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The sun was shining bright at Night Raven Collage, every student was outside playing games, taking pictures or just walking by enjoying the weather.
Riddle was one of the students- but he didn't come here to do any of that, he was on duty.
And the duty was going in Sam's shop, take some things for his dorm and head back.
That was his original plan.
Every ounce of stuff in his head and the plans he made to finish this evening left his head when he heard the shops doors open and an all too familiar scent, with the jiggle of jewelry, hit him.
It was Kalim, the housewarden of Scarabia.
Riddle immediately went at the back of the shop to admire- no, to observe the man. Riddle didn't know why but everytime he saw the man, his stomach did insane turns and he always tried to hide his burning ears behind his hair when the man talked to him. Riddle tried to shake off the feeling because that's not how the Queen of Hearts acted.
But even if he tried, he couldn't push his, this feeling away. Because one side of his admired Kalim- he had this carefree life without stress but the other side didn't 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 he was stress free and without discipline. The complete opposite of Riddle.
Riddle's thoughts got interrupted when he heard something falling.
A box, that were in Kalim's hands, fell on the ground a view centimeters away.
"Oh!- I'm sorry it fell!" Kalim scratched the back of his neck as he looked at Sam, the other man just laughed it off and told Kalim that it wasn't a big deal.
Without thinking, which he should've, Riddle exited his hiding spot and wanted to lift the box but instead of touching the box, his hands met another pair of hands. They were caramel colored and with lots of gold jewelry.
"Oh hey Riddle! Good to see you." Kalim said as he hesitated to take the box. But the moment of hesitation made Riddle pick up the box und quickly stand up before Kalim noticed his red ears. "Hello Kalim, good to see you too." He said, trying to sound confident.
Kalim chuckled "Thanks! You didn't have to lift it up, it was my silly mistake... Anyway, what brings you here?" He asked as he met the shorter mans eyes.
Riddle quietly cleared his throat "I need to take some stuff for my dorm." He said as he handed the box to Kalim, the other man took it and Riddle tried to ignore the fact that their hands brushed briefly again. "What about you?" He asked, looking slightly up.
"Well, Jamil sent me to get some stuff too! You see we are having a party tonight and I actually wanted to help with the decorations but Jamil said I should get some stuff..."
Holy...Kalim was starting to speak faster and people usually didn't understand what he tried to say with all the rambling but Riddle listened, listened a little too carefully for his liking.
Riddle flinched slightly when Kalim suddenly gasped "Omg Riddle you should come too!" He blurted out as if it was nothing, as if that didn't make Riddle's heart race.
Riddle shook his head "Wha- no, no Kalim it's very nice of you but I have to refuse." Riddle started as he locked eyes with the taller man "I have to take care of some stuff for this evening so-"
"But it's gonna be SO fun Riddle! I'll have Jamil know that a special guest is arriving and the others will be thrilled to hear that the Heartslabyul housewarden is visiting!" Kalim said as one of his hands grabbed Riddle's shoulder, squeezing it slightly "And you get to try Scarabian food! And then I can show you around with my magic carpet!"
Riddle touched his chin, thinking "I mean, it does sound pretty fun and I can relax..."
Riddle thought for another view seconds and then sighed "Okay I'll come, and I'll take a tart with me- don't want to come empty-handed. I'll ask Trey to-"
Kalim let go of Riddle shoulders "No need." He said, looking dead serious.
Riddle cringed mentally- just now this man was begging him to come and when Riddle finally agreed and when he said he wanted to bring something, he says no.
"What do you mean no?" Riddle asked as he crossed his arms.
Kalim's eyes widened, he sensed that his statement came out the wrong way "No- I mean it's very nice of you to bring something but I..." He set the box on a counter.
"I can't eat anything expect what Jamil makes me." Kalim said as he looked to the side shyly.
Riddle raised an eyebrow "And that's because?"
"Because when I was little I would get poisened."
Now it was Riddel's turn to be shocked. 'So that's what it's about.' He thought as he let his arms loose.
He then gave a small smile at the man "Well okay then, I'll come without...a tart." Riddle mentally face palmed himself for saying such an awkward line but Kalim laughed and that's what mattered.
"Uhm, arent you supposed to be going now? You came to pick up some stuff." Riddle asked, pointing at the box that Kalim put aside.
Kalim gasped "Oh right!- I gotta go now Riddle, see you later!" He smiled and waved at Riddle before he turned around and left.
"Phew, what a rollercoaster of a convo...What should I wear for tonight though?" Riddle put his hand on his chin as he thought a whole bunch of things.
Riddle stood in the mirror hall, rethinking his life choices.
He wasn't much of an overthinker but he was definitely one right now. Did his hair look good? Was his outfit good for the Scarabia atmosphere? Did he do his makeup well? What will the students think of him?
