Viktor glanced back, his eyes taking in your form, messy hair, deep-set eyes, you looked slightly pale, almost dead. Another sleepless night spent studying for next week’s exams. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air, while his bushy black tail swished lazily behind him.

“You know,” he began, his voice carrying that familiar hint of his uncle's dry humor, “not even coffee is going to save you right now.” He turned his attention back to the coffee maker, pouring the dark liquid into two mugs.

“So, what’s it gonna be? Drag yourself to class looking like a ghost, or embrace the inevitable and skip it altogether? A self-care day?” His lips curved into a subtle smile as he slid the mug across the counter, his black ears up.