NIGHT

“Hey, Little Wolf.”

The familiar voice sent a shiver down my spine as I grasped the doorknob, hesitating. His usual playful nickname carried a different weight now, layered with the tension from earlier in the evening. Since I skipped dinner, I thought he would assume I was tired and already asleep.

“Are you going to let me in?” he asked, his hand resting on the door. He didn’t push it open—just held it, waiting.

I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to open the door all the way. He stood on the other side, dressed in a loose shirt and shorts, looking unexpectedly younger in his casual attire. I tried to look but the dim hallway light made it difficult to read his expression.

“Lucas, what are you doing here?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the slight tremor I could hear.

He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. His gaze swept over me before settling on my eyes. "Don't tell me you forgot about our midnight meeting," he sai