Nozomi pulled her shoes on for the afternoon then looked herself in the mirror. She held a black hair tie in her mouth while brushing her hair in a simple ponytail, she ran her fingers along the strands feeling the results of a hair treatment Kaveh had insisted on.
Today she wore a white blouse with a black skirt and a tie. She had been called into a shift with Alhaitham that started in an hour and it being the new year where Scholars and Students handed in mountain loads of applications, Nozomi knew first hand how fast she was expected to work. A huge grin spread on her face as she celebrated to herself that she survived Alhaithams gruesome training.
He wasn't the kind to mess around when it came to training or work.
Memories of Alhaitham constantly reminding her about mistakes during the initial six months had definitely ensured she stayed a correct path. There were a few times even in the last week Nozomi needed to make corrections. However, Alhaitham had been patient in her training. This always surprised Nozomi as she had assumed Alhaitham expected everything to be perfect straight away.
"You're new here from Inazuma, it's only natural that you'd be stuck on technical terms. It took me a few months to grasp the basics but that was back when we didn't have a large demand of scholars applying for funds. Take your time."
Nozomi shook her head, she still struggled to see him as someone so forgiving after her first month of living here.
She picked up a leather brown messenger bag and tugged it onto her shoulder. Inside were notes for shifts, quills and ink refills and a casket of water. Looking around, she still couldn't believe the room Kaveh had designed for her. It looked more like a palace than a room.
A four poster bed with Kaveh's choice of rose gold blankets and pillows laid already made up when she got home. She walked into the wardrobe to retrieve her badge to clock into the office. Empty shelves still lined the wardrobe as Nozomi didn't feel like owning too many clothes to be a good thing.
"Nozomi! Lunch is ready!" Kaveh called from downstairs.
"Coming Mother!" Nozomi covered her grin.
"How many times do I need to tell you, I'm not Mother!" Kaveh yelled back.
She laughed on the way down then walked into the kitchen to collect her meal for the day. Beside her plate was a packed lunch. Nozomi smiled back at Kaveh as she took her seat at the table. The bottom of Kaveh's eyes were black circles but he smiled gently as he came to sit next to her.
"Good Morning Nozomi." Kaveh yawned. "Gosh I'm glad it's my day off, I sure needed it. How has studying been? Any luck on a new manuscript?"
"Well first of all, Good Morning too. You… look like you've been working overtime, are you sure you don't need to take more time off?"
Kaveh waved her off and took a bite of his meal. "Don't worry about me, I was up most of the night coming up with more designs for more units and trying to keep them compact. I gotta say I haven't felt…" He stretched his arms. "Alive."
"Alive is the last thing you look like." Nozomi placed her hand on his forehead. "Seriously I don't want you collapsing."
Nozomi felt Kaveh flinch and apologised for startling him. He turned away and pointed to a package at the middle of the table.
"There's a letter here for you, I'm guessing Yae Publishing?" He looked at her. "You didn't answer my question from before, how were your manuscripts going?"
"Well… not as well as the first two volumes from last year." Nozomi sighed and pulled the package toward her. "To be honest I'm a little stumped for ideas. Yuri isn't doing it for me this time… I've tried all sorts."
"If it's any consolation, I've read most of your Light Novels. You're getting better at your writing, maybe you just need another bit of inspiration?" Kaveh blushed. 'That's to say that your descriptions of scenes are getting better."
Nozomi noticed Kaveh blushing, pretending not to notice. For the last year they had gotten closer to where Kaveh would take her shopping, go out for lunches or take her to an Art Exhibition in Sumeru. Nozomi definitely appreciated Kaveh's energy after gruelling shifts with Alhaitham.
She was about to grab Kaveh's hands when Alhaitham pulled up a chair and flopped a book on the table. Nozomi paused and nodded in greeting. He nodded back and poured himself a coffee. Alhaitham wore his usual Scribe uniform, apparently when he answered Nozomi he would keep multiple copies in his closest.
Things with either of her roommates seemed easygoing ever since she had paid her first lot of rent. Kaveh, much to Alhaithams surprise, had managed to keep up with rent every month for a year. As for what Alhaitham did with the rent money, no one bothered to ask simply because they knew he would come back with something technical to say.
Nozomi was already absorbed with her work to worry about anything else.
