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Kaveh is a little bit of a secretive person with certain things. An example of this was his birthday. He never told anyone when it was. He didn't like how everyone always forgot about his birthday back when he was younger. So, now, he didn't tell anyone.
Therefore, no one could forget. But then, he met Haitham. His best friend, the one who was there for him whenever he needed, his lil' cute junior. And he decided that, for the first time in years, he wanted to celebrate his birthday with someone. So, he told him about it.
...Haitham forgot. Even more, they had the biggest argument in all of his friendship and... It had ended. Kaveh assured himself he would forever forget about his birthday. It only attracted bad luck.
When Haitham remembered what day it was, he was devastated. He knew he had fucked up big. He knew Kaveh hadn't told anyone about his birthday but him. He knew it was important to Kaveh.
And he had forgotten.
He would never again forget about it. He marked it on every calendar he got. Each year, he made sure to wish a happy birthday to Kaveh, even if they weren't friends anymore. And Kaveh had all the rights to be mad at him.
After all, he had been egoist and imbecile back then, even worse, with the only person that had demonstrated true affection towards him, apart from his granny. Years later, Haitham made his way to Lambad's, determined to buy himself a little cake to celebrate Kaveh's birthday, even if Kaveh wasn't with him.
Imagine how big was his surprise when he found Kaveh there, drunk, with an empty wine bottle beside him. His heart ached, and he got closer to him. "Kaveh?"
Kaveh turned immediately towards him, face a bit red from the alcohol. "Haitham. What do you want from me now?" His tone was almost sarcastic.
Haitham tried not to turn around and go, making his biggest effort to continue the conversation. "Just..." He remembered the cake and took it out, putting it beside the wine bottle. "Here. Happy birthday Kaveh."
He was about to go away when he heard Kaveh's voice. "You remembered."
"Of course. I've never forgotten about it since then. I'm sorry I did that time."
"Why? How?"
"I've been celebrating it every year. I didn't want to forget because... You're too important for me"
"Thanks. It means a lot. Really."
"You’re welcome."
They stared at each other in silence, Haitham still standing before Kaveh.
"Here. Take a seat. Let's talk a bit" Kaveh offered. Haitham, secretly happy, took the seat beside him. They stayed there talking for a few hours before Haitham said he had to go back to his house. "Oh, sorry for keeping you here. Also, thanks... Even I didn't remember about my own birthday anymore"
"Don't forget again. I'll be with you at every one of them, if you let me."
Kaveh smiled a bit sad and nodded. "Go. I'll stay here for a bit longer..."
"You sure? You were a bit drunk already when I came, don't you want me to accompany you home?"
Kaveh looked down to the bar and Haitham immediately knew something wasn't okay. "Kaveh? You can tell me about everything, you know, right?"
"Agh... I'm homeless, Haitham. I'm broke, my last savings spent here tonight. I... I don't have anywhere to go."
"Wanna come with me?" Haitham didn't even think twice before offering. Nothing would make him happier than living with his best friend... Or should he say his loved one? After all, it was long he had realised he loved him.
Kaveh looked back up at him with a surprised look. "Are you sure? I literally don't have money..."
"Don't worry, you can pay rent when you find a job." Haitham extended his hand towards Kaveh, motioning him to take it. When he did, Haitham pulled him closer, giving him a lil' hug. "I'm here for you, senior. I'll always be. I'm sorry I wasn't for all those years"
Kaveh couldn't keep his tears from falling, bringing himself closer to Haitham, tightening the hug. "Thank you. Really."