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As far as anyone was aware, Jamil still somewhat hated Kalim. Maybe some semblance of a friendship but that was all. And this was on purpose. It’s been a year since Jamil’s overblot and it was a LOT of hard work on both of their ends, but they actually have a pretty decent friendship now. Actually… more than a friendship.
They’ve been dating for a while now. And they kept it a secret for a reason. Jamil was still technically Kalim’s servant even though they’re both equals at NRC. And he’ll stay technically his servant until Kalim is given the authority to set him free. If word got out that they were dating, there’s no doubt in mind that they’d be separated.
In the beginning of their relationship, it was a little hard to keep it a secret. Kalim just got so overwhelmed with love for Jamil that he'd forget and try to kiss him in public. Jamil was always able to stop him or move so it was on his cheek but they’ve had a few close calls like that.
In private however, everything’s on the table. Nobody questions if Kalim and Jamil are in the same room for long periods of time. It’s been normal, even before overblot. Nobody tries to interrupt them either unless it’s something important and the housewarden or vice housewarden are needed. And that was exactly what Kalim counted on as he peppered Jamil’s face with kisses.
“You did so good out there!” He said in between kisses. They just got back from one of Jamil’s basketball games and it took every ounce of self control for Kalim not to reward his boyfriend for a job well done immediately after the game. “I love you so much,”
“You’re acting as if I’ve never won a game before,” Jamil said but had an amused tone in his voice, letting Kalim know it was okay.
“I know you have,” Kalim continued kissing him, making Jamil hum. “But this is the last game before winter break starts, isn’t it?”
“Mm. So you’re getting your kisses in, huh?” Jamil asked but he knew the answer. They’d be going home winter break and they’d have to slot right back into their roles for the time being. Which was annoying but Jamil thinks he could do it for the week or so he was with Kalim. He’d just have to be extra careful around their parents and so would Kalim. Jamil held Kalim by the face to keep him still and started giving kisses of his own. “That’s not a bad idea,” He gave Kalim a long kiss on the lips and felt Kalim kiss him back eagerly before moving onto his cheek and forehead. “Will we be attending Heartslabuyl’s winter party before we leave or are we staying in bed and kissing until we have to leave?” Jamil asked, causing Kalim to whine.
“Don’t give me a decision like that! I want both…” Kalim sighed before smiling. “We should go, I promised, after all,”
“You did,”
“And besides, who says we’re not gonna spend the night cuddling? We can kiss all we want tonight too,”
“Hm, I suppose. I don’t think anyone would disturb either of us at night. But that same thing can’t be said back at home so don’t try to sleep in the same bed while we’re there,”
“I won’t! I promise,” Kalim smiled before pressing a chaste kiss to Jamil’s lips and getting off the bed. “Let’s get ready!”
———————
When they arrived, the party was already in full swing and Kalim immediately started to mingle with just about everyone. Jamil always tended to stay to himself at parties and watch as Kalim mingled and partied with others unless there was a song he wanted to dance to but usually Kalim would bounce over to him immediately and ask him to dance with him. He was fortunate that their dancing doesn’t make anyone suspicious, they’ve been choosing each other as dance partners even before overblot.
Others would of course come up to him to chat. Unsurprisingly, Azul weaseled his way over to him to try and strike a deal but was shot down almost immediately. Ace and Floyd, of course, came up to him and started talking about the game as well as a myriad of other things. They always tend to bounce off of each other from one topic to another until Floyd gets bored. Which he did and announced to them that he was off to find Jade again or maybe “goldfishie” if he were lucky enough to find where he hid.
Kalim came up to Jamil again at some point and asked him to come with him to the kitchen to grab a snack. Jamil followed him into the kitchen and looked to see what snack options there were that he might also be interested in. He held out his hand as he looked at the options, snapping his fingers to grab Kalim’s attention.
“Really? Here?”
“Yes, even here. Especially here. Poison isn’t to be taken lightly, Kalim,” Jamil said. Of course there was no further arguing as Kalim handed over his chosen snack and let Jamil take a small bite in order to test it. Kalim had only truly argued with him about poison testing a handful of times but the main ones he remembered was the time after he fell into a coma after eating poisoned curry. That argument was a big one but it’s not like he could fault Kalim, he just didn’t want him to be hurt again. The second one he could remember was after his overblot and Kalim was trying to be more independent. That one wasn’t as big as the first one but it was still more of a fight than what Kalim would usually put up.
Jamil handed the snack back to Kalim. He looked over the table before deciding he didn’t really want anything at the moment. His gaze wandered aimlessly for a minute before looking up and seeing it. Mistletoe. Jamil’s face immediately flushed as he saw the offending plant hanging right above the snack table. Whoever hung it there had a sick sense of humor. It was probably Ace. Good Sevens, he was going to-
“Oh! Look at that, Jamil~” Kalim said with a smirk. “You know the rules~”
“We’re in public, Kalim,” Jamil said in a low tone and Kalim giggled.
“Nobody else is in the kitchen right now. Please?” Jamil went over it in his head before sighing and giving Kalim a soft smile.
“Fine, but a quick kiss,” Jamil said and met Kalim halfway in a kiss. Kalim’s arms were wrapped around his neck as Jamil held his face before pulling back just as quickly and forcing Kalim’s arms to unwrap from around him.
“Aw…That was very cute,” Jamil heard a voice before turning and seeing Lilia, feeling all the color drain from his face in a panic. “Oh, don’t worry. I think it’s sweet. Young love is very precious so I’ll keep it a secret,”
“You can trust Lilia, I promise!” Kalim said to Jamil in an attempt to calm his boyfriend and ease his worries. Which it did somewhat but still. There could’ve been someone a lot worse that caught them, like Floyd.
“Yes, I’m great at keeping secrets. In fact, I’ve kept the secret of Silver’s crush for a while now!” He laughed. “Don’t try to get it out of me though, after all, I’m a vault,” Lilia said and Kalim laughed.
“Thanks, Lilia. It’s not really safe to out ourselves just yet,”
“Understandable. I was telling the truth though, you two are absolutely adorable,”
“…Thank you,” Jamil finally said and Lilia left them alone again. “We’re not doing that again,” He said to Kalim firmly. Kalim just giggled nervously in return.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t think that’d happen,”
“That’s the last time I’m letting you talk me into anything,” Jamil said but smiled at Kalim so he knew he wasn’t truly upset. After all, nothing was getting out to the public just yet. “Let’s get back to the party. I’m sure you’re not all partied out just yet,”
“Not yet! I’ve still got more energy to go!”
“As always. Lead the way then,”