Wolves only with one mate for their lives.
Separation is the same as suicide. And, of course, Rasya is not like that. However, rationally agrees that Nakula did it on purpose. Still, it turns out that Rasya concluded that the accident that Nakula did to her was sole because Nakula had feelings for her from the start.
And actually, Rasya knew deep down that she also had an interest in the second son of the Andaru family. She would not deny it. After all, how could he not be interested? Nakula is handsome, of course. And he is in the ranks below Rasya-even though he can't compete with Hema, Rasya or Sadewa. And again, Nakula was very generous. Even now, he respects Rasya's choice if Rasya doesn't want it.
Rasya then ventured to cup Nakula's cheek and kissed the corner of Nakula's lips without warning. Making the two obsidian nets in front of him gleam golden and round.
"Promise me one thing," said Rasya. Nakula nodded quickly, and his golden eyes did not let go of Rasya's eyes. "Anything," replied Nakula.
"Don't betray me," Rasya whispered. Because honestly, she was scared. Even if wolves have one partner in their lifetime, that doesn't mean that Nakula could switch and betray him. Right?
But Nakula growled warningly. The pair of golden eyes in front of him gleamed sharply, filled with anger. A growl that was enough to make Rasya's guts shrink and tremble.
"Kill me if I betray you."
Nakula said with another growl. Then Nakula continued, "I'd rather die than betray you, Acha." Saying that, Andaru Nakula is serious. With eyes that still gleam sharply golden, pupils that shrink.
Then their lips met. As if formalizing the pledge between the two of them. Also, the fact that they gave each other their first kiss.
And after a hectic night, Rasya and Nakula were finally able to meet at school today. The feeling of impatience and intense passion did not escape Hema's eyes. Because, after all, what Hema felt differed from what Rasya received. So it's only natural that Hema teased him all the way.
But still, the feeling of wanting to meet was as strong as that felt by Rasya. Because, after all, Hema is also an omega who wants to meet the two betas.
They were disappointed because the Andaru brothers came late to school and had to wait for lunch.
And here they are, standing in rows of students and students queuing to get lunch, back to Shona's question.
"Since when did you two become close to the Andaru brothers?"
Rasya and Hema looked at each other then Rasya answered. "Since yesterday's camp and you," Rasya pointed at Shona. "Also there, if you remember." Hema nodded in agreement.
"No, no. This is different; you are different, Acha. You seem to have this aura whenever you talk about Nakula—"
As on cue, Shona's words were cut off because the two youths discussed entered the cafeteria area and walked straight toward Rasya and Hema. Or Nakula. Because Sadewa followed behind him quietly with three others; Fredy Lee and Luke.
And as if agreeing with Shona's previous sentence, Nakula immediately cut the line and stood towering behind Rasya, then rested his head on Rasya's shoulder—inhaling the scent he somehow missed.
Ignoring the gazes of the rest of the cafeteria.
"Er... You both dating or something...?"
Shona asked a few minutes later, pointing at Nakula and Rasya in turn— looking nonchalant with their surroundings and enjoying each other's presence.
Nakula turned his head still comfortably on Rasya's narrow shoulders and smirked. "No," replied Nakula. But before the others could respond, Nakula continued. "We are more than just dating," he said.
Shona's eyes widened, and she gasped. "Friends with benefits?!―ouch!" She screamed as Rasya hit the back of her head hard.
"You idiot," said Rasya sharply.
Nakula just chuckled and straightened his head, but instead, he stood tight on Rasya's back. His nose sniffed the scent of Rasya's shampoo, which for some time had become an addiction for Nakula.
"Why is he sniffing you like that? It's creepy as fuck," Shona commented again.
"Nakula is a wolf cub," said Rasya casually, which made Nakula chuckle lowly. Shona raised her eyebrows high.
And when he saw Hema, he gaped. Because Shona saw Sadewa and Hema smile at each other without saying anything. If Shona said Nakula and Rasya were creepy, she took it back. She swears Sadewa and Hema are even more creepy.
"What the heck is going on?!" Shona exclaimed. Which was enough to make the other four youths laugh.
***
"You're going to buy it?"
Rasya lifted her face and glanced at her lover briefly. That's if they can be called couple. But yesterday, Nakula had asked him out on a date. And again, his words in the cafeteria this afternoon with Shona. But doubts couldn't help but overwhelm Rasya.
"Nakula, are we couple?" asked Rasya suddenly.
Nakula, who had been busy recording chemical formulas in Rasya's notebook, raised his face. Then his gaze softened when he saw Rasya serious. His heartbeat couldn't lie, by the way.
"What do you want us to do? I follow whatever you want, Acha," replied Nakula.
But Nakula's answer was not enough to satisfy Rasya's intentions. She pouted with her lips a few inches forward. It made Nakula chuckle.
"Why? Want me to kiss you?"
And Nakula chuckled again when Rasya threw her pencil, which Nakula caught deftly. Thanks for the keen senses.
"I'm serious," Rasya muttered.
Nakula supported his chin and was still smiling. "I'm serious too. I told you yesterday that I'm not going to mess around. So, I don't care about status. Because we both know we're more than status."
