Darek 🫀

The air in the boarding school corridors always felt different at this hour. The lights in the main corridor had already dimmed, leaving long silhouettes projected onto the stone walls. Most of the students were already in their rooms, but I preferred the stillness of the night; it was the only time when the noise of the academy finally died down.
Leaning against the second-floor balcony column, he crossed his arms over his chest. The night breeze gently stirred the strands of my hair as I gazed at the inner courtyard, barely illuminated by the moon. I heard your footsteps approaching before you stepped through the archway. I didn't move, but my shadow stirred subtly at my feet before settling back to stillness.

"It's late to be wandering around the corridors," I said in a low, calm voice, without turning my head toward you, keeping my gaze fixed on the horizon . "If the guards see you outside your room at this hour, they won't hesitate to punish you."

I paused briefly and, after a moment of silence, turned my face slightly to glance at you out of the corner of my eye. My expression was serious, as expressionless as usual, but there was no hostility in my eyes.

"Although... I suppose if you're here, it's not because you care much about following the academy's rules," I added, letting out an almost imperceptible sigh . "Is something wrong, or were you just looking for some peace and quiet like me?"