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The truth is that Kalim has always been too clingy with Jamil. Since they were kids, he has always been constantly seeking his attention and following him everywhere without an ounce of respect for his personal space. It was to be expected that things ended up that way. After all, kisses have always been part of their normal since the start.
1. On the cheek
It happened in the middle of the summer when they were five. Since the weather was nice, they were allowed to play in the interior gardens of the palace, which was a better activity than spending the time playing mancala with Kalim losing every match.
Even though they were only children, barely learning to navigate in the world they lived in, Jamil already knew pretty well his place in society. At his tender age, he had already become responsible for the young heir’s security. At least at some extent. The small number of guards close and the absence of other servants to accompany them was proof enough. At that moment, between the trees and flowers of the palace, watching out for Kalim’s wellbeing seemed to be more important than enjoying their playdate.
“Jamil! You’re it!” Exclaimed the younger one, touching Jamil’s shoulder to start an improvised game of tag. The servant’s reaction wasn’t fast enough because Kalim was already many steps ahead of him, running as fast as his clumsy and weak legs allowed him. “Come and catch me!”
“Wait! Kalim!” Worry settles in Jamil’s stomach. If the white-haired boy continues to run so carelessly, he could fall and start to cry and who know what his parents will say to him if that happens again and- oh, Seven, it’s a relief Viper has always been the faster one of the two.
In short time he already has Kalim within reach, ready for him to catch and end the game. The Asim heir laughs like he’s having the time of his life, ignorant to his best friend’s worry, and his bright smile soothes some of the older one’s distress. Maybe they could keep playing tag for a little while, after all they were both having fun and, what’s the worst that could happen? Kalim is already a grown boy! A fall won’t be the end of the world, there’s nothing to worry about, Jamil.
A blink and the white-haired boy is tripping, his body leaning forward too fast for him to stop it. But Jamil, the ever-attentive servant even as a kid, manages to catch Kalim by the waist, his small hands holding him tightly with all his strength, avoiding a disaster. Ta-dah! Now he won’t cry and no one will scold me! Once he’s steady on his feet, the young Asim fixes his gaze on the brunette, ruby eyes piercing his face with the intensity only a rich and powerful kid like him could have.
Jamil gulps, worried about committing a mistake somehow, maybe there was a rule which forbidden him from touching him so familiarly, even though they were best friends and they always played like that and it doesn’t make sense, why would Kalim be angry now? He was the one who always clinged to Jamil! But as soon as that gaze fixed on him, his red eyes shined like he was looking at a treasure. A smile wider than any he had ever seen spread across his face, and in a second the heir's slender arms were thrown around his neck, hugging him tightly.
“Jamiiiiiiiil! What was that!? You’re so cool!” His voice is full of admiration, just like his ruby eyes. Pulling back slightly from the embrace, that intense gaze fixed on him again, only this time it was filled with a warmth Jamil had never seen before. “You saved me, my hero~ Ah haha!”
Before Jamil could even reply, his best friend leaned in and pressed a loud kiss to his cheek. It felt as if all the blood in his veins had rushed to his face, leaving a deep flush where the heir had just kissed him. Kissed!? Is Kalim even allowed to do something like this? No, more importantly! Is Jamil allowed to receive such attention from the young master?! At some point they stopped hugging, and Kalim was back to running in the garden without a care.
“Kalim! That’s cheating!” The brunette yelled before running after his friend once again, this time determined to catch him and beat him in the impromptu game. Perhaps there really was nothing to worry about, and they could both continue playing like simple children; after all, he and Kalim were best friends above all else.
2. On the hand
They were both eight. There must have been an important reunion that day, because Kalim and Jamil had gone to the Royal Palace with the head of the Asim family. It’s not like either of them was entirely sure why; after all, the young heir was more excited about spending an afternoon playing with his cousin, and the servant, on the other hand, was simply there to accompany the white-haired boy. He didn't need to know the more complex details. That was a matter for adults, like his parents; they concerned themselves with the master's affairs. Jamil, on the other hand, only had to keep his friend happy and safe.
