Lekir looks down at the tray of food the nurse just delivered to him that morning, unconsciously staring on it. The bony and pale hands unknowingly playing with the plastic utensils instead of he should be eating right now before the nurse would come by and give him the medicines. He felt nauseous, so weak--a little part of him feel a bit guilty about wasting the food. He's gonna apologize to Ms. Aliya, the nurse for not eating properly again...

Normally he would take and finish the plain yogurt half-full eaten, or take one bite of it, making sure to the nurse that he touched the food even if only a little. But now, he was too tired.

Cough...cough..

He coughed again--feeling the short, painful breaths stabbing his own chest, each of it making his lungs getting worse. Well, his condition was already worse...

He lay down on his bed, blankly staring up the ceiling for a while before he shot a glance at the window, admiring the outside view. It was quite yet peaceful before--

BAMM!

"How is my favorite Malaysian guy doing?!", Jinwoon loudly asked as he barged in the room with Hoshi quietly following suit behind him, the Japanese guy was holding multiple of paper bags in his hands. Oh, they bring flowers too...that's new.

"We brought you some apples, with Hoshi's money of course~ It's your favorite, right? Ah! Wait, let me wash it for you okay, jagiya? We can eat it together~", Jinwoon took out a few apples and grapes from the paper bag and quickly walked towards the sink to wash the fruits he bought earlier, slightly humming a song. Hoshi just silently stood still beside him after finished putting the sunflowers on the table.

Lekir smiled seeing the sight of his two bestfriends. He really misses them so much even though they come to visit him everyday, chatting and joking around, sometimes they would be yapping how stressed they are but still got a dean grade. Ah, he really envies their genius brain.

"Aww did you guys miss me that much?", Lekir mused, pursing his dry, cracked lips, not minding how his voice sounds hoarse and raspy.

And he got a scoffed and an annoying eyes roll as a response.

"Like hell I would miss you. I just don't wanna hear yer whining about how bored you are here. Fyi, we came here just to escape studying, besides my eyes already tired of seeing one more alphabet, it makes me feel sick! I swear if I see more of those fucking math equations--i gonna commit genocide!", Hoshi take a chair and dragged it closer to Lekir's bed.

"Who said that I miss you,huh? I just can't finish all of these fruits all alone and i as your handsome homies can't let you starve so do you want some strawberries too, jagiya?", Jinwoon showed him those fruits he just bought earlier with cheeky grins.

Lekir just let out a raspy laugh.

Tsk, what a tsunderes.

"Ehem, ehem. Btw...", the Japanese guy cleared his throat and took something from his pants pocket.

"Our noisy senpais said to give this to you, they'll visit you once the basketball tournament ends. They really adore their 'little baby manager', don't they?", Hoshi muttered the last words as he hands out the sticky notes which Lekir gratefully took without complaining. His senpais really loves to send him a message or letter like this--everyday...

||To: Lekir Neyqayyl ||

♡ Get well soon. Don't skip eating. Wait for your cool senpais, we have big surprises for you! ♡

'Senpais...thanks for always taking care of me.'

"And our sweet little kouhais also gave you something to cheer you out~" Jinwoon put everything that their junior gave to him on Lekir's lap.

A stuffed animal, Harry Potter book series and many more...

Lekir holds the colorful notes, reading it carefully one by one.

|| Lekir-senpai(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) ||

If you can't sleep, hug this penguin. Dream of me! -Kaito a.k.a your cute kouhai

|| Jinwoon-hyung and Hoshi-hyung said you haven't gotten enough sleep lately so I thought reading a book could help you with that. Please take care of yourself, hyung. I miss having boba milk tea with you again... -Minho ||

||We miss you, Lekir-senpai! ||

Lekir stared at his lap, his hands were shaking. Life is so unfair...it's so unfair, so cruel...

His eyes getting blurry.

"....they don't have to do that. All of this...", now Lekir felt like he was gonna cry at the moment.

"They insisted."

Hoshi sat down on the chair beside his bed, slightly rummaging through another paper bag on his lap.

"In case your stupid ass forgot--", Hoshi gently put an empty glass, a jar to be exact along with a pen and a pile of paper in front of him. Lekir blinked his eyes in confusion. What now? Is this guy really gonna make him write an essay and put it inside this jar?

"You still owe both of us a wish--no, you can have as many wishes as you want. Just take that damn pen and write it down."

"If you need some help, I can help you with that. Writing your wish, I mean", Jinwoon smiled as he took a seat beside Hoshi.

Lekir takes the jar and having a staring contest with it.

||WISHING JAR♡ ADD YOUR WELL WISHES OR MESSAGES TO THIS WISH JAR♡||

He blinked again, and stared at both of his friends and to the jar and back to the two for a few minutes. Oh...Oh.