Rasya was silent. Ah, Nakula is right. They are bound physically and mentally. The ritual has not yet been completed.
"But," added Nakula, making Rasya raise her face again. "If someone asks, just say we're a couple." Nakula smiled again. Rasya nodded.
They were silent for a few moments.
"Hema and I have ordered it, and I think it has arrived at my house," blurted Rasya. Nakula tilted his face, not understanding.
"Your question earlier. Hema and I have bought it, and we have received permission to stay at your apartment tonight," said Rasya. "And Hema is on his way with Sadewa to pick it up."
Nakula sighed. "Are you sure it's a good thing for us? Ah, I mean for Sadewa and me," Rasya glanced at him and returned to reading her book. "Theo already said this is for the best because," Rasya glanced around and whispered, "it's likely that you'll be transforming for the first time tonight," Rasya added.
If their count is correct, the Andaru twins will have their first transformation tonight. Nakula did look calm, but actually, he was anxious. He was afraid that everything would not go according to Theo's direction.
"I know you've been feeling it since morning, right?" Rasya's voice was heard again, making Nakula turn around. "I feel it more or less, too, Nakula. Your panic," then Rasya's tiny hand stroked the palm that was bigger than her. Making Nakula link their fingers and feel a warm pop in his chest every time he touches Rasya. Mate bond.
"I tried to be calm, but it seems I'm not as skilled as Sadewa," Nakula chuckled, making Rasya smile. "Sadewa also panicked. Hema told me that Sadewa was very nervous, so Hema brought Sadewa to take the item instead of me. At least he could divert his mind for a moment," said Rasya.
"Hema is trying hard, eh?" Nakula said with a smile.
Rasya nodded. "She said she was jealous of us. But, she was grateful too," Rasya sighed. "It's not that I don't want to be your partner, Nakula. But, you know, right? Hema has liked Sadewa since—"
"Since the third grade, I know. I understand, Acha. But maybe fate brought us like this because fate has bigger plans for them, I hope," whispered Nakula.
"I also."
Rasya turned her gaze back to the book and refocused on reading with her hands tightly gripped by the young man in front of her.
***
The simple house door opened to reveal Sanjaya—who was Rasya's father. Sanjaya saw the two teenagers in front of him but frowned when he didn't see his daughter with them.
"Good afternoon, Uncle! We are here to take the things that Rasya has prepared!" Hema exclaimed happily.
"Ah, please come in first, Hema. And you are the son of Prabu, right?" Sanjaya replied kindly and invited the two teenagers of different heights to enter.
Sadewa nodded and bowed again. "Good afternoon, Mr Sanjaya. I am Sadewa Andaru." Sanjaya smiled as he told them to follow him into the kitchen and offered them banana cake which Hema gladly accepted.
"No need to be so formal with me, son. Call me uncle like Hema. You and Nakula are brothers, right?" Sanjaya brewed hot water and glanced at Sadewa, who nodded. "We are twins," replied Sadewa.
"Ah, no wonder you guys are so similar," Sanjaya was still smiling. Then make two glasses of milk and give them to Sadewa and Hema. "Sadewa, don't be shy. Think of it like your own home, okay? I'll take what you mean in Acha's room." then Sanjaya left.
"Acha is Rasya's nickname," Hema said without Sadewa asking. Sadewa nodded in understanding and opened his lips, but Hema had said first.
Sadewa smiled with crescent-shaped eyes. Their eyes met. And Hema blinked a few times ago,
"You're handsome."
He whispered subconsciously— which had a massive effect on both of them. Their eyes widened simultaneously, and they looked away from each other. And Sadewa was able to hear Hema's ragged breaths, and her boom-boom-boom-boom-boom-boom rhythmic heartbeat echoed with his own heart.
An awkward silence coloured them.
Gosh, she wants to melt. It feels. Like she was timid. Hema cursed herself because she could be tucked away like that. Sadewa glanced at Hema and cleared her throat.
"Hema—"
"Here it is!"
Sanjaya's voice interrupted Sadewa's words. Either make the two teenagers of different heights relieved or even annoyed because their atmosphere dissipated in an instant. But Hema was relieved.
"This is a bag containing Rasya's clothes for school tomorrow, and this," Sanjaya handed Sadewa a neatly sealed box. "I still don't know what's in it, and Acha says I can't open it. It's not something strange, is it?" Sanjaya looked at the two teenagers in front of him.
Sadewa and Hema looked at each other and shook their heads at the same time. "Uh, it's for work, sir," replied Sadewa, fortunately not stuttering. Sanjaya was still watching the two of them and finally nodded.
"Okay, be careful, okay? And don't get lost in the forest like the other day. And Hema? I'll leave Acha to you," said Sanjaya.
Hema nodded firmly. "Sure, Uncle!"
They walked out to the twins' black jeep, but before Hema got into the passenger seat, Sadewa pulled Hema away.
"You're cute, Hema."
And it had a big effect on the two of them until a few hours later, making Nakula and Rasya raise their eyebrows together.