Even so, Jamil knows that he can’t get too close to the other kids. There’s a line between the little Viper and the rich kids. He’s just a servant, even if he’s secretly Kalim’s best friend. So the brunette keeps his distance, watching and listening as the other two play and talk about things too far removed from his own experience. But surely Kalim would be better off playing with Jamil… If only the two of them were alone…
“Ugh, it doesn’t matter how many times I told my father no, he keeps introducing me to princesses! I’m only ten, I don’t want to get married yet” The prince of the Scalding Sands pouting was certainly not a common sight for most people, and Jamil can barely contain his laugh. It’s ridiculous how immature the future leader of their county could be, even him, who is a year younger, is more mature! A spoiled rich kid shouldn’t complain so much, he should be grateful that his father wanted the best for him- not even for his future marriage he had to work.
“Ehhh? Your family decides who you marry, Mina? That’s horrible!” Don’t be naïve Kalim, you know it’s the same for you. Surely the patriarch is already looking for future wives for you. “Even though I’m the heir, dad said that finding someone who I love is the most important thing. You should do the same!”
Eh?
The other two continued talking and playing, but Jamil's mind remained fixed on the white-haired boy's words. For some reason, the thought of Kalim getting married—no, the thought of Kalim falling in love with someone—caused his chest to tighten. Ugh, it was frustrating to see that the Asim heir truly had everything, even the freedom to choose whom to love. Meanwhile he, a lowly servant, lacked the opportunity to decide for himself. He couldn't even choose what game they would play…
At some point, the conversation escalated, with Minajael acting as if it were one of the meetings with the various princesses. Jamil is no stranger to good manners and protocol at formal events; after all, it's part of his upbringing along with Kalim's. The little Viper can't afford a mistake; that would mean being scolded by his parents, or worse. A servant cannot embarrass his masters, and he knows it. Even so, seeing the prince act like one evokes a mixture of admiration and resentment in him.
“Then, after greeting and complimenting her, you have to kiss her hand and smile to her afterwards” To illustrate his point, Minajael takes Kalim's right hand and brings it to his lips, without actually kissing it. Although Jamil finds this action particularly unpleasant, the brunette refrains from making a negative comment or stopping them.
“You should learn from Minajael, Kalim. Maybe your teachers would scold you less that way” Acting condescendingly toward the young heir is almost second nature to Jamil, though he hides it from everyone around him. Perhaps it's just childish behavior, or perhaps it's evidence of the negative feelings he conceals deep within himself, in places even his young master can't reach. Although he isn't the heir to a wealthy family like the white-haired boy and doesn't have access to the best teachers in the world, the young Viper is aware that his abilities far surpass those of other children his age. For some reason, that's not something he should show to others or be proud of.
“Ehhh!? But the servants always say that I’m very polite!” Kalim pouts, which the brunette finds ridiculously adorable. At least Kalim is cuter than Prince Minajael... "But, Mina~ Why do I have to do all that?" As expected, the little heir doesn't take offense at his friend's words.
“Uhm… so they would want to marry you, I think”
What happens next is too fast for Jamil to fully register what's going on and prepare himself for the white-haired boy's antics. In a split second, those large ruby eyes find his own gaze, and a wide grin spreads across Kalim's face. That's a grin he knows all too well, a grin that can only mean trouble. In two steps, the Asim heir is standing in front of him, taking his right hand and placing a soft kiss on it. The grin is still there, but now his cheeks are flushed a warm red that could rival the hue of his bright, unwavering eyes, and, oh Seven, hitting that kid is definitely a no-no, but Jamil doesn't know what else to do to stop his pounding heart and keep his legs from giving up completely—
“W-What was that, idiot!?” Ugh! Yelling to Kalim is surely out of limit! And calling him idiot! Mom is going to scold him nonstop when she finds out!!
“I did what Mina told! That way you’d want to marry me!”
The words don’t make sense beneath the sound of his rapidly beating heart, and they probably wouldn't either even if he could hear them clearly. Kalim and him could never get married; the white-haired boy is just spouting nonsense without thinking, as usual. For some reason, that fact pains him deeply, and the prince's intense gaze on him only intensifies the feeling.
