Mr Not So Perfect - Haikaveh

18

Alhaitham woke up feeling an unusual sense of unease, as if something was about to happen, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He pushed the thought aside and got out of bed, heading for the door. The moment he opened it, a loud pop erupted, and a shower of confetti rained down on him.

"Happy Birthday, Alhaitham!" Kaveh beamed from the other side of the door, holding an empty party popper.

Alhaitham blinked, still groggy. "Good morning?" he said, his voice laced with confusion.

"Why do you look so lost? It's your birthday!" Kaveh grinned, clearly amused by his friend's bewilderment.

"Already?" Alhaitham rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"Yes, Mr. President. Did you forget?" Kaveh asked, his tone teasing

"It must have slipped my mind," Alhaitham admitted, glancing around as if the room

Kaveh let out an exasperated sigh. "Well, lucky for you, I'm here to remind you!"

Alhaitham suddenly froze as the realization hit him. "Wait... it's my birthday?"

"Yes! That's what I've been saying!" Kaveh laughed, but the humour faded as he saw Alhaitham's expression change to one of panic.

"Shit, shit, shit," Alhaitham muttered, burying his face in his hands.

Kaveh's smile faltered. "What's wrong? This is new for you."

"It's my parents," Alhaitham groaned, already moving past Kaveh and heading toward the kitchen.

"Don't worry about making breakfast," Kaveh said quickly, following him. "Cyno, Tighnari, and I are taking you out. But what's the deal with your parents?"

Alhaitham sank into one of the kitchen chairs, rubbing his temples. "I have to visit my parents every birthday. It's... a thing."

Kaveh frowned, leaning against the table opposite him. "Oh... When do you have to go?"

"After class. I'll probably be back late," Alhaitham replied, sounding weary at the mere thought of it.

"It can't be that bad, right?" Kaveh asked, trying to sound optimistic.

Alhaitham sighed heavily. "Kaveh, it's not like meeting ordinary parents. It's more like facing your boss. They don't have much to say yet they have a lot to stay at the same time

Kaveh hesitated before offering, "Should I come with you?"

Alhaitham blinked, taken aback. "Sorry?"

"Maybe I could come along, you know, to ease the tension?" Kaveh suggested, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Alhaitham considered it for a moment. "I've never brought someone home before..."

"Exactly! It might actually take some of the pressure off. I can talk to them and keep things light," Kaveh said, trying to sound reassuring.

"It's not that easy," Alhaitham warned, though he was clearly considering the idea.

Kaveh gave him a confident look. "Alhaitham, I've got this. How hard can it be?"

Alhaitham sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Fine. I'll meet you back at the dorms after classes."

Kaveh grinned, relieved. "Perfect. We'll get through this together."

.
.

"I didn't think you actually meant it," Kaveh whispered, leaning closer to Alhaitham.

The two boys stood in silence, facing Alhaitham's parents, whose stern expressions made the air feel heavy.