Afternoon Time – Friday, 7th January

-----

"Mister Viper." Crowley stared at him, fingers intertwined and pressed right under his mask. "You do realize what you're asking me right?"

Jamil took a deep breath and let it out, looking Crowley squarely in the yellow eyes shining through the mask. "You have the power to alter memories. There's no doubt about that. That's a high-level magic that even Malleus Draconia can't do." He stepped forward, putting his hands on the desk. He didn't dare to lean forward. No matter how bumbling his headmaster is, he's still an adult who stand above him. "I need you to lift whatever curse you put upon this school and Scarabia."

"I cannot do that," Crowley said, "it was Mister al-Asim request to erase the memories of that winter training camp. I cannot break my oath toward him."

"But you never said anything about isolating NRC."

Crowley hummed, almost chuckling. "This is just an advanced version of the spell you used during that camp. I'm sure you're smart enough to decode it."

Jamil tried his best not to whine. "But I don't have the time or patience. Back then, I only cast for one dorm, not the entire island." This time, he did lean forward just from pure frustration. "I'm going to Royal Sword Academy no matter what you say."

Crowley didn't flatter. "And what happens if you can't?"

"I never say anything about bringing him back." Crowley raised his eyebrow, but Jamil continued, "If he wants to stay there, then fine. I just need closure between us."

It took a while before Crowley let out a sigh. "Just this once."

Jamil let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Headmaster."

And he could've sworn that there was a small smile on Crowley's lips.

-----

Night Time – Saturday, 8th January

-----

"We got the things." Ashoka raised some paper bags, along with Yudhi with some rectangular pieces of paper in his hands. Jamil, who had been preparing their broom with Mustafa and Chandra at the field, nodded and get up to walk toward them. Looking inside the paper bag, he could see some fabrics and a paper with sketches and numbers on it, a bit amazed how his order took only a half-day to finish.

Jamil nodded at them. "Thanks, guys," he said, taking the paper bag and Yudhi's papers.

"What's inside?" Chandra asked.

"Some disguise for us," Jamil answered, taking out the paper with sketches of some fancy clothes. "According to Riddle, there will be a Start of Term Ball tonight. This means everyone will be there, hopefully including Kalim. We can sneak in from the underground dock and get Kalim out of there."

"What about the protection spell around the school?" Chandra asked again.

"Shield cutter charm." Jamil raised the paper that Yudhi got. He turned to him. "What did Azul want in exchange?"

"Nothing," Yudhi shook his head, "which was surprising. He just said that 'this one is free for him'."

Jamil was about to question it again because there was no way Azul would leave them alone without payment, but then he remembered that this had happened before.

Jamil frowned at him. "Have you ever truly forgiven Jonah?"

Azul raised an eyebrow at him. "Did you come here just to ask for personal information? You'll have to give me something in return."

He never really ask for his payment back then either. Jamil sighed. He would have to ask Azul about this. All these changes from him are giving him whiplash.

"What else did he say about charm?" Jamil asked again.

"He said that it'll create an opening for at least three hours," Yudhi answered.

Jamil nodded. "Then our time is short. Which is why we need to get him out as fast as we can."

"What happens if the plan fails?" Ashoka asked.

Jamil's grip on the charms tightened slightly. He took a deep breath and let it out. "This mess happens because of me. If any of your get in trouble, I'll handle the consequence." He looked at each of them one by one, a sincere look on his face with a hint of regret but also determination. "All of you need to help me to get to Kalim and talk to him."

Something flickered in the sky that made all of them looked up. Before, you couldn't see anything up there, but now you could see some wavy patterns in the sky.

"That's the barrier..." Mustafa muttered and Jamil nodded. This was the first time he had seen the magic shield that protected their school. It was taller than the main building towers and reached further beyond the windmill and field. "There's no way headmaster just let it down."

"It's more of the isolation spell around it," Jamil said, "I don't know how long he'll let it down. We have to go now before we're trapped here again."

The other four nodded. Jamil rode chapter will all the equipment they needed while the others rode their broom in pairs with Ashoka and Chandra on one and Mustafa and Yudhi on another.