"Wish jar,huh? What's it gotta do with me? Sounds too syirik for me", Lekir hands the jar back to Hoshi which makes the latter shoot him a death glare, ready to smack his head.

"Lekir Neyqayyl Bin Hang Iskandar."

Not the full name,geez...

"Fine, fine. I'll write and fill this cute jar full of my stupid wish,okay? Stop glaring at me, you guys scaring me out...", Lekir only pouted, definitely surrendered and played along with what these two guys wanted.

A wish, huh...?

My last wish...

He watched himself getting thinner and paler than the first time he remembered he got in the hospital, sitting on this bed. His body gets smaller despite the fact that he was taller than Jinwoon before in highschool--his black hair was mussed up and dry(he really loves his hair, now he's losing it), his hands...the rest of his body--looking all pitiful,all depressed. He's getting weaker and weaker day by day...in fact, he was dying...

Not when no amount of medicine could counter the cancer cells spreading on his lungs, those new drugs making him can't even move a single muscle, he can't even barely lift a finger. Just like those days when he's in too much constant pain, he had rated the pain levels as 10 or worse to the doctor. He feels like he was drowning...every gulps, every inhale or exhale of breath, every single oxygen felt like repeatedly stabbing inside his chest--really painful, silently killing him.

Of course he wouldn't tell this to his friends, no one should have known about this. He can't make them worry about him, he shouldn't.

"Do Jinwoon. Hoshi Akihiko." He called them, eyes still on the jar.

"Hmm? What's it?", Jinwoon hums, still focusing on peeling off the apple's skin.

"What?" Hoshi cocks his eyebrow, still waiting patiently for him to continue his words.

'Thank you for everything. You guys are the bestfriends I could ever have, not a single nicest soul can replace both of you guys.'

He wanted to say that but...

Yet, he only shook his head a little. His shaky hands grips around the wish jar tighten.

"Nothing. Just wanting to say that I really love you guys so much", he giggled before he gave them the saddest yet most beautiful smile his friends had ever seen, looking all innocent with a happy smile blossomed on his paler face.

The room fell into silence for a while before Hoshi broke it off--

"We love you too. Far than you can even imagine."

"Endless love!" Jinwoon shouted, raising both of his hands up in the air. Getting too energetic, aren't you?

And out of the sudden he felt a pair of hands patted his shoulders.

"We trusted you, Lekir. Keep fighting!" , they both said in unison.

'Please survive.

Stay with us, don't you ever dare to say goodbye yet.'

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

"Lekir."

He slowly raised his head and his eyes met their gazes.

"We'll come again to visit you tomorrow. Make sure you write down your wish or else I'm gonna yeet you out of the window. I don't care if you're sick or not", Hoshi wrapped a blue scarf knitted by him yesterday around Lekir's neck. "And keep yourself warm, stupid. You're too cold."

"Once you get out of the hospital, we'll take you travel around the world! Just the three of us! I already made the list of the country that we should go to and already write all of the plans hehe! We're gonna make many memories together! Don't you dare to forget that, jagiya!",Jinwoon gently hugs him before walking towards the door.

He's really gonna miss them after this...

He looked at them painfully for a moment and nodded. "Okay. Goodbye guys, take care."

Nothing could last forever.

"See you tomorrow, Lekir"

After his friends left, he broke into tears--

"I'm sorry...I'm really sorry everyone..."

"Lekiu...I'm so sorry..."

"I can't keep our promises. Please forgive me."

Lekir Neyqayyl had always believed that time could heal, that distance might soften the sharp edges of past mistakes. But as he stood at the gates of King Ludvig IV Private Academy, the reality crashed over him like a relentless tide—time had not healed, and the distance had only deepened the wounds.

Seven years. Seven years since he had last seen his twin, Lekiu Dean. Seven years since the warmth of their bond had turned cold. He had spent every moment imagining this reunion, picturing his brother’s reaction, rehearsing his words. He had longed for forgiveness, for an embrace that would mend the fractures of the past. But now, staring into Lekiu’s hardened gaze, he realized just how naïve he had been.

The cold silence between them spoke louder than any words.

Lekir wanted to say something—anything—to break the unbearable weight pressing on his chest. But every apology he had prepared felt empty in the face of his brother’s indifference. Lekiu’s expression was unreadable, a mask of calm that barely hid the storm raging beneath.

“You’re back,” Lekiu finally said, his tone devoid of emotion.

It wasn’t the warm welcome Lekir had hoped for, but it wasn’t outright rejection either.

“I—” Lekir’s voice caught in his throat. He swallowed, forcing himself to hold his brother’s gaze. “I wanted to see you. To talk. To—”

Lekiu held up a hand, cutting him off. “It’s been seven years, Lekir. What makes you think anything you say now will change what’s already happened? Why are you here?”

