“But,” he leans a bit forward in his chair. “But, Sir. It’s only a misunderstanding.”

“And what, pray tell, is that misunderstanding exactly, Jackson?”

A sheepish smile crawls upon the student’s lips. “It wasn’t , Sir. It was Skype.”

“Skype?” The headmaster frowns. In his turn, he rolls his chair closer to the desk. “And what kind of monstrosity is that?”

“It’s video calling. I was talking to a friend of mine,” Jackson explains. He folds his hands and rests them in his lap, focusing on keeping them from fidgeting.

“In the middle of the night?” The older man shifts in his seat again, disbelief painting his features as he dips his fingers forward to grab a pen and a slip of paper.

“It’s not in the middle of the night everywhere, Sir.”

His hands still, but his frown deepens. “Jackson, just admit you were engaging in something indecent on school property. I’m not in the mood for games.” He sighs, and it briefly crosses Jackson’s mind just how old the headmaster is.

With a huff, he gives in. Sometimes it’s not even worth the effort. “Whatever you say, Sir.”

Satisfied, the man writes something down before handing the paper to the younger. “Take that to miss Lee, she’ll see to your punishment.”

Jackson gets up from the chair, takes the note with little enthusiasm, then scurries out of the room. “Whatever you say, Sir,” he repeats bitterly as the door clicks in its frame.

-------

“I’m sorry.” From; Mark

“No you’re not.” To; Mark

He can practically hear Mark’s laugh when Jackson reads the reply.

“No, I’m not.” From; Mark

Jackson stares at his phone for a moment, contemplating sneaking out of the dorm so he can call him. He wants to hear his voice so badly. But then another message comes.

“Don’t fret it though. I can’t Skype today anyway.” From; Mark

It annoys him more than he likes to admit, and it makes him restless.

“Oh? Why not?” To; Mark

He has tried to sound casual in his reply, but the second he hits enter, he’s convinced he’s failed miserably. The longer it takes for Mark to reply, the more he tosses and turns in his bed.

“Road trip.” From; Mark

Two words? That’s what he has to type so long for? Jackson bites his lip.

“I thought you had classes today.” To; Mark

Again, Mark doesn’t reply immediately. Jackson is willing to wait two minutes (he’s that generous), but when even those have passed, he adds something more.

“Are you playing hooky?” To; Mark

Another minute later, Mark sends him an angel emoticon.

“I would never.” From; Mark

“Then what’s the road trip thing about.” To; Mark

Jackson realises he is prying, but he honestly can’t care less. He is tired, and annoyed, and he desperately needs to hear Mark’s voice.

“Jinyoung’s only here for one more month, I need to take advantage of that.” From; Mark

Jinyoung. Jackson nearly hisses the name out loud.

“You shouldn’t skip school.” To; Mark

“All hail saint Jackson.” From; Mark

“I’m only concerned about your future. Education is important.” To; Mark

“Says the guy who flooded the men’s room last week because he didn’t fancy going to Applied Physics.” From; Mark

“It was an accident.” To; Mark

“Whatever you say, Jackson.” From; Mark

Jackson smiles when he reads that line. It’s one Jackson unknowingly has started to take over, and he didn’t realise that until one of his friends had pointed it out.

“Ac-ci-dent.” To; Mark

“Whatever.” From; Mark

Another smile tugs at his lips, and he asks the next question without considering Mark’s earlier statement.

“Can I call you?” To; Mark

“I told you I can’t today.” From; Mark

Jackson’s grip on his phone tightens.

“Did you leave already? It’s like what, six o’clock over there?” To; Mark

“Six thirty, actually.” From; Mark

“And you’re already out? What kind of road trip is that?” To; Mark

“An awesome one.” From; Mark

He hu