"Alright let's go." Jamil flew up first. His heart hammering in his chest. This is the only chance for them to get out of school. Even with all these plannings, if the headmaster didn't actually approve his request and dropped the spell later, they would still be trapped here and Jamil had to dissect the spell all on their own.

He flew past the tower. Jamil raised his hand in anticipation, breathing too quickly for his liking. And then his fingers touch the barrier...

...and went straight through.

Jamil couldn't help but let out a gasp. He kept pushing through until his hand, arm, his whole body, even carpet flew through. He laughed, relief filling his chest. He's out. He's out! Looking down, he saw the others fly past the barrier, which looked like they flew through a fog that covered the whole school.

"Jamil!" Mustafa called. "Which way?"

Jamil looked around, finding the way to the coast. "Follow me."

And they were off to bring back a friend.

-----

Standing in front of the mirror, Kalim felt frustrated as his scarf fell in front of his eyes once again. He just did get it! He had been wearing his headscarf ever since he was little and yet he seemed to forget how to do it.

Jamil helped him a lot in getting dressed. Maybe that's why he couldn't do it on his own. Maybe that's why he didn't wear any turban ever since he arrived here.

He let out another heavy sigh. It was always Jamil, huh? Even after a week, he was still not over it.

Someone came knocking on his door and followed by the turning of the doorknob. Ali's head poked in. "Kalim. Are you ready?"

"Sorry." Kalim winched. "I'm still working on my headscarf."

"You need help?" Ali asked, opening the door wider.

Kalim shook his head. "I'll just wear a turban." He walked toward his closet and fished out a white turban to put it on his head. "Okay. Let's get this party started."

-----

"Wow..." Chandra was the first one to react when they saw the white castle with its towers which seemed to glow in the night from all the light. "Royal Sword Academy..."

"Where do we start though?" Yudhi asked.

Jamil looked down. "Let's find the underground port first. Then we'll find him."

They flew around closer to the sea near the cliffside below the academy's building. "Look!" Mustafa shouted, pointing at a cavern. "That must be it."

Just as they approached it, something shot out from the water, forcing them to halt. "What the-" Jamil exclaimed as his eyes widened.

"Whoa!" Chandra shouted. "Is that a water dragon?!" The creature from the sea was long and four-webbed claws with its light blue skin, silvery-white mane, and magical horn. It roared at them and shot toward them.

Jamil screamed, "Get away!" And the two broom riders and carpet flew away to avoid getting hit by the diving creature.

"We have to steer it away from the dock," Jamil said.

Ashoka looked toward the sea, noting the dark long figure underneath them. An idea sparked in his mind. "I have an idea," he grinned, "you guys go on without me."

"Ashoka?" Chandra sounded.

"Don't worry." He looked at each and one of them with a confident look on his face. "I'm in the horse riding club. Time to use everything Riddle has taught me. Chandra, hold on to the broom."

"What does it have to do-" Holding on to the broom tight as Ashoka let go of his hands. He has that stupid grin on his face and-

-he flipped around.

"ASHOKA!" Chandra yelled as Ashoka fell to the sea with a great splash. It didn't seem to bother him though. He had been practicing since his older brother likes to dunk his head into the river. Blowing a cold breath with a chant recited in his head, he formed a bowl around his head, like a glass helmet.

Just then, a long creature swam past him, flipping him underwater. "Whoa!" Ashoka swam back to the correct position. If this wasn't a mission, Ashoka would've marveled at the creatures. It wasn't every day that you see a water dragon. It swam around him, looking more guarded than actually hungry. Do water dragons even eat humans?

It suddenly shot toward him, but Ashoka was prepared. He grabbed onto the water dragon as it trashed around, trying to get rid of him from its back. But Ashoka held the dragon's hair in a firm grip but not too tight, like a reign, and pulled, steering them toward the surface and breaking out with a large splash.

"WOO-HOO!" Ashoka screamed, laughing as the sea dragon dove again into the sea. It jumped again and again, but Ashoka wasn't letting go as well.

"Ashoka!" Jamil called, relieved that he wasn't dead or else they would've been so much trouble.

