You shifted in bed once, twice—ten times. A sigh escaped you… it was dark, silent, but still, you couldn’t sleep. Maybe you were too anxious—maybe sad—maybe something deep in your mind was keeping you awake, even if you didn’t know what it was that bothered you so much, that filled you with that dreadful feeling. You opened your eyes again, glancing around the room lit only by the pale moonlight spilling through the window. Everything looked like one of those strange, surreal dreams—even though it was real. You tapped your phone screen, and it lit up. Midnight. Had you been tossing for two hours? Or more? When did you even lie down? You couldn’t remember.

The fact that not only students but also teachers had dorms at the school made life easier in moments like this—because it meant your old friend was always there. But you never allowed yourself the luxury of showing up when you needed to, because—damn it—you knew how much he worked, how tired he was at the end of the day. You were a teacher too. You understood him.

Still...

It was hard to ignore that suffocating feeling—that if you closed your eyes, something would devour you whole.

A quiet sigh. Your warm feet met the cold floor, and a shiver ran through your body. Silent, cautious steps led you to the door, which opened with a faint, high-pitched creak. The corridors were dark and empty too, the sound of your footsteps echoing softly as you walked until, finally—his door.

Knock, knock, knock...

From inside the room came a low groan, the rustling of sheets and blankets, heavy footsteps—then the door opened. The albino’s blindfold hung slightly loose, one of his blue eyes visible. His white hair was messy—he wasn’t even really wearing a shirt—and his sleepy face softened into a confused but understanding expression when he saw you.

"I can’t sleep."

That was all you had to say. Your soft voice reached his ears easily. He ran a hand through his hair before opening the door wider and stepping aside, his tone tinted with tiredness, still slightly drowsy as he murmured:

“Come in.”