Chapter Text
Kalim was a cheerful and outgoing person. Many might call him naive as well as clumsy. Even so, he had earned the affection and friendship of many students from various dorms and different years.
One of them being Jade—or at least that's how the heir saw it.
After the incident with Jamil, the two had connected a bit more. Kalim didn’t know exactly when or why that young man had become interested in him, nor did he care. From what he had discovered so far, Jade was a wonderful and very eloquent person; Kalim never knew what he was thinking. Sometimes his actions unsettled him, and more than once they left him confused for hours. It was a very interesting friendship! Maybe that was how he showed affection—after all, Kalim wasn’t very familiar with common behaviors among mermen.
At some point, it became a habit to see each other after their club activities, either to greet each other or to share a conversation about their day. Their meetings were short and casual since both had responsibilities to attend to—Kalim with some dorm-related tasks (though Jamil did most of them), and Jade with his duties at Monstro Lounge. Sometimes they barely saw each other, other times they had the whole day to chat. Kalim appreciated the latter, as it allowed him to have longer conversations with his friend.
But then, it escalated beyond just casual meetings. Kalim began noticing Jade almost everywhere. He never suspected anything—coincidences exist, after all. Ignoring Jamil’s comments about his friend’s strange behavior, he trusted Jade enough to know that he was incapable of harming him. Later, their encounters became more direct, almost as if Jade was waiting for him to come out. Kalim would greet him with a warm smile and stay by his side for a moment whenever he had the chance. On one occasion, Jade even invited him to explore his club with him, but unfortunately, Kalim had to decline due to a commitment to his own club that day—not to mention that Jamil wouldn’t have let him go.
Then he started noticing Jade around his own dorm, always carrying papers or sharing trivial information about Azul—nothing of importance regarding their positions as dorm leaders. Sometimes Jade would fix his hair, brush off a bit of dust from his uniform, and other times he would just stare at him intensely. Honestly, Kalim didn’t mind.
Once, he even invited Jade to one of Scarabia’s daily meetings. He had to admit, it was pleasant when Jade let him rest his head on his shoulder. He even remembers waking up in Jade’s lap in a very comfortable position. He still apologizes for that.
But apparently, Kalim was causing trouble for Jade… according to Floyd’s own words.
“A… What do you mean by that?” Kalim put his chopsticks aside, looking at the twin.
Floyd sighed, rolling his eyes. “Ya know, it’s not my problem if Jade wants to be fooling around with ya, sea otter.” He frowned. “But Azul is overworking me instead of him because he’s being late, stupid, and clumsy.” He sprawled on one of the club’s puffs. “Can you two stop at least for a week? Tried to talk with him but he's not listening.”
Kalim blinked a couple of times, confused. He moved closer to Floyd, trying to find some kind of connection. “I… I really don’t understand what you mean. Is Jade okay? That’s not normal for him! …I guess?”
Floyd let out a loud groan, echoing through the empty clubroom. It was worth noting that only the two of them were present, as Cater, according to his message, was attending to some super interesting gossip in his dorm, and Lilia had mentioned that he couldn’t make it today due to some family matters. Kalim tilted his head, waiting for a clear answer.
“Yes, it's actually not like he behaves! And I’m suffering because all of a sudden, he wants to spend twenty-four/seven of his time with ya’.” He shifted, looking at his friend. “I know that y’all are in love and those stuff, but please end ma’ suffering, sea otter.”
Kalim remained still, silent for a few seconds. Floyd’s expression seemed serious, but Kalim couldn’t help letting out a loud laugh, calming down only after nearly a minute. Shaking his head and waving his hand dismissively, he tried to respond. “Pfft—Floyd! Haha! Jade and I aren’t in love! Heh—” He took a deep breath, looking at his friend. “We’re just good friends! Eh—but I can try talking to him about his schedule! I guess—if that makes you happy!”
But Floyd’s expression didn’t change. Kalim kept his smile, but discomfort began to settle in. Suddenly, the twin broke the silence. “...Ya don’t like Jade?”
Kalim remained silent. He shook his head, now wearing a nervous smile, not understanding the moment. Floyd stood up with a grin. “Gotcha, thanks, Sea Otter! See ya!”
The room fell into silence. Kalim couldn’t decipher what had just happened. He let out a tired sigh and grabbed his phone to type in the group chat he had with his clubmates.
‘You won’t believe what just happened (*_*)’
He sent the message, letting out a small chuckle as his mood recovered enough to continue practicing on the drums. Still, the conversation lingered in his mind. There was no reason for Floyd to come to that conclusion. His practice continued with a few mistakes until the hour passed.