"I'll hold them back!" splash! "You guys get Kalim!" splash! "Hurry!"

Despite not wanting to leave him behind, Jamil knew they were wasting their time just floating around. "Right. Come on, guys!"

They flew toward the cavern and Jamil took out one of the charms. With quick chants, he threw the paper at the entrance. It stuck onto thin air before something sparks. The sparks expanded and created an arc the boys can fly through. As expected, there was a dock in the cavern and some boats tied down.

They landed on the dock. Chandra ran to the fence, looking out to the sea. "Ashoka!" he yelled, worries embedded in his tone. Ashoka was still trying to tame the sea dragon thus he couldn't hear his call.

Jamil climbed down the carpet and spoke to it, "Carpet. You stay on guard. Make sure Ashoka doesn't drown and tell him to recharge the charm just in case we're running late."

Carpet nodded and Jamil turned toward the gang. "Alright." He lifted the paper bags Yudhi brought earlier. "We can blend it with this outfit."

Each of them took the paper bags. "How did Master Crewel manage to sew this in one day?" Chandra asked.

"I heard once he could make half dozen fur coats in one night," Mustafa said, equally impressed, "This is probably nothing to him." Taking out the thing, it turned out to be your common butler outfit with a pale blue top, brown vest and trousers, black shoes, and a white bandana cloth.

"Once you guys are done changing, we'll just sneak in," Jamil said.

-----

Kalim stood on the side, looking at the other boys dancing through the rock music and raising their glass of non-alcoholic ale. Jacob and Rielle were having a clumsy ballroom dance, while Moray and Ali were whistling at them. He was happy for them, but he didn't know why he felt kinda lonely. It wasn't anyone's fault, just his...

Kalim let out a sigh. He usually liked parties, but he didn't feel like it now. Maybe he should leave now...

-----

The costume Master Crewel made for them was perfect for all of them with their exact measurement. They look like a general RSA servant.

And yet, here they were, surrounded by many other servants, everyone armed with their mop and broom instead of pitchfork and torch.

"How did they find us so fast?!" Mustafa exclaimed.

"Ah. I think it's my shoes," Chandra sheepishly said, looking down at his sneakers instead of the formal wear.

"You idiot!"

"Well sorry! The shoes aren't comfy!"

Jamil felt someone tug on his sleeve. Glancing back, he saw it was Yudhi with teary eyes and one hand on his mouth. "Please..."

"Yudhi?" Jamil whispered.

"We're sorry..." Yudhi whispered, slowly pulling Jamil back, "we didn't mean to sneak in...please forgive us..."

"Yu-" Chandra was about to pull Yudhi back, but Mustafa held him back.

"Hold on," the oldest student of the team said, but his face told that he was holding back a laugh, "look." Jamil looked at the servant and noticed the differences. Most of them were looking quite concerned, even lowering their weapons. Did Yudhi puppy eyes really work on them? Yudhi did have a soft face and was quite motherly from being the second oldest child among his family, but crybaby wasn't the first thing that came to mind. However, Mustafa had seen the effectiveness of those puppy eyes in desperate needs.

"W-Well..."

"We're not going to hurt you."

"But, we have a job..."

Yudhi somehow looked like he was going to burst into a wail. Heck, tears and sobs had already escaped.

"W-Wait! Don't cry!"

"Dammit, Jared! Do you always have to make cute boys cry?!"

Yudhi glanced back and gave the rest of the group a nod, as if saying, "go while you can, I'll handle it". Jamil's eyes widened and nodded. He pulled Mustafa and Chandra aside, running down the hall as they left Yudhi being babied by the rest of the servants as a decoy.

After many twists and turns, they finally found themselves on the rooftop. Jamil climbed out from the door first, followed by Chandra. "Alright," Mustafa said, looking around the previous hallway to make sure no one was following them and closed the door, "we've reached pretty far."

"Where should we go now?" Chandra asked.

Jamil looked around and saw the towers that surrounded the academy. One particular tower caught attention with its waving flag that had a picture of the Street Rat's magic lamp on the logo. "There." He pointed at it. "We'll start with that tower."

"That's pretty far," Chandra commented.

