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Nothing really could overtake Jamil’s habit for discretion as Kalim’s personal attendant. Add your (godsend of a) reserved nature to the mix, and you can’t really blame him for feeling the slightest bit regretful at the end of your date.
Though that all seemed to change when night fell.
Your pace was slow as you walked back to your dorm. He had no doubt that your legs were sore from walking the whole day, but you would probably wave off his concern if he brought it up.
“…Are you cold?”
“A little bit, but we’re almost home so…” Case in point. “…oh.” Your free hand smooths itself against the skirt of your dress, a minute sign of being flustered.
Just for once, maybe being upfront was the better choice.
“Make sure to bring a jacket next time.”
“I will, I just didn’t think we’d be out the whole day.” A short yawn leaves your throat. Your shoulder lightly knocks against his.
So he savors the feeling of your hand in his, the fact that he won’t have to hide even a subtle display of affection. His thumb strokes across the back of your hand, willing whatever meager amount of warmth he could into your skin.
All you have for company is the faint glow of the stars, the crunch of grass under your shoes, and the calm dark of night.
Eventually, the lights of the Ramshackle Dormitory come into view. The worn-out bulb casts a yellow glow over the shabby porch, wood creaking as you make your way to the door.
In two steps, the day would end—and there’s something deeply unfair about how humans aren’t designed to function for all twenty-four hours—which meant returning to the status quo that dictated most of his life once again.
…On second thought, Jamil realizes he can’t really end the day on that note.
Before you can say your goodbyes, his hand closes around your elbow, tugging you closer to him. Your house keys fall to the ground with a clatter. Surprise flickers over your expression for a second, before you melt into the sudden kiss. The press of your glasses against Jamil’s cheek will leave a mark, but that doesn’t stop him from drawing it out.
For just one more second, another minute or two, he’ll allow himself to be selfish for just a little bit longer.