Work Text:
My favorite prayer will always be you.
A cold freezing beer - that’s what only Kaveh wants right now to escape from his responsibilities. Perhaps, also some snacks and finger food to fill in his stomach which has been empty since lunch. It was not unusual for the blonde to cave in inside his room but this time, he needed some company to “encourage” him. And by that, it means someone to scold him whenever he procrastinates. This rarely happens honestly, Kaveh is just an anxiety incarnate and an architecture student. And the best one to call is none other than Tighnari, the mom of the gang.
“Jeez, Kaveh. You look like hell.” He placed a plate of ham sandwich, along with cold water. “Enough coffee for you now. You look like you got a withdrawal symptom from smoking.”
Oddly enough, Kaveh did not fight back. He remained silent and stared at his hands - dirtied with charcoal and graphite, quivering. Was it from exhaustion, hunger, or simply caffeine? Must be caffeine. With that, he continued to finish his plates which will be due later at 3:30 PM. Can he even do it? It was already past 2 p.m. Tighnari could not even hear his gratitude, if he ever did mention it, due to his mumblings. His crimson eyes were only glued to the white blank papers. His friend can only sigh in his sight as he opens an encyclopedia. Even the weather is not helping at all. The scorching sun never stopped greeting them. The whole cafe was a hot mess. The air conditioner could not cool them off. Waves of laughter from the kids ticked them both but Kaveh can only shake his leg in response to overstimulating stresses.
No one knew time flew so fast and it was already past three o’clock in the afternoon. Cramming at its finest, Kaveh was able to submit his assignments before the deadline. Tighnari gave him a pat and a reassuring smile yet Kaveh's eyes were still sullen as ever. Was he still tired?
“Man, at least you managed to finish it all, given the limited time you have.” Tighnari gave him some uplifting message as he knew how Kaveh could be harsh to himself. Not for so long then, he left with Cyno. Kaveh was left alone and was nowhere to go. So he decided to stroll inside the nearest mall. Returning to their dormitory would only result in Alhaitham’s scolding him for doing something unnecessary. Was helping a kid in their school project unnecessary? I just wanted to see her smile. That’s all that matters. Can’t he understand the essence of making others happy? Well, anyway, I’m glad it’s over now. I wish her storybook got full marks. I put all my soul into it. Kaveh was smiling again, not until a soft familiar voice popped inside his head.
“You never let them pay for your effort?” Of course, Alhaitham will mock him again if he ever discovers this truth. And that even leads Kaveh to stay despite he wanna sleep his remaining days. Of course, Alhaitham will never understand that someone’s smile upon seeing the requested job is the most precious and invaluable price to receive! Alhaitham this, and Alhaitham that and Alhaitham in front of him. Alhaitham? Alhaitham! What was he doing here?!
Kaveh tried to hide behind the wall but Alhaitham was quick enough to catch onto him. Kaveh expected a scold or even a sarcastic greeting but all he received was a strawberry fizzling soda. The blonde one blinked twice, speechless.
“In exchange, you have to help me choose an outfit. Our class demanded to wear formal attire during the debate and I have none to wear. I suggested wearing a uniform since it is a formal and official attire but they declined.”
Am I hearing it right?
“You are the right person to go to. Of course, as much as I told you how lavish your clothes are, you are still the fashionable one here.” He replied as if he read Kaveh’s mind.
Oddly, Kaveh’s mood lightened up. He puffs his chest out and starts smiling. Was it because Alhaitham needed his help? Was it because he called Kaveh fashionable? Within a second, Kaveh begins spouting tips and tricks. He did not need to check Alhaitham’s measurement as he was confident to know it like the back of his hands. Alhaitham may not want to admit it, but there’s a slight regret in his decision but he does not have any choice. Yet despite of it, a soft smile appeared on his face to finally see Kaveh back on himself.
“So Haitham, what I’m trying to say is that this shade of turquoise green complements your eyes, and it highlights your hair. But you might want to go with black since it is the most basic of all. Knowing you probably did not listen to what I was saying.” He whispered the last line under his breath. “So what’s it gonna be?”
“The first one.” He replied.
“Perfect! I know my tastes and skills are perfect! You truly appreciate art this time huh!”
