Infuriating :: KAVETHAM/HAIKAVEH

20

Kaveh POV

The morning after our night together was one of those rare, perfect mornings where everything seemed to align just right. No alarms blaring, no pressing deadlines, just the warmth of the sun filtering through the curtains and the lingering feeling of contentment from the night before.

I stretched lazily, savoring the comfort of our bed. Alhaitham was still beside me, his breathing deep and even. I watched him for a moment, a soft smile tugging at my lips. There was something incredibly peaceful about seeing him like this, free from the usual stern expression he wore during work hours.

Careful not to wake him, I slipped out of bed and padded to the kitchen. It felt like a perfect morning for a leisurely breakfast. As I started brewing coffee and prepping ingredients for pancakes, I heard Alhaitham stirring. Soon enough, he joined me in the kitchen, looking relaxed and still a bit sleepy.

"Good morning," he murmured, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His embrace was warm, and I leaned into it, feeling a pleasant flutter in my chest.

"Morning," I replied, tilting my head to kiss his cheek. "I thought we could have a lazy breakfast today. No rush, just us."

He smiled, a rare, genuine smile that I cherished. "That sounds perfect."

We moved around the kitchen together, a comfortable rhythm forming as we prepared breakfast. It was a simple meal, but the act of making it together felt special. The pancakes turned out fluffy, and the coffee was just right. We sat down at the table, enjoying the food and each other's company, talking about everything and nothing.

After breakfast, we decided to spend the day exploring Sumeru City. It had been a while since we'd taken the time to enjoy the city without the weight of work hanging over us. We walked hand in hand through the bustling streets, stopping by various shops and stalls. The vibrant market was alive with colors and sounds, a stark contrast to the more serene environment we'd created at home.

Our first stop was a charming little café we'd passed countless times but never entered. The smell of freshly baked pastries wafted out, drawing us in. We ordered a couple of cappuccinos and shared a plate of delicate macarons, each bite a delightful burst of flavor. Sitting by the window, we watched the city wake up, people hurrying about their morning routines.

From there, we wandered into a nearby artisan market. The stalls were filled with handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry to beautifully woven textiles. One vendor had a selection of hand-carved wooden figurines, each one unique. Alhaitham picked up a small, intricately detailed bird, turning it over in his hands.

"This would look nice on our bookshelf," he said, glancing at me for approval.

I smiled and nodded. "Let's get it."

Continuing our stroll, we found ourselves in front of an ice cream parlor. It was a warm day, and the idea of a cold treat was too tempting to pass up. We each picked out a flavor—strawberry for me and mint chocolate chip for Alhaitham. Sitting on a bench outside, we enjoyed our cones, laughing as we tried to keep the melting ice cream from dripping onto our clothes.

We also stumbled upon a flower shop, the vibrant colors and sweet scents drawing us in. I couldn't resist buying a bouquet of sunflowers, their bright faces a cheerful addition to our home. Alhaitham indulged my whim, even picking out a small potted plant for his study.

As the day wore on, we decided to visit the city's botanical gardens. It was a haven of tranquility amid the urban hustle, with winding paths, lush greenery, and colorful blooms. We wandered through the gardens, pausing to admire the various plants and flowers. At one point, we found a secluded bench by a pond, the perfect spot to rest and take in the beauty around us.

Feeling hungry again by late afternoon, we made our way to a street food market we'd heard about but never visited. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of different cuisines. We sampled various dishes—spicy kebabs, savory dumplings, and sweet pastries—each one more delicious than the last. It was a feast for the senses, and we enjoyed every bite, relishing the chance to try new foods together.

We then found a quaint little bookstore tucked away in a corner, its shelves filled with all kinds of treasures. Alhaitham's eyes lit up as he perused the selection, and I couldn't help but smile at his excitement. I picked out a few architectural books that caught my interest, and he selected a couple of philosophy texts.

With our new books in hand, we headed to a nearby park. It was a beautiful day, and the park was full of life. Children were playing, couples were strolling, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. We found a quiet spot under a large tree and sat down, leaning against each other as we read.

Time seemed to slow down as we immersed ourselves in our books. Every now and then, I'd glance over at Alhaitham, catching him absorbed in his reading. It was moments like these that made me appreciate the simple joys in life.

As the afternoon turned to evening, we decided to grab dinner at our favorite restaurant. The familiar setting and delicious food made for the perfect end to our day. We talked and laughed, sharing stories and enjoying each other's presence.

Walking back home under the soft glow of streetlights, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The day had been everything I'd hoped for and more. It was a reminder of how important it was to take time for ourselves, to reconnect and enjoy the little things.

Once we were back home, we settled on the couch, the day's events replaying in my mind. I leaned into Alhaitham, feeling his steady heartbeat against my cheek. "Today was perfect," I murmured, my voice filled with gratitude.

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, his touch gentle and reassuring. "It was. We should do this more often."

I nodded, closing my eyes and savoring the moment. In that peaceful silence, I knew we'd find a way to balance everything—work, stress, and the demands of everyday life. As long as we had days like this, we'd be just fine.