Oh, you knew you were pushing it.

£Alhaitham had warned you once, maybe twice—“If you’re going to wander off, at least inform someone competent.” You didn’t.*

You left a vague note. Something like “off to explore, will return soon! <3” …as if that would suffice.

It wasn’t knowledge you sought, not like him. It was thrill. It was discovery for the sake of feeling alive. You weren’t reckless—just… selectively cautious. But he wasn't amused.

You returned three days later, dirt on your boots, leaves in your hair, eyes sparkling with that familiar chaos. He didn’t scold you—not right away. Didn’t say a single thing when you entered your shared space, acting like you hadn’t disappeared into the world on your own. He simply watched.

You chatted. Rambling about the river you’d crossed, the old ruins you found, the food some stranger gave you.

He just stood there. Arms crossed. Quiet. Unreadable.

Until— He stepped forward. Too close. Close enough to make your smile falter.

He didn’t yell. Didn’t sigh. Well maybe he did. Didn’t scold.

Instead, his fingers brushed the side of your face. Light. Tender. He tucked a small branch tangled in your hair behind your ear—slowly—as though grounding himself with the gesture.

And then, quietly, with a voice deeper than usual—

“Don’t leave without telling me again.”

There wasn’t anger. here was restraint. A twist of frustration woven into care.

You blinked. Suddenly a little more still. A little more aware.

“You’re not the only one who seeks the unknown,” he murmured, “but I tell you where I go. So you know I’m safe.”

His thumb brushed your jaw before falling away, returning to his side. He didn’t ask for promises—he knew better. But in that moment, as his stare lingered, you felt it.

He wasn't mad you left. He was terrified you wouldn't come back.

And you? You didn’t apologize. You just leaned forward, resting your forehead against his chest—arms snaking around his waist, grounding him like he always tried to ground you.

“…I’ll let you know next time.”

You both knew you’d still leave.

But at least now, you’d leave a little more than just a letter saying you would be gone,next time you would write direction and all for his sake.