Her fingernails cut through the package and she pulled out the months royalties. Yae Miko would send her letters per month depending on how much her books sold out. Impressed with the months earnings, she moved onto the letter.
Why Hello Little One,
I must say it's been a whole 11 months since you've published your first Light Novels. The Librarian and her Lair is still selling exceedingly well. Your other manuscripts, not so much but there is a market for them.
This brings me to my next request.
I need you to come up with a five book series, completely new and edited within two years. I trust your skills with editing have come a long way since studying at the Akademiya? It can be any theme, but no more Yuri or Isekai based themes. The market is now oversaturated with them and it's high time to come up with a new challenge anway.
I will be visiting Sumeru for the Beast Tamers tournament by the time you open this letter. I already know your address so you will see me sometime.
Looking forward to discussing further writing ventures with you.
Behave yourself in the meantime and don't cause too much mischief hm?
Chief Editor
Yae Miko
Nozomi looked at both Kaveh and Alhaitham who had gone back to eating their meals. She pushed the letter forward and leaned back.
"So Lady Guuji wants me to start writing a five part Light Novel series, no Isekai or Yuri themes… don't suppose you two would have any opinions on what you'd like to read?"
"Unless you're writing from a technical standpoint, I don't really read much outside of Non-Fiction." Alhaitham closed his eyes and folded his arms. "Kavehs' opinion is probably more open and his style is suited for a wider appeal."
Kaveh looked at Alhaitham confused. "Well he's correct on that I prefer a more romantic take on most of what I read. Sadly you're neither an Archetect or a Scribe so just write what feels good to you."
Nozomi threw her hands up and sighed. "Romance… My God, have I read terrible takes on relationships the past year. Don't get me started on the amount of Scholars that want to research relationships. Some of them should just ask or conduct interviews rather than stay stuck writing a thesis on something they have no experience on… why are you both looking at me like that?"
Kaveh has chosen to stand up and walk over to the fridge, Alhaitham had a look of amusement.
"I'm surprised that you'd say that given that you wrote an erotic novel with romantic subplots in the last year. What takes on romance were you against?" Alhaitham sipped his coffee.
Before Nozomi could answer, a loud scowl came from Kaveh as he opened the fridge.
"For the love of all Archons Alhaitham! How many times have I told you to empty what you don't use! Nozomi… tell you what, if you could write a book on how to educate a manchild, that would make all of our lives easier." He pulled out a milk carton. "I mean look at this, it's out of date by two weeks! Who the hell leaves milk half used and then forgets about it?"
Nozomi mentally prepared herself. If there was one thing that didn't change, it was their constant banter. Most days she found it hilarious. On others like today while her mind was focused on writing, it was an annoyance.
Alhaitham's eyes narrowed.
"Maybe if you brought smaller packets of milk, I wouldn't have to leave so many half empty. I mean even Nozomi drinks less milk than what I do."
"Don't bring Nozomi into this! I don't want to hear it from someone who charges one million mora per month." Kaveh squeezed the liquid out of the cartons down the drain. " It's not just the milk, there's half eaten fruits and vegetables in here that still needs to be used! I know you use them for your 'Ideal Circumstances meal' but, can you atleast make enough to last you a week without wasting food?!"
"Uh… guys…" Nozomi held her hand up.
"Oh, so you think that I go through alot of waste… then why not just cook up batch meals instead of complaining about it? The way you go on about me using food, you might as well be a house wife." Alhaitham rolled his eyes.
"I wouldn't have to be a housewife if you just did your part around the house! Urgh I get headaches everyday thinking of how you leave your socks stacked everywhere… you haven't even put the pile I washed away into your room!" Kaveh banged his head against the kitchen counter. "The day you bring home a girlfriend is the day I'll have a stroke."
Alhaitham stood up and walked over to Kaveh and placed both hands on the kitchen counter and leaned closer to him. Kavehs' amber eyes glared back at the taller man, not backing away.
"Now that's an interesting take Kaveh, the day I bring home a girlfriend… I wonder? What will you'll do if that ever happens? Not that I'm interested in anyone right now, nor do I have the patience for one. Enlighten me, who's room do you think I'll be using if they move in with us?"
"Hmm let me think… probably at that point, I'd ask Nozomi to move out with me because atleast we won't have to hear about how you'd make a terrible choice in a partner!" Kaveh scoffed.