“It doesn't work like that…” His voice sounds too weak, but it doesn't matter, because the conversation soon veers off again and the cousins settle on a new game. Soon, none of them will even remember this moment or Jamil's flushed face.
3. On the forehead
Being the one responsible for tasting the heir’s food was definitely not the right job for a 12-year-old, but there was no way he could refuse. Someone had to make sure Kalim didn't die, and everyone who had held the position had ended up either poisoned or convicted for trying to kill the Asim’s oldest son. Only Jamil could do the job properly.
Despite understanding the great responsibility entrusted to him, the brunette couldn't help but hesitate as he held the young master's dish before him. At the palace, Kalim and he had studied various poisons and how to identify them, but they were still inexperienced children, and just by seeing the steaming curry, Jamil wasn't sure what it contained. Perhaps with more knowledge, or more years of practice, he could have identified the danger by smell, or noticed something unusual about its appearance, but the young servant was only performing this task for the third time. He could only know by tasting it.
Some poisons take time to take effect, while others are instantaneous. It was a pity that Jamil's first experience with poison was with one so fast-acting. Upon tasting the first bite, under Kalim's watchful eye, all the servant's senses were paralyzed. Ah, this is poisoned.
Even if he tried, the words wouldn't come out of his mouth, so there was no way he could warn the white-haired boy about the food. In seconds—or minutes, Jamil wasn't sure how much time passed—his vision blurred and his body gave way. As his consciousness faded and his figure slumped to the ground, Kalim's anguished face and his screams were the last things he could make out.
From that moment, time becomes incomprehensible; everything is dark and silent for what could be days or simply hours. His senses are dulled, but a deep worry grips his heart, preventing him from relaxing, even in that state. After opening his eyes, he is greeted by the bright light of what appears to be the Asim's private clinic. Right, he had been poisoned. Memories flood back, and those red, tear-filled eyes are the most important thing on his mind at that moment.
It's hard to tell if that concern was genuine or a feeling conditioned by his work as Kalim's servant, but the brunette can't stop thinking about his best friend's well-being. Is he safe? Did they try to attack him while he was unwell? I hope he's not crying. The bedroom door opens gently, and seeing him awake, his mother rushes to him with a relieved smile. She's surely talking about how grateful she is that Jamil is alive and also asking many questions about his condition and whether he's in any pain, but it's all a bit overwhelming, and the little Viper's mind is preoccupied with other matters. Something must have shown on his face, because a second later the woman calls another servant, indicating something he doesn't quite catch, and, after leaving a kiss on his forehead, she departs.
He doesn't have to wonder long about why his mother is acting this way, because from the hallway he hears hurried footsteps, ones he'd recognize even in his dreams. Just as he expected, the young heir bursts into the room, running straight to the bed where Jamil is lying. There isn't even enough time for the brunette to process what's happening, because Kalim throws himself at him and pulls him into a tight hug.
“Jamiiiiiiiiiil! I’m so glad you’re alive!” His words are barely understandable through his sobs; tears, and snot covering his face.
Two weeks in a coma take more energy than expected, and Jamil's embrace is weaker than he would like. Even though he was the one who was on the brink of death, it is the other who seems more in need of comfort.
“Kalim… are you alright?” His voice sounded far away to him, but at least the heir seemed to hear him clearly because he pulled back slightly from the hug to look at him. His eyes were red and swollen and his nose was running, but he still managed a wide smile, typical of the white-haired boy.
“Mhm, I’m just relieved you’re alright…” There was something strange about Kalim’s expression, but Jamil wasn’t sure what it was. Perhaps it was simply tiredness; after all, he was smiling as always. Nothing to worry about. “I was so scared… I dunno know what I would do if you died because of me…”
This last whisper barely registers in his mind before the heir's delicate hand appears in his field of vision. The warmth of Kalim brushing his hair away from his face is so pleasant that Jamil can't help but close his eyes, the tiredness still lingering. The white-haired boy's lips feel soft against his forehead, stirring an unfamiliar emotion, one that only arises when he's with the Asim’s oldest son.
"Your mother and the other servants said that for now you should just rest, alright?" It's true that both his mind and body feel exhausted; even opening his eyes again is a difficult task. Kalim's warm smile is all he can make out through his blurred vision. "You don't have to worry about anything else, Jamil. There won't be any more curry."
