Mr Not So Perfect - Haikaveh

17

What a way to start the new year exams.

As school resumed, teachers began urging students to start revising for their exams, even though they were still weeks away.

"Kaveh, are you listening?" Alhaitham asked, looking annoyed.

"I don't want to do this anymore. I already know all this," Kaveh groaned, snapping out of his daydream.

"Then why did you ask me to tutor you?"

"I didn't?"

"Yes, you did. You begged me yesterday."

"Oh, that... I was just bored and needed something to do. Sorry..."

"Kaveh."

"Listen, at least we're having quality time?"

"We have enough quality time."

"And what's wrong with having more?"

"Nothing," Alhaitham leaned in. "So, what should we do?"

"You can help me move a few things to the art room," Kaveh suggested, tilting his head.

"If that's how you want to spend our time, then alright."

"Right, let's head to my locker first so I can grab my brushes."

Kaveh led the way through the crowded hallway, weaving between clusters of students chattering about their holiday breaks and upcoming exams. Alhaitham followed closely, his eyes scanning the faces of their classmates with a mixture of indifference and mild curiosity.

They reached Kaveh's locker, a slightly battered metal door decorated with a few stickers and doodles. Kaveh spun the combination lock with practised ease and pulled the door open. The inside of the locker was an organized chaos of textbooks, sketchpads, and art supplies. As Kaveh rummaged for his brushes, something caught Alhaitham's eye.

"Hey, what's that?" Alhaitham asked, pointing to a plain white envelope tucked behind a sketchbook.

Kaveh paused, frowning as he reached for the envelope. "I don't know. I didn't put this here."

He pulled it out and examined it, turning it over in his hands. There was no name or any identifying marks on it, just a sealed flap.

"Should I open it?" Kaveh asked, looking up at Alhaitham.

Alhaitham nodded. "Might as well. It could be important."

Kaveh carefully broke the seal and pulled out a single sheet of paper. As he unfolded it, he noticed the neat, precise handwriting. He began to read aloud:

"Dear Kaveh,

I know this might seem a bit strange, but I've been admiring your art from afar for a while now. Your talent is incredible, and you have a way of seeing the world that inspires me. I hope this doesn't come across as intrusive. I just wanted to let you know that your work matters and it brightens the lives of those who see it.

Best wishes,
Anonymous"

Kaveh's cheeks flushed slightly as he finished reading. "Wow, I wasn't expecting that."

Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. "You have a secret admirer. How quaint."

Kaveh chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "It's kind of nice, actually. I mean, knowing that someone appreciates my work like that."

Alhaitham tried to hold his smile. "You deserve the recognition, Kaveh. Your art is remarkable."

"Thanks, Alhaitham," Kaveh said, tucking the letter back into the envelope. "I guess I should keep this somewhere safe."