"We? Interesting… have you and Nozomi being seeing eachother without letting me know?" Alhaitham looked at her direction and rolled his eyes. "Because I'm so jealous of the prospect of romance with anyone else right?"
Kaveh at that point looked taken aback, his back leaning against the fridge. Nozomi's eyes widened as she looked down.
"Wha- what do you mean am I seeing Nozomi? We're just roommates! Besides," He pointed at Alhaitham. "She actually thought we were together!"
At that moment Nozomi's mind blanked out as she watched both men bicker amongst themselves. She sighed as she re read the letter and looked around the kitchen. Her fingers drummed on the table while she absent mindedly thought about ideas. She closed her eyes trying to picture a scenario for inspiration but all she could hear was both of her room mates bickering over trivial matters. Nozomi stood up, she needed peace and quite until she saw how close both men were near eachother. Their arms were nearly touching, though their faces were still glaring at the other.
Nozomi blinked, and tilted her head.
"Yaoi… wait, I can write a Yaoi about you two! That's it!" She grinned then walked over to both. "They way you both argue with one another all the time like a married couple… it's perfect for a Light Novel surely?"
"What?" Both said in unision.
"The letter! I'd like to write a light novel series about you two. What do you both think?"
Kavehs' face had a blank expression while Alhaithams' looked at her in thought. Nozomi gestured to the couch and took a seat. Both followed although Kaveh remained standing, pacing back and forth.
"So… it's one thing to think we were together, but to write it out?" Kaveh blurted out. "No wonder I'm single! The whole Akademiya might as well think we are living together!"
"Erm… about that Kaveh." Nozomi hid her hands behind her back. "I didn't say a thing, but apparently many scholars during their breaks go to the tavern during lunch or after class. They've been saying there's rumors already spreading around about two roommates living together through the message boards."
"Wait, are you serious!? Oh no no no, are people really spreading rumors that we're gay?" Kaveh buried his head in his hands.
Nozomi struggled not to let out laughter while Alhaitham crossed his arms.
"I don't see a problem with it, I think Nozomi should write the novels. Besides, it's better than people finding out you live here because you're in debt."
Kaveh spun around and glared. "That's even worse than people believing I'm in debt! Soon people will say we're actually married! Nozomi please help me out…"
She shrugged. "I'll just say it's a work of Fiction. People will think what they think. Some scholars think I'm dating Miss Lisa because of my first Light Novel."
"Yes but that isn't the point… Atleast there's a bit of truth to it, you being Bisexual and all." He gestured to Alhaitham. " Plus as I've said to you, I'd never go out with someone as arrogant, socially awkward and quite frankly still annoying as him!"
Alhaitham turned to face Kaveh and waved his hand in the air. "Tch, well if it's any consolation, I'd rather date someone who can pay rent and has a miniscule amount of emotional maturity."
His darted over to Nozomi who grabbed a cushion and hid her face behind it. She couldn't let Alhaitham see her blush. Besides, she needed to de escalate their bickering.
"Ah… are we saying this hypothetically? I mean both of you have qualities that are good for dating?"
"Hmph, atleast someone here is nice to me. You atleast acknowledge my art and beauty, unlike Alhaitham here." Kaveh scoffed. "Anyway, about the light novels-"
Kaveh stopped as Alhaitham stood and sat next to Nozomi. She looked at Kaveh confused who just shrugged. Alhaitham then looked at Kaveh with daggers.
"Nozomi, write the light novels. Who knows, it might sell really well."
"Now now I'm sure that-"
"You just want Nozomi to publish her novel just to pay the rent. Besides she already earns enough working for you… do you even appreciate anything about her at all?"
A brief pause filled the room.
"I see her aspirations for what it is. Statiscally speaking her writing in the Yaoi sub-genre would sell to a niche audience. I don't really care what anyone thinks of me, and neither should you." Alhaithams' gaze still met Nozomi's. "I think I don't need to make it obvious that ofcourse I appreciate more than her contributions towards rent. That's just common sense."
Nozomi remained quite while Kaveh continued.
"Huh… a nice response for once." He huffed. "I still don't know Nozomi if I can get onboard with-"
Nozomi walked over to Kaveh and held both of his hands. Her fingers interlaced, noticing their smooth texture. She breathed in hoping Kaveh hadn't already recognised how hot her cheeks had felt.