That thought remained in his head—it was a misunderstanding that could happen from time to time. It always does when people are close. But were Kalim and Jade that close? Of course, he appreciated their friendship, but he didn’t think they had the kind of bond that would make others see them in that way. When Jamil arrived at their dorm, Kalim approached him, looking for help.
He swallowed before asking, "Do Jade and I seem like we're in love?"
"Totally. It makes me want to vomit." Was Jamil's immediate response as he kept walking toward the kitchen. "What do you want for dinner today?" He turned to look at the white-haired boy, only to notice he had stopped moving entirely, not answering. With slight concern, he waved a hand in front of Kalim's face. "Hello? Are you feeling okay?"
Kalim blinked, shaking his head slightly. "Really? Do we seriously look like that?"
Jamil sighed. "I was being sarcastic." He placed a hand on his hip. "Though I admit you spend more time together than I'd like. I already told you that trio only brings trouble."
"Eh… Yeah." Kalim murmured, lost in his thoughts. Jamil raised an eyebrow but decided to ignore the whole dilemma his companion seemed to be going through at the moment.
"Kalim, dinner."
"Oh, uhm, just make whatever you think is best!" He flashed a smile again. Jamil sighed once more, bidding Kalim farewell.
He remained stuck in a dilemma. He liked Jade—as a friend. He didn’t see him in any romantic way. Though he admitted Jade was attractive, had incredible manners, and his laughter was captivating and contagious. He also couldn’t deny how adorable he looked whenever he talked about the variety of mushrooms he had discovered after his expeditions. And not to mention the expression he made when he first tasted Kalim’s cooking, which had been way too spicy for him.
But that was normal between friends, right? For instance, he thought the same about Jamil… No, that wasn’t true. Maybe Silver? Well, not exactly in that way. And everyone considered Vil beautiful, so he supposed that didn’t quite count either.
Maybe he was closer to Jade than he had thought.
Maybe Floyd had accidentally awakened Kalim’s unrecognized feelings, and now he was in trouble. Because it seemed he did have romantic feelings for Jade, and now it would be awkward for Jade to be around him if he ever found out. Kalim sighed before throwing himself onto his bed and wrapping himself up in the sheets. He needed time to figure out what he really felt.
He closed his eyes, hoping for tomorrow to bring clarity. Maybe he could have a small conversation with Jade to clear things up. Yes, that would fix everything.
But it didn’t. As soon as his first period ended, he received a message from Jade asking to meet after classes at his club. Kalim swallowed nervously. For the rest of the school day, his concentration wavered, his thoughts drifting between one place and another. Just the idea of Jade wanting to talk to him alone in his club made his heart race. His handwriting became illegible at times, and he could barely focus on the lesson. Occasionally, he fidgeted with his fingers. And so, he remained like that until his last class ended. He grabbed his things and bid Silver farewell with a smile, receiving a smile in return.
He was just about to reach his friend’s club. He swallowed, knocked once, then twice. No one answered, and honestly, he didn’t want to enter on his own—not unless Jade gave him permission.
"Kalim."
"AH!" The boy jumped slightly, noticing his friend behind him. He hadn’t heard any footsteps or anyone approaching. He let out a nervous laugh. "Oh—Sorry, Jade! I thought you had already arrived and—" He fell silent upon feeling the other’s gaze on him.
"I need to unlock the room."
Kalim nodded, stepping away from the door. Jade unlocked it and invited him in first. Kalim accepted, stepping into the room. There were several terrariums and a few books. The atmosphere was quite cozy and peaceful, helping him relax a bit after taking a deep breath. He turned to the taller boy, noticing his serious and distant expression. He wasn’t wearing his usual smile. Kalim blinked, coughing.
He looked really handsome.
And this wasn’t the first time he had thought that about him.
"Do— Do you want to talk about something?" He kept his smile, clasping his hands together. "I got so nervous! It was so sudden, and you didn’t send anything else after that, ha, ha…"
"Floyd told me he spoke to you yesterday. I apologize for my brother’s rude and improper behavior." He placed a hand on his chest, his serious expression still visible.
Kalim shook his head nervously. "No! It wasn’t a problem or anything!" He responded as soon as he finished listening. Though that was a complete lie—it had been a big problem. "Actually, I’m glad he did! I wanted to talk to you about… Uhm, our meetings!"