What will Kalim think of him?
Riddle put both his hands on his face "Ahh why am I thinking so much!? I am the housewarden of Heartslabyul so why..." He removed his hands from his face and looked at the portal connecting the mirror hall and Scarabia.
At first he was thinking to go there with his dorm uniform but Cater refused to let him go like that. "𝘙𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘵?" Was the line he had said to Riddle. He then went his way to pick the 'perfect' outfit for a hot weather.
Shorts, a shirt with the first two buttons loose, leckles, bracelets and shoes obviously. Most of the stuff Riddle is wearing right now is totally not what he usually wears but Cater insisted he looked absolutely 'fabulous'.
Riddle took a deep breath before he finally entered the portal.
Oh Riddle really underestimate the heat in Scarabia, good thing Cater stopped him to wear his dorm uniform. You could be standing and you would still sweat.
Riddle approached the doors and before he could knock, the doors already opened.
"Riddle, you came!" It was Kalim who greeted him. He immediately stepped outside and took Riddle's hands in his "Ohh, lookin' fancy? I love the vibes!" He said as he looked Riddle up and down. Riddle didn't know how he should answer because he didn't know if he should concentrate on his racing heart or on his burning ears.
Kalim chuckled as his cheeks took a light shade of red "Come on, let's go eat." He said as he took Riddle inside.
From the lounge came quiet music, talking and laughing from the students and delicious smells. Riddle could hear and smell it from afar. When the two entered the lounge, everyone's eyes landed on them, on Riddle.
Riddle didn't know why he was so anxious about others seeing him, he was supposed to be used to deal with others.
Riddle was shaken out of his thoughts once again as the students greeted him, some even came up to shake his hand and to personally greet him and thank him for coming.
"It's a pleasure to have the housewarden of Heartslabyul here, thanks for coming." Jamil said as he gave Riddle a welcoming smile.
Maybe Riddle was anxious for no reason because he did feel lighter when he felt Kalim squeeze his hand.
Oh right, they were still holding hands.
Riddle awkwardly let go of Kalim's hand and pretend to tug his hair behind his ear but he then realized that his ears were probably burning so he pushed the hair back, how embarrassing.
He cleared his throat "So, whats for dinner?" He asked as he looked over at Kalim- the man was already looking at him. For a second, Riddle was surprised.
Kalim's face lit up "I'm glad you asked!" He took Riddle's hand again "Come sit, we made all kinds of food." He said as he giggled while he dragged Riddle down.
An annoyed voice said: "It was me." From across the lounge.
Kalim piled up all sorts of food into Riddle's plate. And Riddle was eating them all up elegantly. He was gonna be honest, the food was 'bomb' as Cater would say it, they had a rich flavor, were seasoned and cooked right.
Riddle was clearly enjoying himself and it showed.
Kalim was chuckling as he watched Riddle eat another piece of meat, his smile was wide, a bit way to wide because Riddle looked over at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What is it?" He asked as he lowered his plate.
Kalim looked at him, his smile not leaving his face "Well I'm just happy you like the food." He said genuinely.
Now Riddle felt his heart racing against his chest again. He didn't know how to answer again so he just nodded with an awkward smile, hoping Kalim wouldn't hear his pounding heart.
When Riddle was done eating he wanted to put his plate back in the kitchen but Kalim stopped him and took the plate himself.
"You are our guest so stay and I'll handle this." Kalim said as he left the lounge with his and Riddle's plate.
Now that Riddle was alone and not concentrated on eating, he got aware just how much crowded, loud and chaotic the lounge was.
Too many students were talking over at each other and despite the weather becoming chilly- Riddle still suddenly felt like he was burning.
To somehow cool down, he stood up and went to a quiet corner with a sight into the dessert. Riddle too a deep breath while closing his eyes, letting the air fill his lungs.
Riddle didn't know how long he stood there, maybe a moment or two but his alone time didn't last long when he sensed someone coming, with jewelry jiggling and a hand grasping his.
"Too loud, right?" Kalim whispered, his usual boisterous voice dropping to something incredibly soft and private. Before Riddle could answer, Kalim gave a tug. "Come on. I'm gonna show you something."
And Riddle followed Kalim behind- he didn't know what the man had planned but his senses told him to trust the guy, and that's what he did.
On the second floor, Kalim opened a door "So this is my room!" He said as he let go of Riddle's hand and showed him the room.
Riddle hummed "Looks pretty neat."
Kalim giggled "Thanks but that was not what I was gonna show you." He slowly approached Riddle with a small smirk on his face. Riddle started to grow nervous "Whats your plan?" He nervously asked as the man took his hand yet again and walked them over at the balcony.
