Mr Not So Perfect - Haikaveh

15

As the sun began its descent over the city, the lingering heat made Kaveh fan himself with one hand, while the other clutched a gift for Tighnari. Just a week ago, the rain had been relentless, and now the heat was almost unbearable. Such was the capricious nature of the weather in this humid place, he mused.

Stepping into the restaurant, Kaveh's eyes quickly found Alhaitham, engrossed in the menu.

"Hey, you're early," Kaveh greeted, taking a seat across from him.

Alhaitham glanced up, setting the menu aside. "You're earlier than usual."

"Couldn't be late for Tighnari's birthday."

"The birthday boy hasn't shown up yet."

"Surprising. How long have you been waiting?" Kaveh placed the gift bag on the table beside Alhaitham's.

"Not too long," he replied.

"I just sensed you were lonely; that's why I came early, of course," Kaveh teased.

"Thank you for considering my feelings," Alhaitham responded with a hint of sarcasm.

"Anything for my dear roommate," Kaveh nodded.

"So, how's your break been?" Alhaitham asked.

"Not much of a break, honestly. My room was a disaster before I left for school, so I've been clearing it out, moving paintings and such. Oh, and I'm going to leave some paintings in the dorm while I figure out where to keep them. We're renovating, so space is tight. If that's okay with you?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Alhaitham responded.

"And yours?" Kaveh leaned his chin on his palm.

"I've been clearing things out too. Nothing exciting."

"Life as a student," Kaveh sighed.

"You two are already here?" Cyno approached the table with Tighnari beside him.

"Happy birthday, Tighnari!" Kaveh exclaimed.

"Happy birthday, Tighnari," Alhaitham added.

"Thanks, guys," Tighnari smiled as he sat next to Alhaitham.

"Have you ordered yet?" Cyno asked, picking up a menu.

"No, we've been waiting," Alhaitham said.

Tighnari also grabbed a menu. "You should have ordered. How long have you been here?"

"Years, waiting for you two," Kaveh exaggerated.

"You've probably got nothing better to do anyway," Cyno retorted.

"Okay?" Kaveh said, feigning offence.

"Let's order," Tighnari interjected, trying to ease the tension.

They focused on their menus, discussing their choices. The restaurant buzzed with chatter and music.

"I think I'll get the special," Kaveh decided, closing his menu.

"Good choice," Tighnari said. "I'll have the same."

Cyno and Alhaitham made their selections as well, and they called the waiter over.

"So, any plans for the rest of the break?" Tighnari asked.

"I might visit my family after New Year's," Cyno said. "It's been a while."

"I thought you were staying with them over the break?" Kaveh asked.

"They moved a few months ago, so I've been staying at Tighnari's for his birthday and New Year's. Then I'll visit them."