap up at the words. Theo's brown eyes were staring right at her.
Hermione's heart soared before it plummeted back down. If Theo also liked her, why did he say he couldn't go on a date with her?
"You say you like me, but you still feel like you aren't good enough for me," Hermione said in a small voice, taking a step back from Theo.
His face fell, but Hermione just wanted to understand.
"I think I got scared," Theo said, softly. "You're an amazing girl and I know I'm lucky that you like me back. But I still don't have much I can offer you or even ask you on a date in a restaurant since I don't have any money and you deserve so much more than me!"
Her head cocked to the side, staring at Theo as if he had grown a second head. He clearly didn't understand that Hermione never cared about these types of things, and how could he when she had never told him?
"Our first date doesn't need to be anything glamorous or expensive," Hermione started, trying not to offend Theo. "I already know you like to read books, just like me, and take walks in the park.
"There's a great spot in the park next to the shop, it's very green and is a perfect spot for a picnic, or so Sophie says." Hermione always liked to have a plan for everything, but for the first time, she was winging it, like Harry always did. "We could have a picnic there.
"We can make the meal together and then, we can stay and read a little? Together?" Hermione asked, almost afraid Theo was going to say no.
Theo stared at her for a long time, almost making her regret saying anything. But it didn't take long for him to smile at her and Hermione's heart started beating faster.
"I think that's a great idea, Mia!" Theo's smile was getting bigger by the minute. "And you don't need to make any of the food. I can do that! You were a great teacher and I think I can make some sandwiches and maybe a pie."
Hermione smiled, her feelings for Theo growing at his exuberance and happiness over something so simple.
"It's a date then," she said, squeezing her hands behind her back to stop herself from squealing out loud.