"But we can't go down from here," Musfata added.

"That's them!" The three of them turned toward the approaching group of security guards dressed in a modern version of a royal knight.

Jamil let out a swear. "Come on!"

But then Chandra stepped away. "Leave it to me!"

"Chandra?" Mustafa sounded.

"I can hold them off." Chandra grinned at them as he took out his magical pen. "You go on without me."

That grin of confidence was enough for Jamil to nod. "Be careful." He and Mustafa ran down the roof toward the tower as Chandra faced the guard.

"You think you can stop us, little boy?" one of them grinned.

But Chandra didn't look afraid as his magical pen sparked with electricity. The whole final exam fiasco had taught him something just in case he needs to threaten people. "Underestimate me and you'll get the squeezing." He slammed his fist to the ground and electricity sparked from underneath, sending the guards in shocks.

Meanwhile, Jamil and Mustafa were still running toward the tower. "Almost there!" Jamil yelled. "We have to jump."

Mustafa looked at the distance. It was quite fair for both of them. But an idea sparked. "Jamil. You know protection spell, right?

Jamil glanced at him. "Yeah."

Mustafa nodded. "Cast it on yourself."

"Why?"

"Do it!"

Startled but obeying, Jamil took out his magical pan, whispering a chant as a soft pink hue covered him. At the same time, Mustafa took out his own and the wind picked up around them. He seemed like he knew what he was doing as if he hadn't been doing this since he was little to run away from his older brother's pranks. "HOLD ON TO THAT SPELL!"

Holding his pen with his two hands, he conjured the wind. Jamil felt like he was being pushed by a very strong hand. "FLY, JAMIL!" And the force threw Jamil off his feet into the air. He was screaming as he flew. Twisting his body, his eyes widened as he got close to the tower and into a window-

CRASH!

Jamil fell to the ground, gritting his teeth at the aftermath of the impact. Thankfully, nothing got hurt beyond scraps from the broken glass. Slowly, Jamil picked himself up, carefully not to touch the shards. When he looked around, he found himself in someone's bedroom with a giant hole in the window. Shit. This is not what he expected.

He looked around the room, noting the desert feels similar to the one in Scarabia but more regal. The desk filled with opened books and scattered pencils was the first thing that caught Jamil's attention. Familiar messy handwriting on the book made his eyes widen. His eyes then trailed to a framed photo on the desk. He picked up the photo to look at it closer. Oh. He recognized this.

It was a picture of two boys, one with black hair and the other with white. Both of them were holding a fountain firework and dressed in colorful silk. The white-haired boy was in the middle of laughing, an arm around the black-haired boy's shoulder, while the other looked surprised at the sudden action.

The fireworks were loud but beautiful that Jamil couldn't help to stare in awe every year. Kalim sat beside him at the edge of the river, their fountain stick had died down with only smoke coming out from the tips.

"Hey, Jamil." Jamil turned to Kalim. For once he wasn't smiling. "You will never betray me, right?"

"Huh?"

Kalim shifted closer. "Jamil would never betray me, right? Because we're best friends."

Jamil frowned and it hit him. The curry incident was only a few weeks ago after all. Jamil sighed and put a hand on Kalim's shoulder. "Of course," he offered a smile, "I'll never think of doing something like that."

Kalim let out a sigh and smiled. He leaned closer to Jamil, resting his head on Jamil's shoulder as Jamil put his arm around Kalim's shoulder to pull him closer. The firework above him rang loudly above them.

The doorknob turned. Shit! Thinking quick, Jamil slid down the bed as the door finally opened followed by a familiar voice saying "Eh?" Jamil covered his mouth with his hand, trying his best not to let any sound out or jumped out immediately. He could see a pair of feet wearing a golden slipper walking across the glass shard carefully.

The feet approached the table and Jamil wanted to slap himself when he remembered that he placed the picture flat on the table instead of in its original place. "Jamil? Are you here?"

There's no point in hiding now. Jamil sighed. "Yeah..."

Jamil shifted, but Kalim took a startling step toward the bed. "Wait!" Jamil paused. "Don't get out yet."

