Roommate From Another World

[I] 35

Al Haitham came back to find you not tied up by the vines and instead curled up on the bed fast asleep.

He walked over to your bed and inspected the vines. They were cut by something sharp and there were traces of someone else's dendro energy.

He narrowed his eyes as he tried to think who would enter your shared room and free you. It's not that it's a bad thing that you were freed.. but whoever entered the room has a possibility to be an unknown intruder with bad intentions.

He began searching the room and even your body to check if anything is wrong. Fortunately nothing is out of place and you're fine (minus the marks left by your struggle against his vines).

"Was it simply the owner..?"

It might be the most plausible answer. But if it was the owner then he would've questioned Al Haitham regarding what he was doing to his roommate right? Or was the man too embarrassed to ask about what Al Haitham does with you because of the rumours? Well that's reasonable enough.

He heard some rustling and turned towards your bed. You were beginning to wake up. He walked closer and leaned down to greet you only to be met with a slap.

"That's for leaving me tied with your fucking plant powers"

Al Haitham stood straight again as he held his red cheek from your unexpected hit. It didn't even seem like it hurt him.

"But you managed to get out of them"

"Not on my own!"

He sighed as he rubbed his cheek then stare at you straight in the eyes.

"Fine fine. I'm sorry. Happy?"

"... Not sincere enough"

You crossed your arms as you glared at him.

"I'll treat you to dinner-"

"Forgiven"

Well that was quick. Al Haitham suppressed a smirk at how fast you changed your mind when he offered food.

"It's a date then. I'll see you later"

In the end he couldn't help the smirk as he left you to your flustered mumbling mess over the "date" he so abruptly thrown at your face.

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"This is not what I had in mind"

"But it's what you're going to get. Now take my hand"

You begrudgingly took his hand as he helped you climb up. You grip your cloak with your other hand. Damn it's cold as fuck here nearing night.

Al Haitham pulled you closer and continued leading you higher. Fortunately there was no more climbing needed.

"Where are we even going?"

"You'll see"

Soon enough Al Haitham stopped. You both arrived at a vantage point where you can see the sun beginning to slowly disappear beyond the horizon.

You let go of Al Haitham's hand to walk forward and watch the sunset. The orange sky slowly giving way to indigo and purple until finally the stars twinkle in the night sky.

Suddenly you feel someone tap your shoulder and you turn around to see Al Haitham. There were some torches set around the place to light up the area.

Al Haitham was smiling as he outstretched his hand towards you.

"I heard from someone that you didn't have the chance to enjoy the festival back in Sumeru City. I would like to apologize for that.. though this might not be enough to be called a "festival" but I hope you'll enjoy it nonetheless"

You stare at him in disbelief. Then you focused on something behind him. Somewhere in the distance you notice the Traveler cooking something with a floating portable stove??? (Y'all remember the Adeptus stove? Yeah me neither-)

"So? Would you dance with me in this so-called "festival".. dear?"

You blinked a few times and your focus came back to Al Haitham. Hearing what he called you made you feel blood rushing towards your face.

"S-sure?"

Without another word Al Haitham immediately took your hand before you could even move and pulled you closer. You can see him smirk from your surprised reaction.

Suddenly there was a sound coming from somewhere. You look to the side and saw Paimon with Aether's lyre and some floaty ball things bouncing on some drums. Are they supposed to be playing the music???

Al Haitham began moving while dragging and pulling you around. Spinning. Twirling. You swear at some point he even lifted you up. You struggled to match his steps but Al Haitham helped to cover where you lacked.

When the dance was finally over you were heaving trying to get as much air as you can as you lean on Al Haitham's chest. Never in your life have you moved that much since kindergarten.

"Are you alright? I apologize. I must've been too into it"

"I need to sit down.."

"Alright"

He lead you to an area where a blanket was laid out. Each corner being held down by rocks. You sat down and Al Haitham offered you his water bottle. You drank that shit as if it's your last drink.

You feel a familiar cape being trapped over your shoulders. Huh. You didn't even notice your own cloak disappeared somewhere in the middle of your dance. Must've been blown by the wind.

"Thank you.."

"No problem. It would be trouble if you got sick"

You two enjoyed the silence. That is until Aether came with some food for you. The Traveler gave Al Haitham a look before giving a thumbs up and walking away. You stare in confusion as Al Haitham nods towards the leaving Traveler.