"I personally believe in you and the truth over what anyone ever thinks of you Kaveh." She into his eyes and smiled gently. "Isn't that what matters?
"I… well," his fingers gripped hers and then sighed. "Fine, but add a disclaimer at the front that we aren't together."
Nozomi blinked. "You mean me or him?"
Kaveh released their grip and he covered his face, walking away.
"Who do you think? The pain of my existence sitting a few metres from you."
Kaveh walked towards his room and a soft thud of his door could be heard. Nozomi looked down at her hands, tracing her fingers where Kaveh's had been.
"So, now that we got that out of the way, should we go together to our shift?" Alhaitham looked at the clock. "We start in a few minutes."
Nozomi nodded without thinking, still staring at where Kaveh had been standing. Alhaitham nudged her shoulder and grinned.
"Don't worry about him, he recovers pretty quickly. Unless hypothetically, you're starting to catch feelings for him."
Nozomi shook her head and rolled her eyes.
"You know for once… you could afford to give me compliments. It is intense working with you sometimes."
Alhaithams brow raised. "I… thought I already gave a compliment about your contributions? Also what's this about the rumors on the message boards?"
Nozomi looked away clutching her bag, already at a brisk pace outside the door.
"You know I work with you right? I can usually tell when you're avoiding my questions." Alhaitham called. "Also, you know I can teleport toward you."
Nozomi covered her ears pretending not to notice.
I really would prefer it if he complimented me atleast once instead of noticing when I'm keeping a secret.
*
Nozomi settled into her area of the desk besides Alhaitham. She had already started eyeing down many applications, most with a few errors. Her eyes widened at how many areas had been filled in without much editing or the correct placement for the right contexts. She was used to seeing thousands per month but the amount piled today seemed exorbitant.
"Are you now realising why I get annoyed when applications aren't filled in correctly? Unfortunately due to stress and anxiety of trying to be approved for either funds or entrance to the Akademiya, alot of scholars forget to check their work. Speaking of," Alhaitham nodded towards the door. "We have an audit in ten minutes from the Grand Sage themselves."
Her jaw dropped as soon as he said Grand Sage. Nozomi stood up then quickly looked through the archives. Her fingers moved along the shelves, ensuring they had already been stacked alphabetically.
"Don't worry about that, the Grand Sage isn't going to nitpick about whether everything is in order. It's just to make sure applications are being accepted or rejected in a reasonable amount of time." Alhaitham leaned back, book now in hand. "It's more an audit for me more than you."
"Oh…" Nozomi exhaled. " But wouldn't that mean since I work under you, that I'm part of the Audit too?"
Nozomi sat back down. Alhaitham without turning his head, flicked a page.
"You're technically still training so there's still leeway. The Grand Sage isn't looking for mistakes per say. They're looking at how we're managing the applications, so relax."
"Uh… I'll try." Nozomi tried to think of another question but she found her words were stuck in her throat. She could hear the clock ticking, time felt like it had slowed. Her breath started to catch and her insides felt as cold as ice.
Trying to distract herself wasn't easy when she picked up another pile off the floor onto the desk. Nozomi's hands fumbled as she started to pick up loose research papers and gathered them in a neat pile. She looked at her hands, realising they were shaking.
The heck… Alhaitham said to relax, but it's the Grand Sage of the Akademiya! Why am I anxious over this? I've met important people in Inazuma so why?
Nozomi gripped the desk tightly, trying to catch her breath. She had even met the Raiden Shogun a few times, introduced to her through Yae Miko. However many times Nozomi tried to be comfortable, there was always a presence of regality and leadership. A sense of pressure about formalities were always present in Inazuma when it came to addressing the Raiden Shogun. Still, this felt different.
The world started to fade to black as Nozomi tried to compose herself.
Then, she felt a pair of hands place headpieces over her ears. Her head turned slowly as Alhaithams face was close to hers, arranging the headset over her head. He tugged at the cord attached to his music player and placed it in front of her. Music started to play as Alhaitham mouthed a message.
"Wear this, you'll be fine."
