SLEEP OVER
1302 Words
Chapter 7. SLEEP OVER
Kaal was still rubbing his temples when Reo stood up from his chair, stretching lightly. “Well, that was productive,” Reo said, smiling. “You’re a great teacher.”
Kaal blinked at him. “We’ve only covered two chapters.”
Reo chuckled. “Yeah, and I have already learned more in one hour than in a whole semester. You make it sound easy.”
Kaal looked away, uncomfortable with the compliment. “Just review what I explained tonight. We’ll continue tomorrow.”
Reo nodded, gathering his books. “Got it. Same time?”
“Same time.”
Kaal thought the torture ended when Arka finally got dragged out by Mira for his tutoring session.
He was wrong.
Because when the last bell rang, and he stepped out of the classroom, there he was again — Arka, leaning against the wall with a grin that screamed trouble.
Kaal pinched the bridge of his nose. “You haven’t go home yet?”
“Couldn’t,” Arka shrugged. “Mira had to meet the dean, so I thought I’d wait for you. You know, for moral support.”
“You mean to annoy me.”
Arka gasped dramatically. “Wow, you really see through me, huh?”
Before Kaal could reply, Reo appeared behind him, holding his books.
“Oh—Kaal, you forgot this.” He smiled warmly, handing over a folder.
Arka’s grin instantly faded.
“Reo. Buddy. You can just throw that from afar next time. He doesn’t need extra service.”
Reo blinked, then laughed. “You’re really protective, huh?”
“Protective? Nah,” Arka said, puffing his chest, “just territorial.”
Kaal smacked the back of his head lightly. “Stop saying nonsense.”
Reo chuckled, clearly amused by their bickering. “You two must be close.”
Arka grinned slyly. “Oh, we’re very close. We even share—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” Kaal warned.
“So, how’s tutoring going? Has my baby made you cry yet, Reo?”
Reo blinked. “Your baby?”
Kaal shot Arka a glare sharp enough to kill a small animal. “Stop calling me that.”
Arka ignored him. “He’s strict, right? Scary when he frowns?”
Reo smiled politely. “Actually, he’s kind of nice once you get used to him.”
“‘Nice?’” Arka repeated, mock-offended. “What are you, trying to steal him?”
Kaal grabbed his bag with a groan. “I’m leaving before one of you starts a scene.”
Reo hid a smile behind his hand. “I’ll take my leave before this becomes a crime scene. See you tomorrow, Kaal.”
“See you,” Kaal muttered, waving half-heartedly.
Once Reo was gone, Arka sighed dramatically. “I don’t like him.”
“You don’t like anyone who breathes near me,” Kaal replied dryly.
“Because people who breathe near you keep flirting!” Arka said, following him down the hall. “You’re like a walking main character aura.”
“I’m trying to walk home,” Kaal said, “not film a romance drama.”
Arka followed him out of the classroom immediately, still holding his grin. “Hey, I was kidding. You’re so serious all the time.”
Kaal opened his mouth to snap back—but then paused.
For the briefest moment, sunlight hit Arka’s face just right. His smile softened, his usually messy hair glowing gold at the edges. His brown eyes—usually full of mischief—looked unexpectedly warm.
Kaal blinked.
Oh.
He’s… actually really handsome.
The realization hit him like a sudden gust of wind, and he quickly looked away, pretending to check his notes.
“Why are you quiet all of a sudden?” Arka teased.
“Because I’m thinking of ways to mute you permanently.”
"Aw, you're shy!. Don't be mad, I'm kidding!"
They walked down the corridor, Arka still talking non-stop while Kaal tried his best to ignore him.
Outside, the sun was already setting, painting the sky gold and purple.
He pressed a hand over his chest, trying to calm his heartbeat.
This is stupid. He’s stupid. I’m stupid.
“So,” Arka said suddenly, “you’re done tutoring for today, right?"
“Obviously.”
“Cool. Then I’ll walk you home.”
Kaal frowned. “Why?”
Arka grinned. “Because I’m a gentleman?”
“You’re a headache.”
“That too,” Arka said cheerfully.
They reached the bus stop, but Arka didn’t leave. He kept walking beside Kaal, humming like a happy puppy.
Kaal sighed. “Arka, go home.”
“Nope. My house is boring. Yours is more fun.”
“My house is not fun.”
“Exactly. That’s why I’m coming—to make it fun.”
Kaal stopped walking and turned to him. “You’re not coming.”
Arka crossed his arms, pouting. “Too late. I already told my mom I’m sleeping over.”
Kaal froze. “…You what?”
Arka looked ridiculously pleased with himself. “She said, ‘Oh, that’s nice, tell Kaal I said hi!’ So now you can’t kick me out.”
Kaal groaned, dragging a hand over his face. “You—! Why do you make my life so complicated?”
Arka leaned closer, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Because it’s more fun that way.”
⸻
By the time they reached Kaal’s apartment building, the streetlights had turned on.
It was an old, narrow building with creaky stairs and peeling paint, nothing like the mansion Arka secretly came from.
Arka looked around curiously. “Wow… you actually live here?”
“Yes,” Kaal said flatly. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Arka quickly shook his head. “No, no! It’s cozy. Humble. Very… character-building.”
“Uh-huh.”
Kaal unlocked the door, and Arka immediately kicked off his shoes and plopped down on the couch. “So, what’s for dinner?”
“You’re not staying for dinner.”
Arka tilted his head with a grin. “Then I’ll cook.”
Kaal froze mid-step. “You? Cook?”
“I can totally cook,” Arka said confidently. “I once made instant noodles for the whole class.”
“They exploded in the pot.”
“That’s called innovation.”
Kaal stared at him for a long, long moment before sighing in defeat. “Fine. But if the kitchen burns down, I’m kicking you out through the window.”
Arka saluted. “Yes, chef!”
⸻
Later that night, the kitchen was somehow still standing—barely—and Kaal found himself sitting beside Arka on the floor, sharing half-burned noodles while an old TV buzzed in the background.
Arka slurped his food noisily. “See? Edible.”
“Questionable,” Kaal said.
Arka chuckled. “You’re picky even when you’re full.”
Kaal rolled his eyes, but there was the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
He didn’t notice Arka staring at him quietly, his expression softening.
He really looks different when he smiles, Arka thought.
Kaal turned to him. “What?”
“Nothing,” Arka said quickly, grinning again. “Just thinking how lucky I am.”
“Lucky?”
“To have a friend who tolerates me.”
Kaal blinked. “Who says I tolerate you?”
Arka leaned back, resting his head against the wall. “If you didn’t, you’d have kicked me out hours ago.”
Kaal didn’t answer. He just sighed softly, setting down his bowl.
“…You’re impossible,” he muttered.
“Yep,” Arka replied happily. “But I’m your impossible.”
Kaal glanced at him, fighting the smile threatening to form.
Maybe… just maybe… he didn’t hate that.
- Writer
