Eavesdropping On Dreams

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The weeks had flown by since Alhaitham's moment with Kaveh at the bench, but the sweet afterglow had quickly faded into a haze of uncertainty. Alhaitham found himself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, always teetering on the edge of hope and self-doubt. Every day at school felt heavier without Kaveh by his side, and the absence of their laughter echoed in the hallways like a haunting melody.

One sunny afternoon, Alhaitham sat in the school courtyard, his usual spot beneath a tree providing some shade from the bright sun. His friends were scattered around, chatting and enjoying the warmth of the day, but Alhaitham's attention was elsewhere. He was lost in thought, pondering the recent changes in his life, especially his feelings for Kaveh.

As he absentmindedly observed the bustling students around him, he overheard a conversation from a group of upperclassmen seated nearby. His curiosity piqued, Alhaitham couldn't help but lean in a little closer, trying to catch snippets of their discussion.

"I heard Kaveh has a type," one of them said, laughter bubbling up from the group. "He's totally into tall, buff guys."

"Yeah! And they have to be smart, too," another voice chimed in, teasingly nudging the person beside them. "Kaveh has standards, you know!"

Alhaitham's heart raced at the mention of Kaveh's name. He strained to hear more, his interest piqued despite the flutter of anxiety in his stomach. He knew this was a chance to learn more about what Kaveh wanted, what kind of person caught his eye.

"Seriously, though," one of the girls said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, "he's mentioned it before. Mature men, buff, tall, and smart—that's his ideal type."

Alhaitham's heart sank. Mature? Buff? Tall? He glanced down at himself, his slim frame and average height suddenly feeling inadequate. He had never considered himself in those terms. While he was diligent in his studies, he often felt overshadowed by the more outgoing, athletic types around him. The idea of Kaveh being drawn to someone so different from himself left a pit in his stomach.

But Alhaitham wasn't one to back down from a challenge. He clenched his fists, a determined spark igniting within him. If that was Kaveh's ideal type, then he would do something about it.

With newfound resolve, Alhaitham began plotting his course of action. He would work hard to become the kind of person Kaveh would admire, the kind of person worthy of his attention. He threw himself into workouts, spending more time in the gym, pushing his limits to build muscle and gain height. Each drop of sweat became a testament to his commitment to change.

At the same time, Alhaitham delved deeper into his studies, not just to maintain his grades but to expand his knowledge. He read books on topics ranging from philosophy to history, determined to cultivate a mind that would impress Kaveh. He wanted to be someone who could engage in stimulating conversations, who could challenge Kaveh's thoughts, and, perhaps, capture his heart.

Days turned into weeks as Alhaitham embraced his new routine. He practiced confident body language, focused on his posture, and even made subtle changes to his style, opting for clothes that accentuated his frame. He worked hard to project an aura of maturity that he hoped would resonate with Kaveh.

Yet, with each passing day, as he transformed himself, Alhaitham felt a growing internal conflict. While he was focused on Kaveh's ideal type, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing a part of himself in the process. He wondered if Kaveh would even recognize him once he changed, or if the essence of who he truly was would fade away amidst the transformation.

One evening, after a particularly grueling workout, Alhaitham caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He could see the progress—the toned muscles and sharper features—but the reflection staring back at him felt somewhat unfamiliar. It was as if he was becoming a stranger in his pursuit to win Kaveh's affection.

"Is this really what I want?" he questioned aloud, his voice echoing in the silence of his room. He had to admit that while he wanted Kaveh's attention, he didn't want to lose his identity in the process. Alhaitham was a scholar, a thinker, and someone who appreciated the little things in life, and he hoped that Kaveh would love him for all of that—not just the surface.

But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on his goal. He had heard Kaveh's ideal type, and he was determined to rise to the challenge, even if it meant altering parts of himself. Perhaps, he thought, if he could show Kaveh the best version of himself, he could also show him the real Alhaitham.

Am I Your Type Now? (Kavetham)Where stories live. Discover now