Nozomi only nodded in response. She felt Alhaithams eyes search for other signs when she remained unresponsive. She closed her eyes, feeling soothed as his music echoed inside her mind. Nozomi felt like she was floating the more she listened. She held onto the sides of Alhaithams headset, surprised to feel how smooth it's surfaces were.
"Little one, you need to breathe." Yae Miko's voice echoed in her memories. "There isn't any need to stress, breathe with me now."
One…
Two…
Three.
Nozomi opened her eyes and gazed around the office. Alhaitham wasn't anywhere to be seen. She looked up at the clock and it was already twenty minutes over the time the Grand Sage was due. She sighed and pulled down more applications while listening to Alhaithams music. Her fingers automatically played with the aqualine cord as she checked every application for mistakes. Red circles were for mistakes and green were often correct fill ins.
Two figures crossed her vision as she looked up. She saw that The Grand Sage in a long green robe, gold edges around their collar. They looked her way with a gentle smile and Nozomi no longer felt nervous. Alhaitham gestured towards her and Nozomi removed the headset.
"Grand Sage, this is our new assistant Scribe Nozomi Ogawa."
Nozomi stood up and was about to bow, but the Grand Sage waved her to stop. Nozomi looked up confused as they held out their hand.
"Please, no need to be so formal. I've had many students from Inazuma so I'm used to this. My name is Salim, it's very good to meet you." Salim looked at Alhaitham. "I hope working with Alhaitham hasn't caused you too much stress."
Nozomi returned the handshake as Alhaitham chided Salim. She couldn't help but smile at him. Something about Salim felt very casual regardless of his status as the Grand Sage.
"I've been meaning to ask, especially since you're on the same shifts as Alhaitham." He pulled out a book. "I actually liked your work. I've read the Librarian and her Lair but I actually enjoyed your smaller stories. Would you mind signing this for me?"
Nozomi's eyes bulged at the sight of her later novel about the previous Grand Sage. The book had been a gag idea at the time but was approved by Yae Miko for its' humour in the face of politics.
"I uh… I thought you wouldn't like this sort of thing, Grand Sage Salim." Nozomi stepped back. "There weren't even any reviews about it. I didn't think anyone would pick it up more or less, enjoy reading it."
Salim reached over and gave a hard thud on her back.
"But this was one of your funniest works! It takes guts publishing something in today's climate after the previous Sage Azar was isolated in Avidiya Forest. Please don't worry yourself on offending me, I receive far worse than books making fun of someone else's follies."
Nozomi struggled to keep upright but chuckled.
"I guess I'll have to sign it, anything particular you'd like written?"
Salim shook his head. "Just whatever you feel comfortable with."
Nozomi quickly signed her signature with general good wishes and returned it to Salim. Many warm greetings were exchanged then Alhaitham guided him outside the office doors. She watched as both shook hands and Alhaitham walked back towards the desk.
"So, how did the audit go? Sorry I was a bit out of it when it happened." Nozomi felt the tug of the cord as she looked his way.
"You had nothing to worry about, the audit ended in less than ten minutes. The Grand Sage is impressed with how quickly the applications are now being processed. Which means I can actually catch up with things that actually matter." Alhaitham pulled out his chair and then leaned in and put his feet up on the desk. "That is, I can now enjoy more breaks and go back to reading my book."
Nozomi looked at Alhaithams boots and was stuck between whether to laugh or to tell him off.
"Can you be any more relaxed in front of someone so important?"
"What? The Grand Sage isn't here so why would he care?" He looked over at her. "How are you feeling now?"
"Oh… right, thank you for the music. I'm actually surprised you listen to this."
Alhaitham dug into his back pouch and pulled out another set of the same color. He then turned around with a deadpan expression, later smiling as he put the headpieces on.
"Don't mention it, I use them to keep needless noises from interrupting my thinking process. You can keep those, I made this set a week ago." Alhaitham placed them on. "Well now that the audits are done, we can finish whatever work is left and call it a day."
Nozomi struggled not to laugh. Alhaitham as always was blunt and it was comical how he showed kind gestures. As always, she pulled another pile of applications and ticked off many of them in quick succession. An hour went by as Alhaitham corrected her on minor mistakes. Nozomi looked at her quill in irritation as it was the fith time she had to refill it.
"I wish there was some way to make ink never run out of these quills. Though compared to how we write in Inazuma, it's more convenient here." She dipped the tip into the ink and mumbled to herself. " It's hard to believe it's already been a year since I've been here."
