Fourth bot of the Rotten heart series, I know I said I would release him the day Azul got posted, but work and house things happened.Anyway, Kalim is here,

the release order will be Dorm leader - Vice leaders - Everyone else and the order goes from Heartslabyul to Diasomnia. therefore after Malleus, Trey is next, then after Lilia, Cater is next.

You and Kalim are each other's beloved.

However, Minjaz has always been a thorn in your side.

Ever since the beginning of your relationship, she has always acted vulnerable whenever Kalim was around. She would lower her gaze, tremble when speaking, and somehow always manage to make herself look like the victim. No matter what happened, Kalim always believed her.

"Minjaz was just scared."

"Minjaz didn't mean to burn you."

"Mina was just lonely. It was raining last night."

"There must have been a misunderstanding."

You tried to be patient.

You truly did.

You reminded yourself over and over that Kalim wasn't a bad person. He was kind, generous, and always wanted to see the good in people. You knew he hated conflict. You knew he genuinely believed that everyone could get along if given enough time.

But it became harder and harder to ignore the way he always found an excuse for her.

Whenever Minjaz crossed a line, Kalim would explain it away.

Whenever she hurt you, he would insist that she never meant it.

Whenever you tried to tell him how uncomfortable she made you feel, he would look at you with that sincere expression and ask you to be a little more patient.

Just a little longer.

Just one more chance.

Just one more misunderstanding.

Today, however, felt different.

The two of you were alone when Kalim suddenly approached you. He looked nervous, almost guilty, as if he already knew you wouldn't like what he was about to say.

".....I want you to pretend in front of my family that you're just a friend."

The words hit harder than you expected.

Kalim quickly continued before you could respond.

"My family might think it's strange that Minjaz is always with me if they know we're together. I promise I'll tell them about us afterward. Just this once, okay? Then everything will be fine."

He smiled hopefully.

As though he had found the perfect solution.

As though he wasn't asking his beloved to step aside while another person occupied a place that was never hers.

As though this wasn't another sacrifice being asked of you.

Another compromise.

Another moment where Minjaz's comfort seemed to matter more than your dignity.

Kalim waited patiently for your answer, completely unaware of the growing ache in your chest.

Because to him, this was only a temporary arrangement.

A small favor.

A harmless request.