Jade furrowed his brow, though he soon relaxed it. Now, his expression seemed more sorrowful than serious. “I feared that would be the case. I apologize once again—apparently, I have caused trouble for my brother, and for you in the process.”
“It’s not a problem, Jade! Really! I just wanted to—uh, he said he thought we were in love! HAHA! Pretty funny, right?” He tried to fake a laugh, at least a smile, no matter how nervous it was. At least with Jade’s reaction, he could try to proceed with the conversation. He tightened his grip on the sleeves of his cardigan.
“Indeed, that was the first thing he made clear.” Jade tightened his grip on his own uniform. “I am barely familiar with human courtship practices. I feel deeply embarrassed for misinterpreting our relationship.”
Kalim finally let out a genuine smile, trying to suppress a giggle. “Pfft—Don’t worry, I—” And once again, silence, processing what had been said before looking directly at the twin. “You—You thought we were—?” A blush crept onto his face.
“It must have been truly uncomfortable for you. I understand if you no longer wish to maintain a friendship with me.”
The tension was palpable. Jade remained upright, firm, unwilling to continue the conversation unless Kalim responded. Meanwhile, Kalim was fighting an internal battle with his emotions. This was a good thing, right? It would be easier to explain his feelings. But he still wasn’t sure—not completely. And the silence only grew longer and longer. He didn’t want Jade to get a bad impression right now. He lifted his gaze slightly—those heterochromatic eyes staring down at him. Maybe Jade was just as nervous and simply good at hiding it.
“No—I don’t mind, I just don’t understand what led you to… uh, court me?” His response was neutral—or something close to it. He just needed some time to compose himself.
“At first, I had no interest in you. It was mostly Azul’s fault—his fascination with your unique magic.” Direct, stepping closer with short strides as he spoke. “But at some point, you caught my attention. It is quite fascinating to observe someone so optimistic, naive, and easily corruptible.”
Now, they were only a few centimeters apart. Kalim had no intention of speaking—especially when Jade tilted his chin upward with a gentle touch. At last, he saw Jade smile—though it wasn’t a soft grin, at least it was something. “At least, that’s what I thought. But you turned out to be much more than that. And not all the blame can fall on me, can it? I am merely a poor, unfortunate soul who succumbed to your charms. After all, it was you who started the displays of affection.”
Kalim swallowed hard. That was true—he had been the one to initiate hugs, to hold hands, to rest against him. “I—"
“But surely, it must have been a misunderstanding on my part.” Jade released his hold, withdrawing his hand from Kalim, his gaze now filled with deep sadness. “I won’t force you to accept my feelings either. That wouldn’t be fair or ethical—”
“I’m not rejecting you!” Kalim blurted out, covering his mouth immediately after those words escaped.
“Oh?” Jade raised an eyebrow, leaning down slightly to bring their faces closer. “But Kalim-san told my brother yesterday that—"
“Yes! I did, but! Since yesterday’s conversation, I’ve been thinking about it! And really, I still don’t know if I truly have feelings for you in that way, or…” Kalim tried to hide his face in his hands. “Not that I don’t care for you—I do! I mean, there are things I wouldn’t do with other friends, but with you, I would. I think about it, and I don’t see anything wrong—” He took a breath. He knew he wasn’t giving a good explanation—much less a clear answer.
“Please, be more direct. I wouldn’t like you to play with my feelings, Kalim.”
“I’m still not sure how I feel—” He paused. “It’s all so sudden, and well, maybe—"
Jade interrupted him, gently removing one of the hands hiding his face. “What were you referring to? About the things you’d like to do with me.”
Kalim took a few seconds to think before averting his gaze. “Like… dates… and romantic gifts, or kisses—"
“If I asked you for a kiss right now, would you give me one?”
No verbal response came, but Kalim did look directly at him again. He wasn’t smiling—he seemed much calmer than when all of this had started. He spent a few seconds examining Jade’s features—he truly was handsome, and charming… in his own way. Maybe just a small kiss would help him clear his mind. Perhaps it would be just what he needed to make a decision. He leaned in, pressing his lips to Jade’s for a brief moment. As he pulled away, he was about to formulate a response—however, Jade leaned in once more, continuing the kiss, deepening their connection. He bit Kalim’s lower lip, the sharp teeth so characteristic of him making their presence known. When Kalim attempted to wrap his arms around Jade’s neck, Jade pulled away first.
“Forgive me—I got carried away.”
Kalim didn’t give a verbal response—he simply pulled Jade close again, continuing with another kiss. And although Jade was momentarily startled, he quickly played along.
Yes, it seemed he had finally made a decision.