The end-of-year report cards arrived today, and when I opened mine, my heart sank. My grades in Viktor's class were stellar, but some of my other subjects weren't looking great. A knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach as I stared at the marks. I knew I could've done better if I had just managed my time more wisely.

I sat at my desk, debating what to do. Should I tell Viktor? The thought made me cringe. Would he be disappointed? Would he think less of me? I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away.

After classes ended, I found myself heading to the lab. My feet dragged a little, nervousness bubbling inside me. When I arrived, Viktor was bent over a table, scribbling notes. He glanced up as I entered, his brow lifting.

"You look troubled," he said. "Is something wrong?"

I hesitated, clutching the report card in my hand. "I, um... I got my grades back," I admitted. "They're... not great. Well, some of them are, but others... not so much."

He straightened, his gaze softening. "I see. And this is worrying you?"

"Yes," I said, feeling my shoulders slump. "I just... I don't want to fall behind. I've been trying so hard, but I guess it wasn't enough."

Viktor's expression didn't change—there was no judgment, no disappointment, only a quiet understanding. "It happens to all of us," he said. "Even the most diligent students have their struggles. The question is, what will you do now?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "That's why I came to you."

He thought for a moment, then nodded. "I could tutor you during the holiday break. If you're willing to put in the effort, we can focus on the subjects that need improvement."

Relief flooded through me. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," he said simply.

We fell into small talk after that, the tension easing. Viktor asked about my plans for the Winter Blessed holidays, and I admitted I didn't have any. "I'm not going home," I said. "There's not much for me there right now."

He nodded slowly. "I will also remain in Piltover. Zaun is not... ideal for traveling during this time."

We both fell silent for a moment, the quiet bittersweet. Then Viktor spoke again, his tone thoughtful.

"If you have no other plans, perhaps you could spend the holiday with me," he said. "You could stay at my place. I have a spare bedroom. It would be easier for your studies, and we could spend some time outside of the university. Watch a few films, perhaps. It might be... pleasant."

I blinked at him, surprised. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"You wouldn't be," he assured me. "I think it would be good for both of us."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Okay. I'd like that."

"Good," he said, nodding. "Then it's settled."

As I left the lab that evening, the anxiety over my grades was gone, replaced by a warm, fluttering feeling. The Winter Blessed holidays suddenly didn't seem so lonely anymore.