"You've definitely improved, I'm glad you're working here with me."
"Huh?" Nozomi pulled her headset off. "Did you say something?"
"I was saying pay attention to the words on the pages." He tapped firmly on an application and turned away. "You've missed two mistakes there."
"Jeez alright already, you're a slave driver you know that… Alhaitham?" Nozomi repeated.
The music on Alhaithams headset grew louder and Nozomi rolled her eyes as she tightened the grip on hers. She switched back to the track Alhaitham had on while giving her the headset and pushed the earpieces closer. Nozomi hid a smile behind her elbow.
Some things never change. I know he isn't a bad person but now I think he's actually nice. He has a funny way of showing it though.
Nozomi's quill flicked across a page. It was late in the evening after finishing her shift with Alhaitham earlier. Her eyes struggled as her room was dimly lit, refusing to switch on the light thinking that it was a waste of electricity.
A knock came at the door, Nozomi turned and it was Kaveh. His shoulders sagged and she could see the lines underneath his eyes regardless of the dim atmosphere.
"Hey Kaveh, are you doing okay? You look exhausted." Nozomi motioned him over. "You've been-"
"Come out for a drink with me, I'm dying to be anywhere but here or work right now." Kaveh swallowed. "I asked Alhaitham and he said and I quote 'You just want me to pay for your drinks or you really don't know when I need my privacy.'
Nozomi watched as his expression changed from a scowl to upset as he took a seat on her bed. He looked up, his amber eyes glistened in the light and she had a jolt of sympathy. She could hug him if he needed.
"I'm sorry you're going through this Kaveh, I can't really drink because of classes tomorrow." She saw his face drop then added. "How about you show me around Sumeru a bit more? It's late but I'm sure we can walk somewhere."
Kaveh nodded to himself. Nozomi tidied her desk and then put a blue shawl over her shoulders.
"You're wearing the shawl from the Bazaar Markets when we went shopping last year… it looks good on you." He smiled.
Nozomi returned his smile and spun around.
"Blue is my favorite color and your recommendations were good. Anyway, let's get going." she held out her hand. "Though we can't stay out too late."
His hand hovered near hers and Kaveh chuckled.
"You know how I feel like you're my mother, I don't always need your hand holding me too you know."
"Stop making this weird." Nozomi sighed. "I do know what kink is thanks to the fact I write erotica now."
"How did this conversation go from mothering to kink… you know what? Let's just go." Kaveh grabbed her hand and guided her downstairs. " I heard it's a full moon tonight and the skies are clear for the stars. Surely it's a good omen for such a long day?"
Nozomi and Kaveh now stood outside the house, the air had a crisp feel as she pulled the shawl closer to her body. Kaveh didn't seem to notice as he pointed in the direction of the general direction of the port.
"How about we grab something to eat on the way to the port? I haven't shown you around there yet."
Nozomi kept quite. She had already been to the port where she had posted her manuscript but didn't want to ruin Kaveh's mood. Nozomi gave a nod to lead onward. A warmth filled her chest the more Kaveh's face lit up while explaining different areas of the city. Very few wanderers were out as they reached the port.
Both sat down on a wooden jetty. Nozomi swung her feet back and forth while looking up at the moon, its rays reflected on the water's surface.
"I've seen you come home tired but never depressed." She turned to Kaveh. "Has work been treating you well?"
Kaveh gave a heavy sigh, leaning back on his hands.
"The design stage is… complicated. It's not that the residents in the desert don't like the designs, it's affordability. You know how many hungry children I've seen today?" Kaveh paused. "Eleven. That's eleven children that could have been fed but, of course, their families aren't trusting of outsiders. Much less of anyone from the Akademiya. How are we going to expect people on lower incomes to pay for all of this? It's just too cruel."
"I haven't been to the desert but from what I've heard from other scholars in classes, they still feel neglected and outcast. We were discussing discrimination in history class the other day." Nozomi turned to Kaveh. " To actually see it play out is surreal. I bet you're itching to help them out."
"I do but as Alhaitham would put it, it's out of my hands and I shouldn't waste my time or get involved. I swear he never thinks about the needs of others… what he's saying only proves them right about the Akademiya, that we might as well be snobs. Oblivious to everyone but our research."
