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Laughs and cheers filled the open room. You liked being in Scarabia, even with the sand and dry weather at times, but you were mostly there for Kalim. The housewarden became your friend the moment he could talk to you one-on-one. You felt drawn to him. It was a natural course, but all of that had its own consequences.
Kalim perked up when he was finally able to meet you. He talked to you with so much energy, and you responded the same way. Someone could catch up with his mood, which was the best thing for him. He constantly talked to you and got excited about spending time with you. It felt so right, but there was still some… unspoken distance.
You were a person that didn’t belong in the world of Twisted Wonderland. You were simply wasting the days away in this universe while Headmaster Crowley searched for a way home for you.
Kalim Al-Asim was of high status, a relative of the Scalding Sands royal family. Coming from a big family and having his guard—or friend, depending on what you wish to call his attendant Jamil. He was of a different standing, similar to the future king of Briar Valley, Malleus Draconia.
There was an apparent wall between them. They were separated by an invisible glass with holes just so they could talk, but they became best friends with the snap of a finger. Everyone around them would comment on how easily they made each other laugh and brighten everyone’s mood.
Some even suggested dating because “You two are perfect for each other,” but that was much easier said than done. You were aware of that. Kalim was aware of it, too.
You liked Kalim for his bright smile and shining energy. He was like a golden retriever boyfriend that you always heard about in your world. He was genuinely kind and always helped you or kept you company.
Kalim liked you for your diligence and kindness. You didn't take advantage of his good intentions, and that was enough for him to accept you. He liked the conversations and hangouts that you would have with him.
You were restless, and he was restless with you. Sleeping in class was usually done together. You and Kalim were like parallel lines.
But parallel lines are close, but never touching.
Knowing the circumstances, there was a line that neither of you could cross, but it was established without even needing to talk about it. You understood his situation, while he understood yours.
Kalim had his life set for him back in his homeland. You had an entire life waiting for you back in your world, too.
“Kaliiiiiiim!” You yelled, looking through the halls of Scarabia's dormitory. The cool wind of the night in the desert was a drastic comparison to how hot it was in the day, but you couldn't complain when you could see Kalim's smile.
He stepped out of his dorm room just moments later, surprised at how you called his name like that. “Hey! What's going on? You're screaming as if I took the last ice cream from the freezer.”
His joke made you laugh, and you held up a building set, knowing you liked doing it with him. “Building set. Over 500 pieces. Should we all-nighter this thing!?” You asked excitedly, watching Kalim's face light up as he got hyped.
“Should we!? What kind of question is that? We have to. Come on!” Kalim exclaimed and took you into his room before he started to clear off a space on the floor.
You set down the box and looked around for a lollipop. You left a few the last time and grabbed one to snack on so the sugar could keep you awake. After, your eyes fell on Kalim, and he was still cleaning the floor, but he had a wide smile.
Once he was done, he noticed your eyes stuck on him. He laughed lightly. “You look weird staring at me like that. What's wrong?”
You stay quiet and take the lollipop out of your mouth, giving him a light smile. “I like how we are, Kalim. Can we never change?”
Your question made Kalim's smile falter. He blinked a few times and stayed quiet, too, then gave you a cheeky smile again. “I don't want to change, either. Why would we?”
You began to laugh and tilt your head. “You're right. How dumb of me,” you said playfully and stared at him for a little. Kalim stared right back and didn't break it for a moment. His red eyes showed the brightest light that an iris could hold.
Parallel lines. They're always close, but they never touch, never cross. Just like the two teens in this very room. Close friends, but nothing more.