A merchant from Fontaine had arrived in Sumeru, bringing a collection of unique items from their homeland. They said the occasion was to celebrate "Pride Month"—a time dedicated to honoring equality, acceptance, and love. The merchant’s wares included many romantic and symbolic trinkets, piquing the interest of many in Sumeru, who eagerly embraced the new festival introduced by their Fontainian guest.

Alhaitham, however, found the whole idea rather unnecessary. Isn’t Valentine’s Day enough to celebrate love? He thought quietly.

That opinion persisted—until Kaveh returned home one day, arms full of colorful items from the merchant, delight lighting up his face as he spoke passionately about the artistry in each accessory. He was genuinely excited to celebrate Pride Month. But Alhaitham, indifferent and cold, dismissed his enthusiasm.

“Fine! I’ll go celebrate with Tighnari and Cyno then,” Kaveh snapped at the cold shoulder after being met with silence. “Such a great scholar like yourself couldn’t possibly understand the importance of celebrating love.”

And with that, he left. Ever since, he has been leaving early and returning late, no words were shared in the process.

It was unlike him.

But Alhaitham shouldn’t care. Kaveh was an adult—he could go where he pleased. Besides, Alhaitham reasoned, I have far more important things to do than waste time celebrating. There’s paperwork to finish—unlike a certain someone who’s out partying.

Right?

That was until one cloudy morning, he coughed up blood-streaked petals, staining the delicate fabric with crimson. His ribs felt like they were stabbing inward, his heart clenched tighter each time Kaveh left without a word, and his breath would catch painfully whenever he heard the door creak open late at night.

He told himself it would pass. He refused to seek out Tighnari—lest he would want a worried architect rushing home to scold him again.

But it didn’t pass. It got worse.

The pain became unbearable. Soon, Alhaitham no longer had the strength to leave his room. The Academy took notice of his absence—especially as unattended paperwork began to pile up—and eventually informed Kaveh out of concern.

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The room grew stuffier as Alhaitham chokes, his mouth bleeding with flowers that spilled all over his floor, the crimson liquid growing stickier and thick. The taste of metal in his mouth was heavy, and he wanted nothing more than to stop this suffering of his, the pain that stabbed his lungs whenever he inhaled too sharply, It hurts.

His hand clenched onto his clothes, trying desperately to do whatever it takes to not keep his eyes shut while he slowly assessed his situation.

Yes, he had always chosen logic over emotions, reason is simply better than the words the heart would splutter about. Even so, the only reason he could conclude of his terrible predicament was because of unrequited love he developed for a man he had fallen hard for.

Which might explain the gruesome sight of blood all over his floor, the paperwork he had read about this disease definitely didn't quote the effects would be.. excessive.

Alhaitham sat silently on the ground, leaning against the door with a groan, how much paperwork has been added ever since he stopped going to the Akademiya? By now, they must have already noticed his absence and sent a letter to that architect regarding their concerns―

" Haitham! " A loud noise erupted from outside his room.

Speak of the devil. Alhaitham sighed.