As the young master snuggled up beside him in bed, the brunette sighed and closed his eyes again. Arguing with him was a waste of energy. Still, I'd rather you relieve me of this job as a food taster than ban my favorite food, you idiot. His arms wrapped around Kalim's body, snuggling closer to him as he drifted back to sleep. Even though his mother had kissed the same spot minutes before, it was only after his best friend's kiss that his forehead began to burn.
4. On the hair
There's a limit to the physical and mental stress a 15-year-old can endure, and Jamil Viper had surely surpassed it thousands of times over. At least his suffering had made him an exceptionally capable servant; in fact, he was arguably the best in the Asim Palace. That explained why he was the one assisting the young heir with his homework.
"Are you even listening to me, Kalim?" Hiding his annoyance had become more difficult over the years, weariness and resentment replacing what had once been an honest friendship. Now, the only thing that mattered was doing his job well.
"I am listening! But it's so complicated..." A long, tired sigh was all the white-haired boy's pout received in response. Once, that gesture might have been, at the very least, mildly endearing in the servant's eyes, but not anymore. It was about time Kalim started acting like the heir he was; Jamil doesn't have time to keep spoiling a little rich boy.
His own classes had finished at noon, but the was already setting and Jamil hadn't had a single minute of rest. After school, he'd had to go straight to the Asim palace, and although he'd intended to eat something before starting work, as soon as he arrived, his mother sent him to the young master's room. So, the afternoon had been spent with the brunette tutoring the worst student of all.
Ugh, and Jamil still had his own homework to finish! At this rate, this was going to turn into another sleepless night. He'd been having those quite often lately. At least tutoring Kalim at the palace had its perks, like the food they brought to his room… as long as it wasn't poisoned. Oh, and it was an excuse not to do other servant duties. Helping the young master with his calligraphy was a better task than cleaning, although the heir was really testing his patience.
"Kalim! Stop rushing!" "If it weren't for the fact that the white-haired boy was, technically, his direct boss (although Kalim insisted they were friends), Jamil definitely would have gotten up and left after calling him an idiot. "Your lines will come out crooked if you're not careful, I've already told you"
Viper had leaned across the table to take the boy's hand and correct his work with the pen, letting his black hair cascade down the sides of his face. Perhaps it would have been better to tie it up; it was so long now that it even covered the papers on the table. But before he could move it out of the way, Kalim's right hand had completely abandoned its calligraphy to take Jamil's hair.
"What are you doing?"
"You're not wearing the accessories I gave you" It was a simple observation; Kalim's voice didn’t hold a trace of annoyance, but Jamil still felt his body tense momentarily. The thought of having upset the young master—no, his friend—made a queasy feeling in his stomach. "Ah, but your hair looks so nice that way too!"
"W-What?"
The calligraphy work was completely forgotten at that point. Jamil's eyes couldn't leave Kalim's hands stroking his hair, frozen by the sudden, affectionate gesture. The white-haired boy had always been like this, gentle and careful with Jamil, as if he were something precious and not just a disposable servant (although Viper was sure they'd never find one better). What expression would Kalim be making right now?
“I really like you a lot, Jamil”
Those words were enough to make their eyes meet. Kalim’s expression was different from what he had imagined, and the shock was so great that not a sound escaped his lips. He had been mesmerized by the gentle smile and the affectionate gaze of the white-haired boy. Despite the redness in his cheeks, the heir looked unusually serious, as if he had just confessed something of utmost importance.
Ah, well, isn’t that exactly what he just did? Confess his… love for me?
A strange and unpleasant feeling formed in his stomach. It wasn’t that Kalim truly felt it; he was just another one of his whims, nothing more. As if that weren’t enough torture for Jamil, the heir also had the nerve to bring his hair to his lips and place a kiss there. That was the final straw that broke his composure.
Standing up so quickly causes several things on the table to fall to the floor, but that is the least of Jamil's worries. His chest feels tight, and he might throw up at any moment. He's not about to become another one of the heir's forgotten whims, like all the plants he once had planted in the garden, or all the animals that are now the palace's responsibility. Even if he still admires the flowers he so longed for and remembers the names of all his pets, Jamil will never let the young master have that much power over him.
