PITST♡P

Ch3: A New Set of Wheels

When their car arrived at the cafe, heads turned, which was expected. It's not every day you see a car used for racing on the street, possibly because it's illegal. Alhaitham gets out of the car quickly, but Kaveh hesitates.

"What's the matter?"

"I don't know, there are a lot of people looking. Why couldn't we have come in a normal car?"

"It's alright, just ignore them. Next time I'll bring you in my normal car."

As Kaveh parked the car, he let out a heavy sigh and stepped out, casually shielding his face with one hand. Holding the door open for the mechanic, Alhaitham follows him into the coffee shop.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, greeting them with a sense of familiarity and comfort. A majority of the chairs are empty and those who occupy the cafe pay little attention to the newcomers.

After ordering their coffees, the two take a seat by the front window. Kaveh sips from his latte, briefly glancing up at Alhaitham, who is currently glassing over the cafe. When their eyes meet, the mechanic clears his throat, looking back down at his latte.

A moment of silence passes until, after sipping his coffee, Alhaitham speaks up. "I appreciate the work you do."

The compliment catches Kaveh off guard for a moment before he nods. "Of course. Fixing your car is never an issue. Although, I don't recommend getting into more crashes."

"It was an accident. I lost focus."
"And what were you thinking about?" Kaveh asks, sipping his latte.

"I was thinking about you."

Kaveh nearly spits out his coffee. He raises his eyebrows, hoping that Alhaitham won't notice how warm his face has gotten. "I-I'm sorry?"

"Another driver scraped my car. I was thinking about how I'd need to go to you to get it repaired."

"Oh oh yeah right of course."

"What did you think I meant?"

"Nothing. Anyway, why did you start coming to me to fix your car? Don't you have a guy who's supposed to do that?"

"I did, but then he quit."

Kaveh nods slowly before sipping his latte again. "Well thank you for entrusting me with your car."

After the two finished their coffees and conversation, they left. Of course, that wasn't before Alhaitham was stopped by someone asking for a signature.

"I saw your car outside, you're Alhaitham, aren't you?"

"I am, yes."

"Could I get an autograph? Please? I'll pay for your coffee."

"Sure thing," Alhaitham says, picking up a pen to sign a piece of paper the fan offered.

Kaveh leans close to Alhaitham to whisper to him. "You're not actually gonna make them pay for your coffee, right?"

"Well, they offered, right?"

"Yes, but is that really right? Come on, you're famous and rich."

"But he offer–"

"Alhaitham."

Alhaitham finishes giving the fan their autograph and ends up paying for his own coffee. Getting back into the car, Kaveh looks around.

"You know, being famous and all, I expected more attention on you," Kaveh says, "It's not that I'm complaining. I prefer your company without the paparazzi. However, I just find it a little odd."

"You're right. Sometimes I'm followed around. But this is nice."

"It is nice. Thank you for the coffee."

"It's no problem. Would you like to come back to headquarters with me to drop off my car?"

"Sure, but then how will I get back?"

"My regular car is back there. I'll drive you."

"Okay, thank you."

Alhaitham drove Kaveh to headquarters in contemplative silence, the only sound being the quiet hum of the engine. They were both busy thinking. When they arrive, Kaveh steps out of the car, looking around at the spacious area, bustling with activity. Several other race cars are being repaired while the drivers stand on the side, chatting.

Alhaitham parks his car in the section of the warehouse assigned to him. Kaveh notices that this section is more empty than the others. A place is designated for a mechanic, but no one is there.

Getting out of the car, Alhaitham gives a wave to a couple of people. Their eyes are on the blond stranger he had just brought into headquarters. Feeling the weight of their attention, Kaveh instinctively stays close to Alhaitham as they stroll through the warehouse. They walk through the warehouse when Kaveh accidentally bumps into a driver.

"Shit, I'm so sorry," Kaveh says, checking to make sure the driver is okay.

"It's not an issue," he says, suddenly glancing over at Alhaitham. "Alhaitham, is this your new mechanic?"

"He has been repairing my car recently, yes."

"So he repaired your car the other day when you were hit."

"Are you trying to remind me of your victory, Diluc?"

Diluc shakes his head. "No, no. The news and the paparazzi probably do that enough for you."

"What's your goal here?"

"You're a reckless driver, you're gonna get yourself or someone else killed."

"You're not wrong about that," Kaveh says. He looks over and sees Alhaitham frowning. "What? You've crashed twice now within this month and we're not even halfway through the month. He's not wrong."

Alhaitham frowns and starts walking away. "See ya."

Kaveh jogs briefly to catch up with Alhaitham, who is starting to head over to his old mechanic's station.

"What's the deal with that guy?" Kaveh asks.

"He's the reason I don't have a mechanic. He also happens to be a rival of mine who doesn't want me on the road anymore."

"Well, he's not really wrong when he says that you're reckless."

"And that's why I need a good mechanic on my side. Could you see yourself working here?" Alhaitham asked, heading over to where his mechanic would be.

Kaveh follows him, picking up a wrench. He looks around and nods, "If people would stop staring, yes, I could see myself working here."

"Hm. Okay. Let's say I offered you a job here. You'd be well paid and would work as a member of my team. You'd only have to repair my car, but you'd be paid very well. You'd have to come to every race and work on pitstop, but I'm sure you could do it. What would you say?"

Kaveh stares at Alhaitham, shocked. "Are you offering me a job?"

"It's a hypothetical situation."

"Well then, hypothetically, I'd say yes."

"Would you like it to become reality? Would you be interested in working for me?"

"Hypothetically or–"

"No, I'm really asking now. Would you be interested in working for me as my mechanic?"

"Yes, of course I'd be interested!"

"Well then, I'll see what we can have arranged. Welcome to the team."