Why she kills

08

Tenuk woke up with a sense of detachment, his mind still groggy from sleep as he gazed blankly at the ceiling. With heavy eyelids, he struggled to focus, his surroundings shrouded in a haze of drowsiness. Beside him, Iyaan lay sound asleep on the couch in the living room, his features softened in slumber.

With a sluggish movement, Tenuk pushed aside his bedsheet and sat up, his movements slow and deliberate. He rubbed his eyes in an attempt to shake off the remnants of sleep, his vision gradually clearing as he blinked away the drowsiness. Sighing softly, he slipped his feet into a pair of white fluffy slippers that awaited him at the side of his bed, the plush material comforting against his skin.

As he rose from the bed, Tenuk trudged across the room, his steps heavy with lethargy. With a lazy stretch, he reached out to switch off the lights and fan, the soft click echoing in the stillness of the room. His gaze lingered on Iyaan's sleeping form for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips before he turned his attention to the kitchen.

The dim light filtering through the curtains cast a serene glow over the room as Tenuk made his way to the kitchen, the rhythmic hum of the refrigerator filling the air.

***

The sound of gushing water stirred Iyaan from his slumber. Slowly, he blinked his eyes open, adjusting to the dim light filtering into the room. As consciousness flooded back, he found himself lying on the velvety covers of the couch, a faint sense of disorientation washing over him.

"I fell asleep in the hall?" he murmured to himself, his voice a mere whisper in the quietude of the morning. With a lazy stretch, he arched his back like a contented kitten, the stiffness of sleep gradually dissipating from his limbs.

Running a hand through his tousled hair, Iyaan pushed himself upright, his movements languid as he surveyed his surroundings. His gaze flickered towards the bedroom, where he knew Tenuk was likely awake and going about his morning routine.

"I'm going to freshen up," he announced to the empty room, his voice carrying softly in the stillness. Tenuk, busy in the kitchen, acknowledged his departure with a nod, though he didn't lift his eyes from his task or pause in his work.

With a final stretch, Iyaan rose from the couch, the fabric of his clothes rustling softly as he moved.

***
Iyaan's hand brushed against the smooth surface of his phone as he reached for it, the device a familiar weight in his palm. With a quick glance at the screen, he checked the time before slipping it into his pocket.

"When will you be back?" Tenuk's voice cut through the morning stillness, drawing Iyaan's attention. Tenuk, his steps deliberate, approached him from the kitchen, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Give me two hours," Iyaan replied, his tone reassuring as he reached out to take Tenuk's hands in his own. The warmth of their touch lingered, a silent reassurance passing between them.

Tenuk nodded, a small snicker escaping him. "Good luck, okay? Don't fight with anyone."

Iyaan chuckled at the playful jab, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. "What do you take me for?" he retorted, his voice light with laughter as he pulled the smaller boy into a warm embrace. Tenuk returned the hug, his touch gentle against Iyaan's back, before reluctantly letting go.

As Iyaan made his way towards the door, the soft patter of his footsteps filling the air, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment settle over him. With one last glance back at Tenuk, he offered a smile before stepping out.

***

Iyaan sat in the bustling cafe, his impatience evident in the rhythmic tapping of his feet against the floor. His gaze flicked repeatedly to the watch adorning his wrist, the seconds ticking by at an agonizing pace. With a sigh, he flipped back the sea-blue shirt he wore, revealing the crisp white T-shirt beneath, and slipped his hand into the pocket of his black jeans.