"Stop talking nonsense, Kalim" The white-haired boy looks genuinely confused, but does nothing more than stare at him. Jamil feels his hands tremble slightly; he needs to escape as quickly as possible. "I'll go make some tea; it's time for a break. We'll continue with the calligraphy afterward. Don't think you'll get out of it"
"Wait, Jamil!" But the servant didn't stop for a second, leaving the room without looking back. It's his job to do what's best for Kalim and turning to look at his face full of sadness would be a grave mistake for Jamil; after all, he's never been very good at saying no to him.
5. On the neck
Studying at Night Raven College was supposed to be his chance to be free and finally live a life of his own, but things had never been that simple for the eldest Viper. Of course, Kalim was never going to leave him alone; his 17 years had been spent by the white-haired boy's side, and that would be the case for the rest of their lives. It wasn't as if Jamil could deny the heir's wishes.
Which was why he now found himself in said heir's bed.
It had barely been a week since the white-haired boy had assumed as Scarabia’s housewarden, which meant he now had a room to himself. Normally, there wouldn't be a problem with that; it was the same within the palace, and the school was by far a safer place than his own home. But for some reason, Kalim seemed anxious about the situation. He hadn't said so explicitly, but no detail escaped Jamil when it came to the Asim’s heir, and his behavior while preparing him for bed was highly unusual. And tonight, it had finally exploded.
No more than two hours had passed since he'd left Kalim in bed, but the white-haired boy must have been fast asleep by now. In fact, Jamil himself had been asleep when he heard a notification. It had the distinctive ringtone he'd chosen for the heir, so the brunette had no choice but to get up and see what it was about.
"Come," was all the text said, but the servant wasn't about to refuse such a direct request. However, the situation was rather strange. Kalim didn't usually ask anything of him at this hour of the night; after all, Jamil made sure the white-haired boy was asleep before leaving his room each night, and it was well known how soundly the heir slept. He's always so careless; it only makes my job harder. But he couldn't deny that he was worried. Was he in danger? An assassin, perhaps?
At least their rooms were close, so in barely a minute he was knocking on the dorm leader's door after making sure there wasn't a commotion inside. Probably not an assassin, then. The white-haired boy's response was also quick, a soft "come in" in a weak voice, quite unlike someone as extroverted as Kalim. Huh, so that's what it's all about. Jamil's suspicions were confirmed when he entered the room, where the young heir was sitting on his bed, his eyes red and his body trembling.
"Did you had a nightmare?"
The white-haired man just nodded, but that was fine, Jamil didn't need a further answer from him, he already knew what to do. Taking care of Kalim after a nightmare was a piece of cake, and the faster he calmed him down, the faster he could go back to sleep. First, sitting down next to him on the bed.
"Hm, it's been years since you had one. Aren't you kinda old to be afraid of the dark, Kalim?" Despite the harshness of his words, his hands were gentle while drying the heir's tears. Comforting Kalim was now almost a mechanical task. It wasn't as if making him happy was difficult; the white-haired boy was incredibly predictable. Soon he would be calm and ready to sleep again.
"Haha, you're right, Jamil." The white-haired man snuggled closer to his hands, chasing Jamil's warmth. Just like that, his body seemed to calm down and stop trembling. Even his voice sounded more cheerful. See? A most simple task.
With one hand, he began to stroke Kalim's head, running his fingers through the white, short locks. His hair was so soft and shiny, all thanks to Jamil's care. Everything the heir was today was because of him and his work. That fact made him feel powerful.
His caresses didn't stop, and Jamil also began to hum a lullaby from the Scalding Sands as he did so. Soon Kalim will relax again and want to sleep, and then the brunette can return to his room and finally rest. He just needs to settle him in his bed now that he's calm and—
"Jamil" The white-haired boy's expression was more serious than usual, his lips pursed as if he were still holding back tears. However, what truly stopped the brunette was the firm grip on his arm; not strong enough to hurt, but enough to worry him. "Can you stay with me tonight?"
