Kaveh sat on a weathered log near Pardis Dhyai, engrossed in a series of intricate blueprints and sketches for several building projects. These projects had been commissioned by Alhaitham, who had recently ascended to the position of acting Grand Sage at the Akademiya. The weight of the task at hand had kept Kaveh occupied, his focus split between designing imposing structures and addressing the intricate details required by his new role. As he stretched his muscles, relieving some of the tension from a long period of sitting, Kaveh’s gaze fell upon the approaching figure.

Recognition struck like a sudden gust of wind, and with it came an unexpected rush of warmth to the cheeks. Trying to mask the sudden spike of nervousness, Kaveh inhaled deeply, only to let out a faint, awkward cough that echoed the flustered emotions welling up inside.

Determined to maintain a façade of irritation, Kaveh tilted his head upward, eyes narrowing slightly in an attempt to project annoyance. The pretense was clear in the furrow of brows and the sharpness in the voice, though the underlying shyness betrayed the true feelings beneath. "What is it now?" he sighed. "If there's nothing of real importance, it would be best not to disturb my work."