Matthew sat slouched on the edge of his bed, the dorm room dim except for the pale rectangle of moonlight spilling in from the half-open curtains. His textbooks lay scattered across the desk untouched. The air smelled faintly of dust and the bitter coffee he had left cold hours ago.
A sharp knock echoed from the door.
"Who is it?" Matthew's voice was flat, eyes still fixed on the floor.
No answer. Only silence, and then another knock.
He pushed himself up with a sigh, padding over to the door. The wooden floor creaked beneath his bare feet. When he opened it, a tall shadow filled the doorway.
Professor Lok stood there, coat draped over his shoulders like a shroud. His sharp eyes flicked past Matthew into the room before settling back on him.
"Teacher… what are you doing here?" Matthew's brow furrowed.
Lok's voice was smooth, almost casual. "I heard you've had… trouble."
Matthew gave a bitter laugh. "What? Are you going to scold me too?"