"What makes you think that I wanted to see you? After what happened before?"

The words were like a dagger to his chest, twisting painfully.

“I know I can’t change the past.” Lekir’s voice wavered, but he pushed forward. “But if I could—if I had the power to go back, I would. I would rewrite everything, make sure none of it ever happened. I would do anything to bring us back to the way we were.”

Lekiu’s eyes darkened, a flicker of something unspoken passing through them. “But we can’t go back.”

The finality in his tone sent a shiver down Lekir’s spine.

He clenched his fists. “I just want a chance to make things right.”

Lekiu studied him for a long moment before exhaling sharply. “Sometimes, Lekir, no matter how much you want to fix something, it’s already too late.”

"Don't you ever dare to call me 'brother'. Now screw off, I don't want to see your face." Lekiu left after that.

The words echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of the reality he had been running from. His breath hitched as the weight of regret pressed down on him.

“If I only had more time…” His voice was barely above a whisper now. “Just a little more time… even if it’s only a minute—just to see you smile again, just to say I’m sorry.”

But time had never been on his side. And now, as he stood there with his heart laid bare, he realized that no amount of words, no flood of tears, could turn back the clock.

All he could do now was picked up the shattered pieces and hope that, one day, his brother would let him put them back together.

Seven years had passed since their parents divorce. Seven years of distance, silence, and two boys growing up in separate worlds, tied by blood but nothing else.

But fate, as always, had different plans.

Lekir had just been discharged.

After years of recurring hospital stays, careful surgeries, and tightly monitored treatments, the doctors finally said the words he'd been waiting for:

"You’re stable now.”

And to Hang Iskandar, to his father’s quiet surprise, the first thing Lekir said wasn’t “thank you” or “what now.”

It was:

"Where's Lekiu school? What is he doing now?"

"Can you tell me about Mom's house address? I really wanted to see my brother."

"What's Lekiu new phone number? Did you ask Mom?"

Just Lekiu and all the flooding questions are always about his twin. Nonstop. And now---

“I want to go to King Ludvig IV school.”

The same school as Lekiu.

The words came out too casually, but his father's eyes sharpened immediately.

He knew. He always knew that beneath Lekir’s fragile exterior, behind his bright and innocent smile, there was stubbornness.

When it came to Lekiu, Lekir became a storm.

His father sighed, rubbing his temples. “You know how difficult that’s going to be. That school won’t take risks—”

Lekir interrupted him, softly but firmly.

“I don’t care.”

“I’ll get in. I’ll prove it. Even if I have to force my way in, I want to see him again.”

The desperation in his voice was undeniable.

Lekir hadn’t seen Lekiu in years. Not even on birthdays. Not even during holidays. Not even after a year. Even after 7 years, he hadn't stopped counting the day he can meet his brother. He already promised himself to go meet Lekiu and fix their bond. But deep inside Lekir knew, never once...never once had he been able to reach him.

Not after what happened.

"If only he's not weak..."

"If only he listened to what Lekiu was going to say..."

"If only he pay attention and noticed what happened to Lekiu that time..."

"If only he had not being selfish..."

"If only he had not abandoned his own twin..."

It was his fault. It's always him, that's why Lekiu left. That's why these unexpected things happens to them. He gotta fix his mistake.

Before it's too late.

____________________________________________

That night was so cold and silent.

Hang Iskandar watched his son cried, even kneeled down to the floor and beg him.

"Fine, do whatever you want. Just don't make any trouble and don't forget to take care of yourself."

Lekir couldn't suppress how grateful he is.

"Don't say that I did not warn you about Lekiu's completely different now than how you think he is", Iskandar left the living room and heading upstairs.

And so, money was exchanged.

Strings were pulled.

Letters of recommendation were written by people who owed favors.

Medical paperwork was "reconsidered" in silence.

And just like that—Lekir was accepted into King Ludvig IV Private Academy.

But one thing was clear:

King Ludvig IV Private Academy wasn't big enough to hold both of their hearts full of unspoken things.

And neither of them were ten anymore.

____________________________________________

Lekir Neyqayyl took a deep breath when he stepped through the iron gates of King Ludvig IV Private Academy, a prestigious institution known for its elite students, strict rules, and blinding reputation. To an outsider, it was a place carved out for heirs, prodigies, and children of wealth— not someone like him, a fragile boy whose presence felt like a crack in their perfect glass.

The only reason he’d been accepted wasn’t talent, nor his father's money— it was out of pity for a sick fragile boy. That a bit of pity, earned him a place within these ivy-covered walls. But even so, he didn’t belong here. He knew it. They knew it.

Lekir’s body had always been weak. Too delicate for sports, too fragile for the sun. His skin was ghostly pale — the kind of pale that seemed almost unreal, as if he was made of porcelain rather than flesh.