"You'll see." Kalim said as he opened the doors to the balcony, he let Riddle's hand go and stood a view meters away from him. Riddle started to kinda miss Kalim's hand on his.
"So..." Kalim started, locking his eyes with Riddle's "It's a nice view right?"
Riddle nodded "It is..." Riddle answered but he wasn't so sure of himself- well yes the view was amazing indeed but Kalim acting like this was strange.
Kalim laughed, noticing Riddle's confusion. He suddenly whistled and Riddle thought something was gonna happen- but nothing did.
"Riddle I..." Kalim started as he slowly backed away "Don't hate me for this." His legs and hips hit the balcony edge.
Riddle was VERY confused now because he wouldn't hate Kalim.
He raised an eyebrow at him "Hate you for what?" He said as he crossed his arms.
Kalim smiled at him, which made Riddle's stomach do turns "For this." With speed Riddle didn't know Kalim possessed Kalim turned around, lifted his body up to stand on the endge and turned around to face Riddle.
Riddle was already walking towards him, growing nervous "Kalim what are you!-"
Without a word, Kalim closed his eyes and let his body fall over the balcony.
Riddle gasped "Kalim?!" He yelled as he ran over the edge to look down only to face a very happy looking Kalim. He was...floating?
No, he was on his magic carpet.
He giggled "I'm sorry I made you worry for a second!" He said as he flew up with his magic carpet. Riddle's eyes followed Kalim's movements, he was still completely flabbergasted.
Kalim was now towering over Riddle, blocking the moonlight.
"I promised you a ride, didn't I?" Kalim stretches out his hand for Riddle to take it.
This man...
Riddle chuckled, a hand over his chest "Was this your plan all along?"
Kalim smirked "Maybe."
Riddle gladly took Kalim's hand without thinking, which he should've because he immediately stumbled and had to grab one of Kalim's shoulder for support while Kalim put his hand over Riddle's waist.
"Be careful there." Kalim said as he let out a laugh while a light blush appeared on his face. Riddle only gave him a side eye.
Riddle slowly let lose of the strong grip that was on Kalim's shoulder "You usually stand or sit here?" He asked genuinely.
Kalim also let lose of his strong hold "Yes! I usually sit here since it's more comfortable than standing." He let go of Riddle's waist and the red head immediately inched closer to the man. "Don't worry, it's completely save!" Kalim said, reassuring Riddle that it was fine with a smile.
Riddle nodded, completely unaware that the other mans heart was also racing, just like his.
With that, Kalim slowly sat down while guiding Riddle to sit next to him. Kalim then patted the carpet, signalazing that it can start flying.
The chilly air hit both of their faces as the carpet flew slowly up and down. Kalim was smiling the whole time and telling different stories and pointing at specific spots he trains with Jamil. Riddle on the other hand couldn't stop clinching at Kalim, he had never done this before and he was terrified.
He tried to act as if he wasn't scared but he couldn't. His arms automatically went over at the white haired mans shoulders.
"Are you sure we aren't gonna fall?" Riddle asked as he inched yet a bit closer to Kalim.
Kalim laughed "Don't worry! Even if we fall the carpet will catch us!" He said as he squeezed Riddle's waist slightly. Riddle tried to ignore the fact that Kalim's thumb was stroking the area lightly.
Kalim then pointed at a spot "Look Riddle, this is my favorite spot." He said as he looked over at Riddle to make sure he saw what Kalim was pointing at.
It was a tiny lake, the water was clear and you could see the moonlight's reflection on it. The lake was surrounded by rocks, palm trees and beautiful flowers.
Riddle's eyes widened and he couldn't hold back a "Wow..." Kalim laughed and gave a signal to the carpet to lower itself.
When they hit the ground, Riddle finally let Kalim go but it wasn't long before Kalim stood up and took Riddle's hand.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" He asked as he locked his eyes with Riddle. Riddle could see the faint blush on Kalim's cheeks and he was glad he wasn't the only one who was flustered.
Riddle nodded "It is..." And Kalim gave him a knowing smile "This is the place where I come to train...or just to chill, it's very special to me since I've only come here alone." He said as he broke the eye contact to look at the starry sky. Riddle followed his gaze, the sky was filled with stars.
"I'm very happy that you are willing to share your special place." Riddle started as he looked at Kalim's side profile, he was still looking up "But why would you share it with 𝘮𝘦?"
Kalim slowly turned his gaze back at the red head "Because..." He started, he turned his whole body towards Riddle and took his other hand in his "Because 𝘺𝘰𝘶 are special to me, Riddle."
Suddenly, all the thoughts Riddle had in his head left as soon as he heard the other man say that line. His face flushed brutally and his heart started racing like crazy. Riddle tried to control himself with breathing slowly.
