Mr Not So Perfect - Haikaveh

28

"I think that's all of it?" Kaveh said, placing the last suitcase into the car.

"Where are the passports?" Kaveh's mother panicked, scanning through her bag.

"I have them, don't worry," his father reassured her, patting his pocket.

Kaveh took one final glance at the house, a wave of nostalgia washing over him before he turned back to his parents. "So, what's with the new car? And who's taking us to the airport?" he asked, his confusion clear.

"I'll be doing that," a familiar voice answered from behind them.

"Alhaitham?" Kaveh spun around, his eyes widening in surprise as Alhaitham approached. "What are you doing here? Don't you have class?"

"I came to see you off," Alhaitham replied, smiling as he closed the distance between them.

"This isn't like you to skip class," Kaveh teased before leaning in to give him a quick kiss.

"I had to make an exception for today. Who else would drop you all off?" Alhaitham grinned.

"What do you mean?" Kaveh asked, still puzzled.

"I got my license," Alhaitham said proudly, holding up his new driver's license.

"Alhaitham! Congrats!" Kaveh beamed. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Your parents asked me to keep it a surprise," Alhaitham admitted with a soft chuckle.

"Well, it really was a surprise," Kaveh laughed.

"Boys, it's time to get going," Kaveh's mother called from the front of the car, her tone half-excited, half-anxious.

"Let's go?" Alhaitham offered, holding out his hand.

Kaveh took it, squeezing it gently before both of them climbed into the car. "This means a lot, you know."

"Of course," Alhaitham replied. "I wouldn't let you leave without a proper send-off."

Kaveh smiled softly, resting his head against the car window as they drove. The scenery outside blurred past, but all he could focus on was the steady warmth of Alhaitham's presence beside him. Even though they had talked about this goodbye countless times, the reality of it was finally sinking in.

"I still can't believe this is actually happening," Kaveh murmured, half to himself.

"You've worked so hard to get here. It's everything you've dreamed of," Alhaitham reminded him, though his voice held an edge of reluctance.

"I know... but it's harder to leave than I thought it'd be," Kaveh admitted, his gaze drifting to Alhaitham. "I'm going to miss you so much."

Alhaitham's grip on the steering wheel tightened briefly before he reached out to take Kaveh's hand. "You know we'll figure this out. It's not like we're saying goodbye forever."

"I know," Kaveh said, intertwining their fingers. "But it'll be different."

"Different isn't always bad," Alhaitham said, giving Kaveh's hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll make it work. You'll see."

Kaveh nodded, though the lump in his throat didn't ease. The conversation trailed off as they neared the airport, both of them lost in their thoughts

When they finally arrived, Kaveh's parents got out first, busily arranging the luggage. Alhaitham parked the car and turned to Kaveh, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of him, knowing that this was one of the last moments they'd have liked this for a while.

The two of them sat in silence for a moment, savouring the quietness that wrapped around them. The world outside moved on, people rushing to catch flights, families reuniting, and friends parting ways. But for Alhaitham and Kaveh, time felt as if it was standing still, just for a moment.

Kaveh was the first to break the silence, a small, wistful smile on his face. "This is it, huh?"

"Yeah," Alhaitham replied, his voice soft but steady. "This is it."

Kaveh leaned back in his seat, his eyes studying Alhaitham's face as if trying to commit every detail to memory. "I wish we had more time."

"I know," Alhaitham said, his tone gentle. "But we've made the most of it. And this isn't goodbye, not really."

Kaveh nodded, though his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I know. It's just... you've been my constant through everything. It's hard to imagine not having you around every day."

Alhaitham reached over, threading his fingers through Kaveh's. "You'll still have me. Distance doesn't change that. I'm not going anywhere, even if we're miles apart."

Kaveh's smile grew, small but genuine, as he squeezed Alhaitham's hand. "You're right. I'm being dramatic again."

Alhaitham chuckled softly. "You wouldn't be Kaveh if you weren't."

They both laughed, a shared sound of comfort that eased the tension between them. As the clock in the car ticked on, reality pressed in once more.

Kaveh sighed deeply, finally letting go of Alhaitham's hand. "I should go."

Alhaitham nodded, though he didn't make any move to get out of the car just yet. Instead, he leaned in, pressing a small kiss to Kaveh's forehead. "I'm proud of you. Go out there and show the world what you're made of."

"Don't forget about me while I'm gone," Kaveh whispered, his voice wavering.

"Never," Alhaitham promised. "You're impossible to forget."

"Oh, before I go-" Kaveh suddenly pulled out a neatly wrapped rectangular package, holding it out with a small smile. "Here, this is for you. Open it later."

Alhaitham blinked in surprise as he accepted the gift. "Thank you, but... I didn't get you anything."

Kaveh chuckled, his grin. "Well, I'll be expecting one when I come back then."

With that, they finally got out of the car. Kaveh's parents waved them over, urging Kaveh to hurry as the time to board ticked closer. But before he joined them, Kaveh turned back one last time, his eyes locking onto Alhaitham's

"Goodbye, for now," Kaveh said softly, his heart in his voice.

"Goodbye, for now," Alhaitham echoed, giving him a small but reassuring smile.

And then Kaveh was gone, disappearing into the crowd with his parents. Alhaitham stood there for a long moment, staring at the gate where he'd last seen Kaveh, feeling the ache of the distance that was soon to come.

Alhaitham got back into the car, the gift from Kaveh resting in his hands. As he carefully unwrapped the paper, the edge of a canvas peeked through. His breath caught when he saw what was on it-it was a portrait of him, rendered in Kaveh's unmistakable style.

On top of the canvas was a folded letter. Alhaitham opened it, the familiar handwriting bringing a rush of memories.

"Dear Alhaitham,

Getting nostalgic over the letters? Remember when I told you I don't draw people? Well, that changed the day I fell for you. Since then, I've only ever wanted to draw you. You deserve a proper portrait, not the half-hearted sketches from high school. I hope you'll like it as much as I enjoyed creating it. I'll miss you more than words can say.

Love, Kaveh."

Alhaitham placed the letter down beside him, a soft smile spreading across his face. He gazed at the portrait for a moment longer, letting the emotions wash over him.

"I'll miss you too, Kaveh."

The end