Chapter Text
Living is simple enough. I never wanted to achieve anything that gains people's attention. So far, I only do what I can. My goal? Living a simple life; wake up, work, go home, sleep, repeat. But, before that, I have to graduate from the Akademiya first. Most people tend to say that's too bland, I'm wasting my skill or whatever, but for me, it's enough. I'm not sure when someone starts talking about doing something fun or doing what you like to do. I'd say I like to read books. It's not long before they'll leave me at my device. It's more preferable for me.
And then, you show up in my "bland" life.
It was a sunny day, I spent my time at the library reading books. I heard a clattering sound. I put my book down a bit only to see you staring at me from the opposite table. Your vermillion eyes shine brilliantly, your carefully styled and soft locks adoring your face. Your face flushed like you wanted to be anywhere but here. I arched one of my eyebrows. Before I could ask what did you want, you spoke first.
"You…"
I fell silent, waiting for you to finish what have you started. I waited and waited. You didn't say anything but your face is red as a zaytun peach now. Well, not my business actually, I would like to go back to my bo-
"You have nice tits"
I can hear some students choked up and some necks snapping in our direction. Then, another bunch giggled. Another clattering sound, more frantic this time you stood up. I meet your eyes again, hoping for some explanation for this humiliation. You pinched your eyebrows together.
"There!" You said loudly in the quiet library. "I've done it!" I followed your gaze toward some students who snickered and held their laughs.
Sigh.
This kind of person.
"Apologies, I made a bet…" you trailed off.
I wave you off and return to my book, refusing to waste any more time with you. I heard you walk away, grumbling about the bet and how you humiliate yourself. I chuckled, amused.
The second time we met, it was in the evening. It was a tiring day I must say. A warm bath for my sore body and relaxing before I call it a day stuck in my mind as I walk back to my dorm. I didn't expect you to crash on me. Even in my tired state I only pushed back a bit and stood still meanwhile you were already on the floor. I winched when I saw your scattered papers. "Apologies," I said.
I helped you gather some papers, and stack them properly without looking at them. Just to be polite. When I'm about to give it back to you, I heard you let out a squeak. My eyes widen when I saw the blood stain on the papers, then on your bleeding nose. You curse and face up to stop the bleeding.
"Careful." I put your paper aside and helped you adjust your head properly before you could do more damage. I don't need to ask what is the cause. Your tired demeanor and heavy eye bags already told everything.
I helped you to move somewhere comfortable for you to rest. Forgetting my relaxing time, because I can't leave you like this. I just, can't.
You bring me a coffee the next day though.
The third. There was a public debate, I overheard from some students and most of them immediately left to watch the debate. Well, it piqued my curiosity. Naturally, people gather around the speakers, it was intense. Both parties refuse on giving up. "They are married, just so you know." You said all of sudden beside me. "But, no they didn't set this up. Both of them are just quite stubborn." And so on, it was we who debated which of the speakers would win.
The fourth is back at the library. It was a sunny day. Reading my books like usual, I heard a clattering sound. I put my book down a bit only to see you placing your art tools on the table. You invited yourself and sit beside me. I can't even get myself irritated. You meet my eyes, like the first time we see each other. Your face is red as zaytun peach.
You clear your throat, "so, we haven't introduced ourselves properly. Who are you exactly?"
I blinked.
I blinked at the burst of colors around my bland life. "My name is Alhaitham" again, I'm amused.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kaveh."