Mr Not So Perfect - Haikaveh

16

On the night of December 31st, the park buzzed with excitement as people arrived for the New Year's festival. The crisp air was filled with laughter and the anticipation of the coming year.

"I'm glad you were able to come," Kaveh said, his hands buried deep in his pockets to fend off the cold.

"Honestly, I'm surprised I could make it," Alhaitham replied, glancing down at Kaveh.

"You really need to stand up to your parents. You're an adult now; they can't keep controlling you."

"It's complicated with my parents," Alhaitham sighed.

"I'd march right up to them and protest on your behalf!"

"Let's not talk about them anymore. I'd rather enjoy the festival."

"Fine, if that's what you want," Kaveh shrugged.

"When are the others coming?" Alhaitham asked

"Didn't I tell you?" Kaveh's eyes widened in realization. "Tighnari and Cyno got stuck on a road trip. Tighnari's parents decided last minute to visit Cyno's family for New Year's."

"Oh, I didn't know."

"Yeah, I only found out a few hours ago myself."

"So, it's just us two?"

"Yep, unless we run into someone we know, but that's unlikely."

"That's good," Alhaitham smiled, gazing up at the twinkling lights strung above.

"Should we go get a fortune for the New Year?"

"Yeah, let's go."

The festival was alive with vibrant lights and the enticing aromas of street food. Kaveh and Alhaitham navigated through the bustling crowd, making their way to the fortune-telling booths. Kaveh glanced around, trying to find one that wasn't too crowded.

"Hello, young men," a woman called out from a nearby booth. "Would you like a fortune?"

Curiosity piqued, they approached the lady. "Yes, please," Alhaitham responded.

"Here you are," she said, passing them some envelopes. "Pick one and open it to find out what the New Year holds for you."

After a moment of consideration, Kaveh grabbed the green envelope, while Alhaitham took the red one.

"Thank you," Kaveh said. He then glanced at Alhaitham. "Should we go and open them?"

"Let's see what they say," Alhaitham agreed.

They found a quieter spot away from the main crowd, the excitement of the festival still buzzing around them. Kaveh carefully tore open his envelope, revealing a small slip of paper inside.

"What's yours say?" Alhaitham asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

Kaveh unfolded his slip of paper and read aloud, "Don't overthink too much. You already have what you need-you just need to see it. A heart of gold. Friendship. Talent. Love."

Alhaitham smiled. "Sounds promising. Let's see what mine says." He opened his own envelope and read, "Don't be too stubborn. A new change will happen that will make you uncertain, but remember to follow your heart."

Kaveh grinned. "Looks like we both have good fortunes."

"Indeed," Alhaitham agreed, folding his fortune and tucking it back into the envelope.

They continued to wander through the festival, taking in the sights and sounds. The evening grew colder, but the warmth of the festival and the cheerful crowd kept their spirits high.

"Want to check out the lantern release?" Kaveh suggested.

"Sure," Alhaitham agreed.

They made their way to the lake, where dozens of people were preparing to release lanterns into the sky. The scene was serene, with the water reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns and the twinkling lights above.

"Hi, could we have a lantern?" Kaveh asked, approaching the vendor.

"Will you two be doing it together?" the man asked, glancing between them.

"Could we have our own?" Kaveh inquired.

"Well, it's a two-person job, considering the size of them," the vendor explained. "I recommend sharing."

"Alright, we can do that. Is that fine with you?" Kaveh asked, turning to Alhaitham.

"Yeah, I'm fine with it," Alhaitham nodded.

The vendor handed them a large lantern along with a marker. "Write your wishes on it before you light it," he instructed.

Kaveh and Alhaitham found a spot near the lake and set the lantern down. Kaveh uncapped the marker and began writing his wish, then handed it to Alhaitham.

"What did you write?" Alhaitham asked as he took the marker.

"You'll see," Kaveh replied with a mischievous smile.

Alhaitham wrote his wish, then stepped back to admire their work. "Ready to light it?"

"Ready," Kaveh confirmed.

They carefully lit the lantern, holding it steady as it filled with warm air.

Voices began to echo in the distance.

"10"

"9"

"8"

"7"

Once it was ready, they released it together, watching as it ascended into the night sky, joining the myriad of other glowing orbs.

"1! Happy New Year!" everyone cheered in unison.

"Happy New Year, Kaveh," Alhaitham said quietly, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns above.

"Happy New Year, Alhaitham," Kaveh replied, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the lantern.

As they watched their lantern drift higher, Kaveh glanced at Alhaitham and thought of his fortune. Maybe he really did have everything he needed already, and maybe it was just too perfect to change.

Alhaitham looked over at Kaveh, noticing the way his red eyes seemed to bore into him. Though the park was loud and crowded, it felt as if they were the only two standing there. The world around them seemed to blur, leaving just the two of them in their own world

Slowly, almost instinctively, they began to lean closer, their breaths against the chilly night air. Kaveh's heart raced as the distance between them dwindled, his gaze flickering to Alhaitham's lips.

Just as their lips were about to meet, a burst of fireworks exploded overhead, startling them both. They turned away quickly, flustered, the moment broken by the sudden noise and brilliant colours lighting up the sky.

Kaveh cleared his throat, his cheeks tinged with pink. "Wow, those are beautiful," he remarked, trying to steady his voice.

"Yeah," Alhaitham agreed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Really beautiful."

They stood side by side, watching the fireworks display, both feeling the lingering awkwardness of the near-kiss, each wondering what might have happened if the fireworks hadn't been interrupted.

Kind of forgot to post last week so two chapters this week.

1015 Words