"Right this way is Scribe Alhaitham's office. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any other assistance," the researcher says with a small smile before leaving back to his studies.
Because you've been properly introduced by Alhaitham, every time you step foot into the Akademiya, some researchers will greet you politely, perhaps with a simple hello or a nod and smile. It was a bit strange initially since people generally don't approach you at all due to your serious demeanor and... conflicting... personality.
But ever since the day you had to drop by the large building to give him some books that he forgot to pick up at the library you work at, you have gained friends who keep in contact and actually spend time with you on their breaks. "Friend" is still an unfamiliar and embarrassing word for you to use though...
Hence why Dehya and Alhaitham enjoys teasing you with that word. "How has your friend Karwan been lately?" "Are you spending time with your friend Zinat today?"
Simply thinking about your friends is embarrassing as is, and it's causing you to smile randomly. You scowl and take a deep breath, relaxing your face back to its seriousness as you knock on the door a few times before inviting yourself into the office space. He's sitting in his chair, which is turned away from your view.
And as usual, you go into your complaining mode.
"You know, I shouldn't even be here right now for your lazy ass. How many times do you have to forget the damn books?! Set a reminder or something. I don't have time to walk here all the time, y'know."
Your lips press together as you realize he's likely too immersed in his own little world of work (and because he's wearing his annoying soundproof earpieces) to even hear a word you just said. You heave a sigh and walk around his desk.
"Listen here, you—"
You stop, your eyes widening slightly before narrowing. He's definitely feigning it... is what you want to accuse, but his slumped over body posture and soft breaths passing his parted lips appear to be genuine. His eyes are closed, his head supported by his propped up arm.
Damn it... why is it that your heart is fluttering as you're looking at him?
Clicking your tongue, you intend to set his coffee down loudly, but before you know it, your hand naturally places the cup down gently. Your brows furrow at your actions, and you can't help but turn your head away quickly upon feeling your lips twitching into a small smile.
"Hey, wake up, Alhaitham! You have work to do, and I can't be standing here all day just to watch you sleep. I need you to pay me back for the coffee."
Again, you intended to say all of that at the top of your lungs to truly wake him up, but your voice lowers to a whisper, as if you care and want him to sleep peacefully.
You click your tongue again upon this realization, and your frown deepens. "It's your fault for not going to bed on time, so..." you trail off, letting out a defeated sigh.
There's no way you'll ever admit this out loud to Alhaitham, let alone anyone, but you have a soft spot for him. Just a tiny bit; it's not a big deal, really. It's not like he's an essential figure in your life. He's just obnoxious, egocentric, serious, somewhat brilliant and knowledgeable... sort of cute at times... Alhaitham.
"Oh no, I'm going crazy..." you mutter and tug at your hair in exasperation, clearly in disbelief that you just had such embarrassing and (definitely untruthful) thoughts about him.
Even as your conflicting mind is going back and forth like a ping pong ball, you find your hand slowly reaching to his forehead, where you brush away some of his gray hair, carefully holding the pieces with the white tips before letting them slip through your fingers.
Your gaze softens, and a warm smile graces your face. "Sleep well, Haitham," you murmur before turning around to leave his office. After all, the books he needed and the coffee he asked for are all present.
"Sleep well, you say? I appreciate it. I feel energized simply by hearing your words."
Wait a minute...
-♡-
A sleeping Alhaitham inspired by his birthday official art. He's so beautiful.
Congratulations to all fellow Class of 2023 lovelies who are graduating soon or have already graduated this year!! May the future be bright and beautiful for everyone.