She had been studying relentlessly, day and night, determined to score well in her exams. That was the very reason he'd kept his distance. He hadn't wanted to distract her, hadn't wanted to be another weight pulling at her concentration when she needed it most.
After making sure she was truly asleep, he left her room and retreated to his own. A long, hot shower eased the tension from his muscles. He changed into sweatpants and a plain white shirt, hunger finally making itself known he hadn't eaten a single thing since morning.
He was on his way to the kitchen when his steps slowed in the corridor.
Muffled cries.
Whispers, broken, desperate.
They were coming from her room.
His instincts flared instantly. He turned and crossed the hallway in long strides, pushing her door open just in time to see her thrashing on the bed. Sweat dampened her skin, her body shaking violently as her hands clawed at the sheets beneath her.
"S-stop…" she sobbed.
