Inder Sephtis [5]

"Inder."

The soft light of dawn filtered through the lace curtains of a cozy living room, filling the air with the aroma of freshly prepared snacks.

Despite the inviting smell, the boy lying on the sofa remained untouched, his breath ragged and sweat pouring down his forehead.

His brows knitted together, his face contorted in uneasiness as if plagued by a nightmare.

"Qais, wake up,"

A girl urged gently, her raven hair cascading over her shoulders as she shook him.

His brows relaxed, but his eyes stayed closed.

"Sigh..." Senara sighed, sitting on the sofa facing him.

She leaned forward, her face close to his ear. "...If you don't wake up, I will do something really bad again."

As she leaned back, Inder stirred, his eyelids fluttering as he returned to consciousness.

He opened his eyes to find Senara's face so close that he could feel her breath.

Startled, he jerked forward, his forehead colliding with hers.