The two boys undressed in the changing room. Arun gazed furtively at Julius' muscled body in admiration. Next, he approached a man who stood waiting by the door.
"Rub the two of us." He asked shortly while handing eighteen bronze coins to the man.
The man took the money with a nod before fetching two buckets and heading to a steam-filled room.
Warm steam greeted Julius and Arun as they stepped into the room, enveloping them like a comforting blanket. At first, Julius couldn't help but tense up. Soon, sweat began to glisten on his forehead as he struggled with the intensity of the heat.
But as time passed, he found himself surrendering to the gentle embrace of the warmth, the tension in his muscles gradually easing away. Julius soon realised that the hamam wasn't just about cleaning the body but about seeking comfort in the warm embrace of the steam and heat.
