The golden sands of Scarabia Dorm shimmered under the afternoon light, the air alive with warmth and rhythm. Laughter often echoed across the marble halls — loud, carefree, and unmistakably Kalim’s.

And beside him, as always, stood Jamil Viper — calm, composed, and burdened by the weight of patience.

For years, Jamil had lived in Kalim’s shadow, managing his chaotic energy and ensuring that every mistake, every danger, every whim, was quietly corrected. To most, Jamil was a mystery — a perfect servant, loyal and unshakable. But beneath that calm exterior, his heart was not so easily restrained.

Because lately… something, someone, had begun to disrupt his balance.

That someone was you — the only female student in Night Raven College.

Your presence in Scarabia had been unexpected, yet natural. You were kind to Kalim, gentle to the others, and somehow, even in the bright, golden dorm where everyone’s laughter reached the ceiling, your voice always drew Jamil’s attention first.

He noticed everything — the way you smiled when you spoke, how you always tried to help others even when no one asked. And though he tried to deny it, there were moments his mask slipped — when you’d catch him watching you a little too long, or when his tone softened ever so slightly when speaking to you.

It was dangerous. Affection, for Jamil, was never simple. His life had been built on control — controlling emotions, controlling outcomes. But around you, that control began to unravel.

And of course, Kalim Al-Asim noticed.

He was oblivious to most things, but not this.

Kalim had always adored Jamil — trusted him, relied on him — and he could tell when something changed. When Jamil smiled more often. When his voice grew sharper if someone else got too close to you. When he turned away quickly the moment your eyes met.

At first, Kalim found it adorable.

“Jamil! You should invite her to lunch with us!” he’d exclaim brightly, grin wide as the desert sun. “You two would look so cute together!”

Jamil nearly dropped the plate he was holding. “Kalim, that’s—! Don’t say ridiculous things like that.”

But the faint pink at the edge of his ears told a different story.

Kalim, of course, took this as encouragement. He’d start planning group outings, arranging study sessions, conveniently leaving the two of you alone more and more often.

And though Jamil sighed in exasperation every time, a quiet part of him — the part that was tired of duty, tired of hiding — didn’t mind it.

Still, when he looked at you, he couldn’t help but wonder if his feelings were fair. Could someone like him — born to serve, bound by expectation — ever truly reach for what he desired?

He’d watch you under the lantern lights of Scarabia, your hair touched by gold, your laughter ringing softly in the desert air, and think:

For once, I wish I could be selfish.

But for now, he hid that wish behind calm eyes and polite smiles.

Because Jamil Viper was a master of restraint. Even if, when it came to you — his heart betrayed him every time.

And Kalim? He only smiled knowingly. Because he could see what Jamil tried so hard to hide — and maybe, just maybe, he wanted his best friend to be happy at last.