"Why?" Jamil frowned.

"I..." Kalim took a step back closer to the table until he was leaning against it. "Why are you here?"

He's dodging the question. "I should be asking you that." Kalim didn't answer. "Is this your plan or payback? Making me stressed from looking for you."

"I..." Kalim gasped slightly. "That wasn't my intention."

"Then what? Just leave without telling me?" Jamil sighed. "Do even you want to leave NRC in the first place?"

-----

Kalim sighed. His lips tugged into a small smile. "Night Raven College," he started, "is like my second home. I too feel some pressure, but maybe yours are harsher." He might not know how it feels to be restricted from being the best, but Kalim also found his own problem. Jamil's betrayal was really an eye-opening moment for him, something that he wish he had learned a long time ago. He was suddenly aware of the nasty looks from his aunties and the passive-aggressive ways his siblings talk. He had known that not everybody in his family would like him, but he never realized their treatment until now.

He always knew there was something about NRC that made him feel better and lighter than at home. The way Scarabia is always cheerful and respects him despite his flaws. How Cater and Lilia always brightened his day every time the Light Music Club plays around. How Silver never seems to bother when he chatters a bit too much. Kalim loves Night Raven College and everyone there.

"But..." he sighed, "I want to make you happy too." Because Jamil deserves that as well.

-----

"What makes you think that leaving NRC is a great idea?" Jamil asked again.

He heard Kalim chuckle. "Because... it's the only way. I can't just move dorm because it won't work. Seeing you would just make it harder for both of us because we would still be passing each other. So... removing myself completely from the school is the solution I can think of because..."

"Why?"

He already knew the answer. The stupid reasoning, but he still wanted to hear it from Kalim. A confirmation.

-----

"Because..." The first drop of tears fell down Kalim's cheek. "Even after everything that had happened, I can't get rid of this feeling. I..." He curled his hands into fists. "I love you, Jamil."

He said it. He had said it. Jamil didn't respond to him and that was okay. But, as usual, Kalim couldn't stop his mouth.

"I've been in love with you for the longest time. You've been there for me. I know that you're just doing your job, but I never see you as a servant. I see you as my friend, my best friend, my...my childhood crush." he chuckled as tears kept falling. He didn't know whether it was from the euphoria of finally confessing his feeling or the devastation of knowing that his feeling probably wouldn't matter. "That's why I leave because I want you to be happy. I know I probably don't deserve it but I'm trying to make up for everything I've done. I..." he let out a shuddering sigh. "I understand if you still don't like me... I deserve that."

-----

Jamil didn't say a word. His eyes stared at Kalim's always shifting feet. "You did all of that..." he whispered, "just for me?" Kalim didn't answer him but Jamil already had the picture. Slowly, he crawled up from under the bed. Kalim seemed to want to help him, but he held back, even if he stole some glances. There was this longing looks in his eyes as if he was relieved that Jamil was here in person.

Kalim cared about him. Yes, he was annoying, troublesome, and very loud, but Kalim still cares about him. Despite the many time Kalim messed up and Jamil had to be the one cleaning everything up, Jamil knew that Kalim still has a good heart. He was gullible, but he was kind.

And that was certainly something else.

"I never said that I would forget what happened that time." Azul sighed. "Every day I'll keep on wondering if I'm even worthy to be with him after you hurt him so much." He picked up his glass, twirling the liquid as if it was his fine wine. There was a small melancholic smile on his face, making Azul look older than his age. "Even when they say that they had forgiven you. You're even wondering if you're even still allowed to fall this way toward them." He chuckled. "Such a dilemma, don't you think?"

A dilemma indeed. If someone like Azul felt that troublesome feeling, he couldn't imagine what a soft-hearted Kalim was doing in that heart of his.

"Kalim..." Jamil called. Kalim didn't look up, but he continued nonetheless, "If I ask you to come back, will you do it?"

This time, Kalim did raise his head toward him, surprised written all over his face. Jamil looked to the side. "I was angry back then and I didn't think about the consequences of my words. I..." he curled his fingers into fists, "I didn't expect you to do all of this. I... I went too far. I'm..." he took a deep breath and let it out, "I'm sorry. For my words. For the training camp. For everything."

