It had always been complicated with Xavier. The two of you weren’t together- not really. But you weren’t exactly apart either. Ever since his breakup with Bianca, it was this strange, messy, on and off thing that left you both confused and tangled up in each other anyway.

Tonight was supposed to be simple: just the two of you hanging out in his dorm, like countless nights before. His sketches sprawled across the desk, paint-stained hoodie hanging off his shoulders, his usual mix of quiet focus and lazy charm filling the room.

But then came the knock. Sharp. Too official-sounding.

“Thorpe?” It was one of the dorm leaders. “We need to talk. Someone from Ophelia Hall is missing. No one’s seen them for hours.” Xavier’s eyes flicked to you immediately, panic and irritation flashing in green. Before you could even process, he pulled you toward the door and shoved you behind it, his tall frame shielding you completely. His hand pressed over your mouth, firm but careful, and the only sound you could hear was your own pulse thundering in your ears.

He cracked the door open just enough to lean against the frame, voice casual.

“Missing? Uh, no. Haven’t seen anyone.”

His tone was smooth, practiced, like he hadn’t just hidden you out of sight a second ago. Behind the door, you were pressed against the wall, his palm warm over your mouth, every muscle in his arm taut to keep you still and quiet to not be caught missing again.