It wasn't even a direct order; even Kalim understood that he was asking a lot. But well, Jamil wasn't allowed to say no. His parents would never tolerate him tarnishing the family's honor by angering the young master. Or rather, by making him sad… Kalim didn't usually get angry. Had he ever even gotten angry in front of Jamil? Ugh, so exhausting.
The decision had already been made the moment the housewarden opened his mouth; of course Jamil would stay with him. He had no choice but to do as the heir wanted. With a sigh, the brunette settled himself in bed under the covers, with the other boy right beside him. It was just like when they were children.
As children, they used to spend the night together often, like simple sleepovers between friends. Now, Jamil wonders if all those happy days of friendship were real or just another lie, a product of his job. Well, that doesn't change the fact that sleeping together wasn't anything new, and his body reacted almost instinctively, opening his arms as an invitation for the white-haired boy to get closer.
"Next time, be clearer with your messages, it would save me a lot of stress, Kalim"
"Mhm, sorry, Jamil"
The heir's red eyes shone like rubies even in the darkness of the room, and Jamil's chest tightened with each second his gaze remained fixed on them. He was so defenceless, his body so fragile in his arms; the servant could easily end his life if he so desired. To break free from the one who holds his chains and finally attain freedom… the chance to live as he pleases…
Kalim’s arms found a place around the brunette’s back, pulling him closer, so that the heir’s face was nestled between the taller man’s neck. There, the housewarden placed a small kiss, followed by a murmur that sounded like “thank you.” While Jamil remained completely still and bewildered, Kalim’s breathing slowed and his body relaxed. In seconds, he was fast asleep.
So predictable… or not. Although Jamil’s cheeks were flushed and his heart was racing so fast and loudly he feared the other could hear him, the nausea was stronger. All the affection he felt for the white-haired boy only served to fuel the hatred and resentment in his heart. There wasn’t even a way to know if that affection was genuine or also conditional and thinking about it only frustrated and disgusted him more. Even so, Kalim's body heat and gentle breathing eventually lull him to sleep.
+1 On the lips
It had been months since Jamil had overblotted, and Kalim believed their relationship was on the right track. At least the brunette no longer said he hated him every day; now he only said it once a week! The heir had been taking note of that. Yay, that was progress!
Obviously, that didn't mean everything was alright between them, especially now that the housewarden had discovered something new about his relationship with Jamil… something that really complicated things: Kalim was totally and absolutely in love with Jamil. It was so obvious, and yet he hadn't noticed! Well, the heir had never been very good at those things. Ah, the lack of social interaction in his childhood really had its negative consequences. Well, it is what it is.
Those feelings had probably started many years before, when they were both innocent children and reality hadn't yet caught up with them. When they could truly call themselves friends. In retrospect, little Kalim seemed to have his intentions with Jamil quite clear. After all, I said I wanted to marry him… How embarrassing!
Well, none of that mattered anymore. It was a fact that Jamil didn't feel the same way (they weren't even friends yet), and the white-haired boy wasn't going to burden him with his selfish feelings. They would remain his secret. Having Jamil by his side was more than enough, even more than someone like him deserved.
"Nghhhhh, enough with this negative attitude, Kaliiim..."
"What are you muttering about?"
Those words were meant just for him, but apparently someone else had the idea of going to the dormitory kitchen at midnight. There, sitting at the table in the middle of the room, was Jamil. Oh! Is that tea?
"Ah! Jamil! I came for some tea too, ahaha~" Although they had agreed that Kalim would be more independent, his meals were one of the things the brunette still did for him. For safety, clearly. The heir wouldn't complain about that, but at least he tried to help in the kitchen. And making tea was something even he could do on his own!
"You should be sleeping at this hour" Jamil seemed to be having more trouble breaking old habits, because with just those words he was already preparing tea for the dorm leader. Bad Jamil. "Is something wrong? I told you that you have to let me know if anything happens to you, you're still my responsibility- “
"You worry too much~ I just couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I tried" The brunette placed a cup of hot tea in front of him, and all his worries vanished as soon as he tasted it. As always, Jamil had chosen the perfect sweetness. Enough to make him talk more than he should. "Do you remember that time we went to see Mina?"
