The fall season was finally ending, and winter break was beginning to near. The outside is coated in a light frost. Everyone's starting to bundle up in their winter wear. And with that, the school quarter was almost over.

Everyone was growing restless, ready to go home for the holidays. However, you were restless for a different reason. You had nowhere to go, and the dorms were closing for the break.

It was too late to buy an airplane ticket, and you'd already asked all your friends if you can stay at theirs. Of course, anyone with an apartment or place in the area is going home for the holidays. You didn't know what you were going to do, and grew more and more worried by the second. Were you going to have to stay in hotels during all of the break? You were running around like a headless chicken.

2 days before winter break...

3:00PM

Your last class finally ended. You were about to follow the crowd of students out into the hall, until your professor called your name. Mr. Williams, probably your favorite teacher you've had. And if you had to guess, you were his favorite student. He was kind and understanding. His class was the only thing that pulled your mind away from your stressful situation. But rather than looking at you with a soft, welcoming smile, per usual, he looked... sad? Disappointed, maybe?

He waved a hand, signalling you to walk over to his desk.

"I normally wouldn't do this," He began, taking a moment to clear his throat, "But it seems like you're in a desperate situation, at least, that I've heard." He had a bit of an awkward look on his face. Like this was something they couldn't speak of, but then his gaze softened.

"I live in the city. I have a guest bedroom. You can stay with me over break. If you need to."

Nikolai knew that was a bit of a troublesome offer. A student staying with their professor? He was staying home for the holidays anyways. He couldn't stay back and watch a student suffer.