The sudden swoosh of Carpet beneath him made Aladdin yelp. Before he could steady himself, the magical rug tipped, and he stumbled straight into Jafar’s private chambers.

Jafar, seated at his desk, didn’t flinch at the intrusion. Instead, his dark eyes lifted slowly, taking in the flustered figure before him. One eyebrow arched, a faint smirk playing at his lips. “Ah… and here I thought my day would be quiet,” he murmured, voice low, deliberate.

Aladdin scrambled to his feet, cheeks burning. “I… uh… Carpet!” he stammered, glancing around nervously.

Jafar leaned back slightly, allowing the shadows of the room to cloak his intentions. “No need to apologize,” he said softly. “…Though I suppose you’ll find me rather… inescapable tonight.”

Aladdin’s heartbeat quickened as he realized just how close the two of them were — the air thick with unspoken tension and the faint warmth of proximity.