Kalim could be very absent-minded, a bit of an airhead, naive, and many other similar adjectives, but he had always paid special attention to Jamil. Well, perhaps it wasn't enough, because even so, he hadn't noticed his pain all these years, but it had allowed him to notice small gestures from his vice-housewarden that others would never imagine. That's why the way his body tensed upon hearing the question didn't go unnoticed by the heir.
“We’ve been there several times, Kalim, you need to be more specific.”
It wasn’t like Kalim was planning to confess; he wouldn’t do something so selfish, but the nervousness behind Jamil’s words intrigued him. Usually, topics of conversation he disliked were quickly cut short by the dark-haired man. Ever since the whole winter break fiasco, Viper was adamant about not doing what he didn’t want to do. That often included talking to the white-haired boy.
If only the heir could allow himself to dream a little, to imagine a reality where Jamil’s tired sighs turned into affectionate smiles.
“Ah, forget it, it wasn’t anything important, ah haha~”
“Is it about the time you proposed to me?”
This time it was Kalim’s turn to freeze. It felt like being caught doing something forbidden, like all the times Jamil had caught him eating his next day’s rations during the night. Except this time, it wasn't a mere whim or impulse; it was his deepest feelings laid bare before the brunette’s intense gaze. He must be disgusted.
"Although it seemed more like one of your whims than a serious proposal. You went off to play with the prince not a minute later" Even though he said it with an annoyed expression, his tone held not a trace of disgust, and before he could control himself, Kalim’s feelings were spilling and leaving his mouth.
"I was being very serious!"
"Hm, and what about now?"
"Now?"
"Is the proposal still on?"
The question leaves him speechless, confusion evident on his face. It's obvious the brunette trying his hardest to sound cool, but it's hard for Kalim to take him seriously when he's resting his face in his hand, desperately trying to hide his blush. Everything in his head is a mess. Does that mean Jamil isn’t against the idea...? Could it be that he also feels the same?
"Uhm, Jamil, I'm not understanding-"
"I'll give you my answer now" Answer? To the proposal? What is Jamil talking about?! His mind seemed to spin, unable to form a coherent response to his vice-housewarden behavior, who was now standing up and leaning closer to him, and oh, wow, his hand was on Kalim's cheek-
Jamil's lips met his, and the white-haired boy's heart leaped in his chest, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. Although the contact was soft, almost superficial, Kalim's first kiss was just as the books described: thrilling, electric, like fireworks. The brunette was the first to pull away, no more than a couple of seconds later, and that just wasn't enough for the heir. Now that he had tasted Jamil, a simple touch wasn't enough.
His hands reached the taller one’s face, and on impulse, he was the one who brought his lips to the other's, kissing him with the same intensity that Kalim used for everything in his daily life. Jamil let out a small sound of surprise before relaxing and returning the kiss with the same enthusiasm as the dorm leader.
It's clear they're both inexperienced, because the kiss is awkward and their noses bump more than once, but neither seems to care. Kalim's hands move to the brunette’s head, tangling his fingers in his long hair, while Jamil's find their way to the white-haired boy's waist. It's the lack of air that finally separates them, but their gazes remain fixed on each other, their teas long forgotten. Kalim is the first to snap out of it and break the silence.
"Does this mean you want to marry me?"
Jamil's face turns redder than Kalim had ever seen. Hehe, how adorable. The vice-housewarden’s frown only makes the heir laugh.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Kalim." Not even the flick on his forehead dampens the heir's excitement. Before he can answer, Jamil looks away and starts talking again. "But I suppose we can try... dating..." It's barely a whisper, but they're so close that Kalim hears it clearly, and without hesitation, he throws himself at him, trapping him in a hug.
"Jamiiiiiiiiiiil!" Despite initially resisting and trying —with little strength—to push the white-haired boy away, Jamil ends up returning the hug. The sigh he lets out is simply part of his cool-guy act, because Kalim feels the other's smile against his head.
There's no need for the dorm leader to say anything more; it's obvious the answer is yes. Forget everything Kalim had said before: the relationship between them was more than good. Now, he just had to be the best boyfriend for Jamil!