Seeing Riddle like this made Kalim chuckle slightly, his face flushed too "I'm sorry, that was pretty corny right?" He let go of one of Riddle's hands to put it in his pocket "Uh- I picked up something earlier..."
From his pocket, he picked up a flower, a red rose to be precise "It uh..reminded me of you..." Kalim said shyly as he tried to hide his face with the tiny, damaged rose.
Riddle blinked at him for a second, then he tried not to laugh but he couldn't hold himself as he bursted out laughing.
"What?" Kalim said as he giggled while Riddle put his head on Kalim's chest.
"You- you are unbelievable!" Riddle said in between his laughter. When he calmed down a bit a let go of Kalim's hand and his hands slowly cupped his face. Kalim looked at him in shook as his face took the same shade as his eyes.
Then Riddle pulled Kalim's face a bit down and kissed his cheek slowly, when he pulled back he smiled at him "Thank you." He said as he took the rose from Kalim's hand.
Kalim froze for a second, not knowing how he should react. Then he chuckled "So you like it?" He said excited with the biggest smile in his face as he looked down at Riddle.
Riddle mentally face palmed at the very obvious question Kalim asked.
"Of course." He still answered because, after all, Kalim deserved an answer.
Then they stood there, stupidly smiling at each other and slowly, very slowly inching closer.
Suddenly, they both gasped when the magic carpet wrapped itself around their legs, making their bodies touch.
The carpet was acting on it's own and Riddle thanked the carpet for doing it mentally.
"Hey- why..." Kalim tried to say annoyed when the carpet let their legs go but he got distracted when Riddle put his arms around his neck.
"Maybe it was a sign..." Riddle said as he titled hai head to the side. He started to play with the little strands of hair on Kalim's neck.
"Sign for what?" Kalim asked nervously as his hands met Riddle's waist, both their cheeks red and their hearts on a rollercoaster.
Riddle chuckled, his heart racing for what he was about to do "For this." He said as he finally closed the cap between them.
Kalim was shocked when Riddle kissed his lips and his face turned the same shade as his eyes again. For a moment he was so lost that he had to snap back and kiss back the shorter man.
He closed his eyes and let Riddle take the lead because, honestly, he has never kissed anyone like this before. But little did Kalim know that it was also Riddle's first time kissing someone on the lips.
When Riddle finally pulled back, his breath caught in his throat. Kalim was staring at him, his red eyes wide and brilliant under the stars, completely starstruck. For a second, the only sound was the gentle rustle of the palm trees, the thumping of their own hearts and their heavy breathing.
Kalim broke into a huge, breathless grin, rubbing the back of his neck. "Wow...Riddle, you're...really amazing."
Riddle cleared his throat, trying to regain his usual posture despite his face burning a bright scarlet. "L-let's not make a habit of catching me off guard like that. Now... we should probably head back before Jamil sends a search party."
Kalim's eyes widened, the he let out a laugh "Yeah yeah, let's go." He turned around and they walked back to the carpet, their hands not letting go of each other.
The ride back to the dorms was quiet but peaceful. Instead of clinging on Kalim and being scared, Riddle leaned softly on Kalim's shoulder while Kalim had his arm around Riddle's waist.
Back at the dorms, Riddle watched the time on his phone and gasped.
"Ugh it's way past the Heartslabyul curfew..." He said as he put his hand on his forehead. Normally, he would be furious and stressed about the rules but this time, he wasn't, he was tired, happy and somehow, relaxed.
Kalim's face lit up "Just stay here tonight! My bed is huge, and I have plenty of extra silk pajamas!" He said as he put his arms up in happiness. Riddle chuckled "Well, if I'm not being a burden..." He said as he looked at Kalim and for a second he saw Kalim's eyes widen.
"'A burden'??" He said as he approached Riddle and put his hands on his shoulders. "You aren't a burden, love." He said as he planted a light kiss on Riddle's cheek. Riddle blushed and his hand went on his cheek, the one Kalim kissed. The little nickname made his stomach twist.
When Kalim saw the pyjamas he gave Riddle, he couldn't stop laughing. They were one size too big for Riddle but he looked absolutely adorable.
"Stop laughing." Riddle said as he entered the bed, feeling a bit exhausted.
Kalim immediately pulled Riddle closer to him "Okay okay I'll stop...you just look so cute!" He earned a soft punch in the arm from Riddle.
After they settled in, silence took over the room. Riddle liked listening to Kalim's heartbeat.
"Kalim, thanks for inviting me." Riddle whispered sleepy.
Kalim hummed as he patted Riddle's head "Always..."
They slowly drifted off to sleep while hugging each other tightly- and the magic carpet across the room made a happy, but a quiet dance of victory.