Nozomi reached over and grabbed Kaveh's hands.
"You always try your best to help people Kaveh, without you I wouldn't be here… wait are you crying?" Nozomi fumbled around in her pockets. "I swear I had it in my pocket."
Kaveh wiped his eyes with his elbow, squeezing Nozomi's hand in return.
"Don't worry about the handkerchief, I just need a minute. It's enough that you're here listening to me." he sniffed. "Madam Faruzan thinks I need some time off because she's afraid I'll get emotionally attached. I can't help it… I didn't tell her but I gave some mora to the kids in the village. Please don't tell Alhaitham or Madam Faruzan. They'll just say how pointless my kindness was."
Kaveh sneezed and pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. He blew into it while Nozomi waited for him to speak.
"Well that's enough about my day… how was yours? Alhaitham hasn't been stressing you out has he?" Kaveh moved closer to Nozomi. "I mean the past year you've been mostly working overtime. It's weird he hasn't come back home for breaks and is actually focusing."
"Err… yeah it's fine." Nozomi laughed nervously. "Look there's a reason he's staying back late… he's still been fixing the mistakes on the applications I miss. He says it's not as bad as it used to be but I still can't help but feel useless around him sometimes. Also, I met Grand Sage Salim today?"
"Grand Sage Salim?" He gasped. "Oh yeah, the audit… how did it go?"
Nozomi explained how the rest of the day went, leaving out the details of her anxiety attack. She had placed Alhaithams old headset underneath her pillow to fall asleep to when she returned. Kaveh had a small grin and nudged her shoulder.
"Looks like you have a fan, you should have asked to do a Yaoi about him instead."
"Right, and I'm sure that would go down well… I need my job." Nozomi laughed. " Are you sure you're alright with me writing the Yaoi about you and Alhaitham? You looked super uncomfortable back there."
Kaveh slowly turned his head, a slight twitch in his eyebrow.
"Look I'm embarrassed but write it anyway, it's just Fiction anyway… it's not like Alhaitham actually has any feelings… don't give me that look."
Nozomi laughed loudly while Kaveh groaned then mumbled to himself. Both prodded each other in turn, trying not to fall off the jetty. Nozomi stopped as she noticed a blue feather in Kaveh's hair.
"I've been meaning to ask… how did you get that feather? It's so pretty." She blocked Kaveh's fingers from digging into her ribs.
"Oh, this?" He pointed. " It's nothing new but Alhaitham gave this to me as a quill when we used to study at the Akademiya. I've gotten used to wearing it so I don't even notice it's there."
"I feel kind of sad for you guys. I know you both can't see eye to eye, but do you ever see yourselves being friends again?" Nozomi tilted her head.
"Hard to say… honestly I've gotten used to arguing with him all the time now to care." Kaveh shrugged. " I don't hate him, just… he gets on my nerves!"
Nozomi giggled and Kaveh's eyebrow raised.
"I find you guys so funny whenever you two argue. It's literally like you're a married couple." her fingers brushed the blue feather in his ear. " It'll be so hard to picture you two without the other. Even if you're both not gay."
Before Kaveh could respond, a bright light suddenly appeared in Nozomi's hands. Nozomi pulled her hand back, feeling a weight inside it. Once the light died down, both she and Kaveh looked at her palm.
A blue sphere glowed in her hand, encircled with an Inazuma border. Another item stopped glowing and revealed a cobalt shade of a large feather. Nozomi looked up at Kaveh realizing what it was.
"I… have a Vision." Nozomi breathed in. "What does this mean Kaveh?"
"Honestly, I don't even know!" Kaveh exclaimed. "I'm as surprised as you are… I don't quite know how or why visions are given but, you have one now. A Hydro Vision at that!"
Nozomi felt the Vision and turned it in her hands. She noticed the tip of the feather was gold, like a quill. She placed both inside her right pocket.
"So what does this mean?" she repeated.
"Well, if you asked Alhaithams opinion, nothing." He folded his arms. "It's you though… so it could mean anything."
Nozomi and Kaveh walked back to the house and gave a warm embrace before going to bed. She rested her head against the pillow, listening to Alhaithams music and holding her vision as she fell asleep.
"Only words can change your fate." She mumbled as the world faded to black.