People stared. They always stared. Whispers followed him like shadows — some in awe, others in contempt.

"He looks paler."

"Is he sick?"

But Lekir didn’t care. He couldn’t afford to. All he wanted was a quiet, uneventful life. No attention. No drama. Just peace.

More important, Lekiu. He is going to see his twin brother. That's why he's here.

Little did he know that fate already had another plan.

Lekir look at the paper the secretary give him earlier.

|| Lekir Neyqayyl Bin Hang Iskandar

Class: 2-3

Room: N115 (Dorm Nightingale) ||

Class 2-3 was buzzing with morning chatter when Lekir stepped inside, clutching his school bag tightly. The moment he entered, it was as if someone had turned down the volume for a split second — just long enough for everyone to notice him.

"Attention! Alright, brats! You hoomans got a new transfer student from Malaysia in your class. So, be nice and stop being loud. That's all." Mr. Lev turned to Lekir.

"You can introduce yourself now." Lekir gave him a small nod and Mr. Lev left after that.

"Hello, my name's Lekir Neyqayyl Bin Hang Iskandar. It's nice to meet you guys. Hope we can get along."

Then, the storm hit.

A group of girls, stylish and full of youthful energy, immediately flocked to him like moths to a flame. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement, and in seconds, they were circling him, giggling and whispering.

“OMG! He’s so cute!”

“Look at his eyelashes, they're longer than mine!”

“No way...is that real skin? It’s like snow! Paler but beautiful!”

Before Lekir could react, gentle fingers were already brushing against his cheeks, tugging lightly at the strands of his dark brown hair. Someone even poked his skin with a laugh, gasping at how soft it felt.

“Its soft like marshmellow. Damn, now I miss my hamster!”, the blonde guy said, sighing dramatically.

Lekir blinked, a polite but clearly awkward smile tugging at his lips. His shoulders tensed, and he instinctively tightened his grip on his bag.

“…Thank you,” he said softly, wishing he could shrink into the floor.

He could hear the murmurs from the back of the classroom — a few of the boys muttering with less enthusiasm. Words like “paler like a ghost”, "sick boy", something like “another trouble”, and “he’s just acting cute” floated through the air, but Lekir pretended not to hear them. He didn’t care. Or at least, he convinced himself he didn’t. As long as no one tried to hit him or corner him, he could deal with the whispers.

"So...are you Lekiu Dean's twin?"

"Didn't know that bad boy Lekiu got a twin..."

"You're so different from your twin. Btw, do you know Lekiu's biggest secret that he doesn't want to tell?"

"Does Lekiu got a girlfriend?"

"Are you single?"

Eventually, the teacher entered before he could open his mouth, and the girls reluctantly peeled away, giving Lekir space to finally breathe. He made his way to the back of the classroom, where his assigned seat waited near the window — the furthest from the sunlight, thankfully.

To his dismay, his desk mate was already seated beside him. A tall boy with jet-black hair and a cold, unreadable expression. He didn’t even glance at Lekir when he sat down. Just kept staring out the window, earphones in, face carved out of stone.

Lekir frowned, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

Of course. Of course, he’d get seated next to that type again. Emotionless. Distant. Ice-cold presence that radiated “don’t talk to me.” Great. Really great.

"Why do I always get paired with these kinds of guys..." Lekir mumbled under his breath, resting his chin in his palm. "Are friendly desk mates extinct or something?"

He didn’t expect an answer, and he definitely didn’t get one. The cold guy remained a statue.

Lekir sighed, sinking into his seat. So much for a peaceful school life.

He took a quick glance at his desk mate textbooks, the guy's name was written on it...So this sourbelt guy was Japanese, huh?

"Hoshi...Hoshi Akihiko." The words slipped from his lips without he could even realize it.

"What?" Hoshi suddenly turned to him with a glare, looking all annoyed, slightly took off his earphones. That caught off Lekir's guard.

"Sorry, don't mind me. It's a nice name btw." Lekir pretends to write something in his notes. But he could feel that the guy besides his desk still stared deeply through him.

"Yah, Hoshi! Stop scaring the poor guy, he's gonna pee in his pants if you don't." The guy with pink-dyed hair leaned towards Lekir's desk. He grins as he noticed Lekir looking at him.

"I'm Do Jinwoon. Pleasure to have you in our class, jagiya! We're officially best friends now!", Jinwoon took Lekir's hands and shakes it enthusiastically.

J--Jja- Jagiya?

Lekir blinked.

"Don't mind him. He's a weirdo and dramatic guy who's crying over a dead cockroach." Hoshi said, now giving fully attention to the teacher.

"That's rude, Hoshi! You wounded my heart!"

"Good then."

"You three at the back! Stop talking inside my class, or get out of the classroom!"

Well, that's a begining of Lekir's life...