LIBRARY
1301 Words
CHAPTER 9. LIBRARY SCENE
Arka couldn’t sleep.
He lay on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, listening to the faint rhythm of Kaal’s breathing above him.
Soft. Calm. Controlled — like everything about Kaal always was.
He turned on his side, eyes drawn toward the bed.
Kaal’s back was turned, shoulders steady under the dim light filtering through the curtains.
Peaceful. Too peaceful.
“Hey,” Arka whispered.
No response.
He tried again. “You asleep?”
Nothing.
A small smile tugged at his lips. “You’re pretending, aren’t you?”
He propped himself up on one elbow, peeking over the side of the bed. Kaal lay turned away, perfectly still. Arka crawled quietly toward him, stopping just beside the bed. He touched Kaal’s shoulder gently, but there was no response.
His lashes fluttered once — almost imperceptibly — and Arka’s heart clenched.
Caught you.
He reached out, brushing a lock of hair from Kaal’s forehead, fingertips grazing warm skin.
“You’re so annoying,” he whispered, smiling to himself. “Even when you’re pretending.”
“Hey,” he murmured, “I know you’re awake. Why aren’t you answering me?”
Kaal’s lips twitched, but he didn’t move. He was determined to keep up the act.
Arka smiled softly. “You can fool me all you want, but your cuteness can’t hide.”
His voice softened, barely audible. “You know, I used to think you hated me. Maybe I still think that sometimes. But when you let me stay tonight…”
He paused. “I don’t know. It feels like you don’t want me gone either.”
The silence stayed still and heavy.
Arka’s throat tightened. “If you’re really asleep, you won’t mind this.”
He leaned closer — hesitated for a heartbeat — then kissed him softly on the cheek.
But that wasn’t enough.
His chest hurt with the wanting.
He tilted slightly and pressed his lips to Kaal’s mouth.
Warm. Still. Breath catching between them.
The world seemed to still around that one fragile second.
Kaal didn’t move — not away, not closer.
But his heart thundered.
Every nerve in his body screamed, Move, say something, push him away—
Arka lingered, his voice a whisper. “You’re so sweet, babe. I could kiss you forever.”
And he did. Again, deeper this time.
Kaal’s inner voice screamed, I’m asleep, not dead! Why am I letting this happen?!
But somehow… he didn’t push him away.
When Kaal finally opened his eyes, pretending to just wake up, Arka froze — then, before he could stop himself, kissed him again.
Kaal stared at him, dazed. Their lips parted slowly, breaths mingling in the quiet room.
“Sleep,” Kaal muttered weakly.
Arka blinked, confused — then smiled and murmured, “Hm…” before climbing down to his mattress like an obedient child.
Kaal watched in disbelief. He actually went back to sleep on the floor? Ahh, he’s so stupidly cute…
He turned away, smiling to himself. “Goodnight,” he whispered.
⸻
Morning came too quickly.
Arka woke first, stretching with a grin. He peeked up at Kaal still asleep, hair messy, lips slightly parted. So cute…
A few minutes later, he was in the kitchen, humming as he fried eggs and bacon.
When Kaal stirred, Arka was already standing by the door with a plate in hand. “Morning, babe. I made breakfast.”
Kaal rubbed his eyes, blinking blearily. “What time is it?”
“Almost six.” Arka sat beside him, “Eat before I leave.”
“Leave?” Kaal frowned. “Where are you going?”
“Somewhere. I can’t stay long." smiled, handing over the plate.
Kaal accepted it, taking a bite. His expression softened. “It’s… good. Thanks.”
Arka’s grin widened. “Anything for you.” He ruffled Kaal’s hair affectionately. “I’d spend the whole day here if I could.”
Kaal blinked, noticing there was only one plate. “Where’s yours?”
“I already ate,” Arka said quickly.
Kaal gave him a look. “Liar.”
Arka looked away. “You slept too long. I didn’t want to wake you.”
Kaal sighed, then scooped some food and held it out. “Open your mouth.”
“Huh?”
“Eat it.”
Arka hesitated, then obeyed. “Thanks,” he said quietly, chewing.
Kaal handed him the spoon. “Finish it.”
“What—? No, you—”
“Eat it all,” Kaal ordered, glaring.
Arka chuckled nervously. “Okay, okay, geez. No need to yell, mom.”
Kaal rolled his eyes. “You’re skipping school, aren’t you?”
Arka froze. “No! I’m… going to the library. To study.”
Kaal narrowed his eyes. “Study? You?”
“I can change!” Arka said quickly. “I’ll study there. Alone.”
Kaal didn’t look convinced but shrugged. “Fine. Do what you want.”
They left together but parted ways halfway — Kaal heading to class, Arka walking the other direction with a mysterious smile.
⸻
By afternoon, Kaal was sitting with Reo again in the study room.
The clock ticked lazily, pages turning, pens scratching faintly.
But Kaal wasn’t hearing any of it.
Every time he looked down, he saw last night in his head again — the way Arka had leaned close, the heat of his breath, that gentle whisper against his lips.
Stop thinking about it.
He scowled, shaking his head.
“Kaal?” Reo’s voice broke through. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Let’s… move to the library. Need more focus.”
Reo nodded, smiling. “Sure. Maybe a change of view helps.”
They arrived at the library, heading upstairs where it was empty. Kaal scanned the room — and froze.
There, by the window, Arka sat way too close to a girl.
His jaw tightened.
Reo blinked. “Kaal? You okay?”
Kaal didn’t answer. He marched straight toward them, each step echoing softly on the floor.
“Arka,” he hissed under his breath, “what the hell are you doing?”
Arka jumped, eyes wide. “K-Kaal?! What are you—”
“I asked what you’re doing with her!”
The girl blinked at the tension, then smiled nervously. “Hi! I’m Araa.”
Kaal gave her a quick glance — unfamiliar face, pretty, not from their school. His irritation flared hotter.
“Answer me, Arka.”
Arka scratched his cheek awkwardly. “She’s just—uh—someone I was talking to.”
“Talking? In a library?”
“Y-Yeah. About… studying?”
Kaal’s glare sharpened. “With her?”
“Yup,” Araa said cheerfully.
That was it. Kaal grabbed Arka’s collar and dragged him out of the library, ignoring the curious stares.
Reo blinked, exchanging an awkward smile with Araa. “Well… that escalated fast.”
⸻
Outside, Kaal shoved Arka against the wall.
“So? Are you going to tell me the truth? That didn’t look like studying.”
Arka smiled nervously. “We were just talking! That’s all!”
“Talking about what?”
Arka hesitated. He’s jealous… should I tease him?
Kaal’s voice dropped lower. “You skipped school. Lied to me. For that girl?”
Arka’s smirk faltered. “Kaal, it’s not what you think.”
But Kaal had already let go, stepping back with a clenched jaw. “Whatever.”
He turned away and started walking.
Arka stood there, frozen, watching him go. His heart ached a little — not because of the yelling, but because Kaal’s eyes looked hurt.
He’s jealous, Arka thought softly. That means he cares… right?
If only Kaal gave more attention to the girl, he would find out how Araa and Arka look really similar.
- Writer
