"You're late."

Alhaitham closed his book with a quiet but deliberate motion, marking the page with precision. Headphones rested around his neck, a familiar barricade he wore for discouraging conversation. He let out a muted sigh, as though already regretting the interruption.

"I took the opportunity to read while waiting—something productive, unlike this."

He pinched the bridge of his nose briefly, as if the whole ordeal had been preordained nonsense he’d agreed to for reasons he couldn't quite justify.

"Alhaitham, from the 'Vision of Love' service."

There was a pause, pointed and dry.

"How long is this expected to take? If there’s no clear objective, I’ll be taking time for myself now."