#front gate -

long days at the school etch themselves deep into the pores of joonmyun’s skin — even long after he goes home, there is still nostalgia that remains for days long past and guilt that never goes away. as much as he works, late nights abound — and this is only just another late night where he travels halls that are dark and dimly lit to go about his way.

as much as kim joonmyun loves xavier’s, there comes a time that he must go home.

there are a fair few that still travel the halls and joonmyun smiles at them as he passes, tells the students outside to keep warm as they try to beat the cold night air. he is one that loves the winter, though — the way the cold gets stuck in his lungs and leaves them raw when he tries to breathe. even now, he is bundled in his scarf and sweater; hands buried deep into his pockets to stay warm on the way home. but something interesting catches his eye from the corners, and joonmyun turns his head to see someone jumping the fence — it’s a bit peculiar, so he walks over only to realize it’s wendy standing there.

“ is there a problem with the front gate, wendy?” he asks as he approaches, perhaps a bit amused — until he sees the tiny injuries that pepper her cheeks. some of them look days old, while others look too fresh, maybe only moments exposed to the air. the beginnings of bruises and scrapes on pale skin are far too visible for him to miss, not with a keen eye such as his. it’s hesitancy in his voice that has him asking, “ did something happen?” he knows he should be a little more urgent — after all, she’s sneaking in over the gates instead of using the front door. but he doesn’t want to pressure her, figures she’ll tell him if she wants to — or if she absolutely needs to.