"No, no, no, no." Kalim raised his hands as if he wanted to grab Jamil, but he stopped midway. "I'm sorry for everything. I haven't been the good companion you expected. You're right." He let out a wet chuckle. "I'm hopeless. You're a better dorm leader than I am."

Jamil huffed. "So you gave me that position, right? Without my agreement?"

"Eh?"

Jamil knew he might be out of his character, but this might be the only way he could get through Kalim's thick head. "I want that position, but I want to get it with my own two hands not have it dropped to my lap without any effort."

Kalim frowned. He looked hurt. "But I..."

Jamil raised his hand, stopping him, before continuing, "I want a rematch. Just you and me, Kalim. A duel for your return to NRC."

The hurtful expression turned into confusion again. "For my return?"

"If I win, you will come back to NRC with me and the others. But if you win, you're allowed to stay here." Jamil said, "A race to the top, just like old times."

Kalim gasped. "Jamil..." And the sparks returned. His once dull ruby eyes lit up and his lips curled into a smile. Even as tears dropped down his cheeks, he could still let out a sincere laugh.

And then, Kalim nodded. "You're on."

-----

Outside, the long arm of the clock struck twelve and it chimed, signaling that it was 11 pm. Kalim acted first, taking out his wand and throwing a water ball onto Jamil's unguarded face. Jamil didn't get to duck and he scrunched up his eyes from the impact. Kalim took this chance to leap out the window, running across the roof. Jamil wiped his face, annoyed with Kalim's head start. Taking out his magical pen and summoning his magic circle, he used his fire as a booster.

Kalim might run fast, but he barely looks back. He had his eyes on the finish line: the top of the clocktower. They might never talk about the agreement, but it had always been like this. Every race they had since they were little always ended at the top or furthest point they could see. The difference between this and all the races they had was that this time Jamil had a chance to win. He could never win against Kalim despite how often the young heir tripped over on his own feet, forcing Jamil to slow down or even stop, and letting Kalim cross the finish line first. But this time, there wasn't anything stopping him. All expectations had been broken and Jamil could finally win this without feeling guilty.

And it turns out, it was quite fun.

It felt...freeing.

He didn't feel like he was running on the roof of his rival school. It felt like the early days when Jamil wasn't really aware of his relationship with Kalim. It felt he was in the marketplace, chasing Kalim without a care of the world or the burden he had to carry. He was determined to win those races, just like how he was determined to right now.

Jamil blasted a ball of fire toward Kalim. The white-haired boy, noticing the approaching ball of heat and light, ducked just a few seconds before it burn him, but he slipped and fell onto the roof. Jamil took his chance to boost himself again with fire under his feet. Kalim, not wanting to get left behind, stretched out his gem, summoning a water pilar in Jamil's way who stopped in surprise at the sudden obstacle. Kalim pulled back his arm, tugging the wave back. It enlarged and towered over Jamil, threatening to swallow him. But Jamil pointed his pen at the wave and shot a spell that parted it into two. He kept on running as the wave didn't hit him even a drop. Kalim clicked his tongue and used the parted wave to gather underneath him, becoming his own transporter. Standing on top of the wave as if he was surfing, Kalim caught up with Jamil.

The clock tower was closer for Jamil but Kalim once again waved his pen, sending more water attack on Jamil who deflected it with a wave of his pen and fire. Two elements clashed as the two boys climbed the tower. Jamil blasted afire at Kalim who used his wall of water to protect himself, but still got pushed back to the small space along the tower's wall and Jamil landed on the other side.

"Why are you doing this?" Kalim asked, catching his breath and clutching his magic pen whose gem was blurrier than before. "I thought you wanted me gone."

Jamil let out a heavy sigh. "I said that didn't?" Kalim gave out a small nod. "It's complicated. All of this." Jamil looked away from Kalim, toward the light coming from the island, and from this distance, he could see Night Raven College on the highest point. "I want you to stay away, but I can't imagine you away for too long for my liking."

