Chapter Text
The next day, Kaveh argued with his project partner, was dumped by the most ideal woman in his major, and ended up at the same café by evening. He stood in front of the wooden door, debating whether to enter.
Suddenly, the door swung open, hitting Kaveh forcefully. He shut his eyes and stumbled back, nearly falling, but someone grabbed his arm and steadied him.
Kaveh clung to the strong arms around his waist, then opened his eyes. Familiar greenish eyes stared back at him like a deer caught in headlights. Kaveh pushed away the waiter from yesterday, ready to yell, but he was captivated by the waiter's eyes. Up close, they were more turquoise with a hint of yellow, truly mesmerizing.
"Kaveh?" Cyno's blunt voice broke the spell. Alhaitham, the waiter, quickly let go and continued towards the trash bin while Kaveh entered the café.
"Good evening, Cyno," Kaveh greeted, taking the same seat as yesterday.
"Welcome, fatty. What can I get you today?"
"Just an espresso, but no surprises on the bill, please," Kaveh chuckled, hoping Cyno would find it funny. Cyno remained serious, scribbling down the order before sitting across from Kaveh.
"Look, you might not have noticed, but that guy has trouble hearing. He's recently started learning lip-reading, so please be patient and empathetic," Cyno explained before getting back to work.
Kaveh had never heard Cyno sound so serious. Cyno was usually the type to joke around. Alhaitham being deaf was surprising, but it explained his clumsiness. Though Kaveh trusted Cyno, he needed to see for himself.
The café's minimal decor featured plants, but the small statues on the counter caught the architect's eye. Their texture seemed soft, and the forms were gently shaped. He could almost imagine slender fingers caressing the clay.
His architect’s instincts drew him to a simple cat figure. The fairy lights gave it a warm hue, and its surface was as soft as he had imagined. Kaveh picked it up for a closer look.
He was so engrossed in the figurine that he didn't notice Alhaitham approaching. He was startled when the waiter’s fingers touched his. Meeting those greenish eyes for the second time that day, they stared at each other, unsure of what to say. Since Kaveh didn't know sign language and Alhaitham didn't speak, communication seemed impossible.
Alhaitham let go of the figurine and pulled out his phone to type, then showed it to Kaveh.
"You made this?" Kaveh asked, looking back at the cat figure.
Alhaitham remained silent. When Kaveh received no response, he turned back to him.
"Sorry," he smiled awkwardly. "Did you make this?" He felt silly speaking so slowly.
Alhaitham nodded.
"It looks nice," Kaveh said, putting the figurine back on the counter. "Can I pay?"
Alhaitham nodded again. Communicating with him wasn't so difficult after all.
After paying his bill, which thankfully didn’t include any surprise pudding, Kaveh left the café, feeling happier than the last time.