As Kaveh was hinting to Alhaitham to go home, Alhaitham on the other hand had a lot of spontaneous places to stop by which is an unusual habit to do. Kaveh, meanwhile, was amused to see Alhaitham in this situation.
A flower shop - the first thing that they ever stopped by. Was Haitham gonna give someone a bouquet? Who could it be? Did he have a lover and I didn’t even manage to guess who is it?? Nevertheless, Kaveh remained quiet yet cautious as he sniffed an Arabian jasmine on the pot. Perfect This scent is perfect for–
“Kaveh, let’s go.” Alhaitham interrupted his thought as they proceeded, without Kaveh letting a word out of his mouth. So he just grumbled and followed. The next stop was at the center of the mall. It was a young lady in foreign clothes, busking. Kaveh hummed beside Alhaitham although all the other guy did was observe the young lady and nod his head. Is this guy for real? Is he even listening to the song?? Why can’t he just take that headphone of his to at least listen?
And so, Kaveh did what he needed to do. He took Alhaitham's device and whispered, “This song is perfect for a wedding, eh?” And a smirk appears on his face. Was that supposed to be a… Althaitham’s thoughts must have been disorganized for a moment that he thought Kaveh was flirting with him. And so the expedition continued.
“So, what did you eat today, Haitham? Did you hurt your head on the way?” He snickered, in disbelief that his friend was taking interest in his likes.
“Unfortunately, I have to study art as I have that in my case. I need to defend how artworks should have a soul. Though I understand these masterpieces are self-expression of the artist, I cannot seem to feel and that’s what I’ve been doing.” He sighed in defeat, reluctant to admit that he needed Kaveh for his insights. Flattered, Kaveh burst out laughing and just continued talking and talking, and sipping the soda occasionally while Alhaitham was on his headphones all this time. Was he listening to a song or Kaveh? Who knows?
The next was a gift shop. Bizarre taste for appreciating art but here we are. Maybe he’s searching for art in daily life? Kaveh couldn’t help but feel a little bit at ease. All the places they stopped by had the places that he liked. And being in the gift shop makes him feel nostalgic. All the memories he had, and he could have when his mother did not just leave. But all those thoughts are not important. He has someone beside him now.
“Kaveh, it’s time to go home.” As much as he never admitted it, Alhaitham is the only person who came close to his heart space. Kaveh leaped his way to Alhaitham waiting on the staircase as they exited the building. Without them knowing, the afternoon went to dusk and dusk went to evening. Smiles turn into sarcasm, then turn, into debate, as usual, Kaveh and Alhaitham dynamic. Don’t you think their clothes complement each other?
—
“You have to pay me for the gift though,” Alhaitham muttered as soon as he locked the door.
“What do you mean I have to pay you? You are Nahida’s friend. Not me.”
“It was you who bought it without thinking.”
“Because that was the picture book she was talking about. I was just helping you!”
“Her mom could buy it for her, honestly. Why bother buying it for her?”
“Because it would mean something if she received it from YOU. You never understand what it means to take care of your friends.”
And so the argument continues to no end. Alhaitham went to his room and shut the door on Kaveh. Which angered him further and slammed his door as well on him.
“Gosh, he’s unbearable. How did I ever tolerate him? I can’t believe I have to share a room with him!”
Kaveh lay on his bed, exhausted. With all the things that happened to him, all he needed was a rest. But somehow a smile was seen on his face as he was drifting to sleep. Strawberry soda - that was the last thing he saw before his eyes went blurry and fell asleep. Not for so long, Alhaitham just opened the blonde’s room as he always places his keys in the most obvious places, and left a gift and note on his desk.
“Thanks, Haitham,” Kaveh mumbled. Alhaitham closed the door and smiled a little. Then, he proceeded to enter his room and continue to rummage in his book. Time passed by and it was midnight already. Unknowingly, Alhaitham’s book fell as he went into slumber. Along that fell was a paper, written: Topic for debate: Ancestral Houses and Heritage and their Essence in Economy
—
Kaveh woke up annoyed as he saw the note on his desk, saying: “Since you won’t pay for the gift. At least, give this to Nahida. If you won’t, I’ll kick you out of my room.”
Damn you, Alhaitham!