He didn't want to feel distressed anymore. While it was tiring to handle the affairs in Scarabia, there was a certain part in him after being the dorm leader for a few days (albeit under the stress) that acknowledged how it lit up compared to the other dorms thanks to Kalim and his sunny smile. He is the sun of Scarabia and without him, everything seems less bright.

He turned back to Kalim. "You're my master and I'm your servant, but I want to be equal and more with you." This was something a servant shouldn't be saying. If any master hear this, it would be an act of treason. But Jamil knew Kalim and his soft heart, especially after everything. "I want people to see me beyond being your babysitter. But I don't want to remove you completely. I just want to get out from your shadow."

And, for the first time in forever, he smiled at Kalim. A smile so warm and genuine that made Kalim's heart race again. "That's what I wanted: for my true self to be seen and push myself beyond what they've seen. I want to stand beside Kalim al-Asim, not behind him."

Kalim's eyes widened, tears prickled at the corner, but Jamil could see his shining ruby eyes, so clear like a forbidden gem. "Jamil..." He whispered longingly.

And then, like an idiot he was, he stepped forward maybe in an attempt to reach for him, forgetting for a momentarily that they were far away from the ground.

"KALIM!" Jamil jumped. He angled his body like a knife to fall as fast as he could, arms stretching and reaching.

Kalim blinked at the panic finally settle. "JAMIL!" He twisted in the air, his own arm reaching toward Jamil as far as he could.

Their fingers brushed.

At the corner of their eyes, they could see a speeding fabric.

Finally, their hands met and clasped.

Jamil yanked Kalim, smacking the two of them together chest to chest.

And suddenly they stopped.

Kalim let out a gasp when he felt his back smacked against something strong yet soft. They weren't on the ground just yet, however. But Kalim recognized the feeling of the fabric.

"C-Carpet?" The ground underneath wobbled as if giving an affirmation.

"Well, what do you know?" Jamil let out a breathless laugh. "Can't believe there will be the day where I was saved by a rug."

Kalim laughed as well. Jamil pulled back, letting Kalim sit up. A sob escaped Kalim's throat and suddenly he lunged himself at Jamil, hugging him tightly.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he repeated over and over again through his sobs.

Jamil returned his hug, feeling the immense relief to have him real in his grasp. "I'm sorry too," he whispered.

"I want you to be beside me as well." Kalim pulled back. "Please, I don't think I can stay away from you for long as well. "

"Then, come back." Jamil grasped Kalim's hands in his own. "We'll work this out. As equal."

Without hesitation, Kalim nodded, grinning widely like the sun he is. "As equal."

The hand of the clock struck twelve and it chimed, signaling midnight and a brand new day. A new day for a new comradery. A new day for the return of the runaway sultan.

-----

Morning Time – Sunday, 9th January

-----

"Kalim. Kalim, wake up."

Slowly Kalim opened his eyes. The room was bright, but it was a familiar brightness. He couldn't help but smile a little when he saw the familiar desert beyond his window. He turned, grinning at his now-rival standing next to his bed. "Hey, Jamil."

Jamil sighed with his hands on his hips. "Seriously? I thought you said you want to change."

Kalim laughed lazily. "It's still early morning."

"Actually no." Jamil raised an eyebrow at him. "It's already 9 am. You're lucky it's Sunday. But Jonah and Azul invited us for brunch."

Kalim sat up. "Eh? Really?"

"It's a welcoming home party for you. So, we can't have the guest of honor be late."

"Alright!" Kalim leaped out of his bed. "I'll get ready."

"Need help?"

"Nope." Kalim put his hands on Jamil's shoulders and pushed him out. "I can do it on my own. I'm an independent boy." Jamil just rolled his eyes fondly but still allow himself to be kicked out of the room.

Kalim took a quick shower and dressed in his usual school uniform. He breathed in the familiarities of the vest and sweater jacket. He then reached for his scarf. His hands were unsurprisingly light. They worked smoothly as he warped his head and tied a bow before clipping the white-and-blue feather.

Kalim looked himself in the mirror. His headscarf looked perfect. He grinned at himself before running out of his room and catching up with Jamil at the gate of their dorm.

Finally, he's home with his loved ones on his side...