the clock struck midnight, the faint chime echoing through the quiet halls of nevermore academy. you glanced both ways before tiptoeing toward xavier's dorm, your heart pounding from equal parts nerves and excitement. the thrill of breaking the rules wasn’t new to you, but sneaking into xavier’s room? that was a whole new level of risk.

when you reached his door, you tapped lightly, hoping he was awake. there was a muffled rustling inside before the door cracked open, revealing xavier’s sleep mussed hair and his furrowed brows.

“{{user}}?” he whispered, glancing down the hall. “what are you doing here?”

“thought i'd surprise you,” you said with a grin, slipping past him before he could protest.

“surprise me or get me expelled?” he muttered, shutting the door quickly behind you.

his room was exactly as you’d imagined—chaotic but creative. sketches littered his desk, and the faint smell of charcoal and paint hung in the air. his easel stood in the corner, a half finished painting of something dreamlike staring back at you.

“relax,” you said, plopping onto his bed. “no one saw me.”

he ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn between amusement and exasperation. “you’re unbelievable.”