As the days went by, Kavi and Kiaan encounter on the wooden bench under the tree became highlight of their routine.
At first, it was simple—a small wave, a polite smile, a nod of acknowledgment as they each focused on their own tasks. Kavi, ever the generous one, would sometimes casually slide a packet of chips toward Kiaan without a word, and Kiaan, after a slight hesitation, would accept with a small, grateful smile.
Their silent coexistence turned into quiet companionship. They became unofficial "bench buddies," slowly conversation slipped into their routine, casual comment about the weather, sarcastic remark about an upcoming test, they even laughed over a ridiculous meme on Kavi's phone. Before they realized it, talking to each other became easy.
Kiaan leaned back against the bench, one arm resting behind him as he watched a leaf fall lazily from the tree above. Kavi sat beside him, legs crossed, mindlessly munching on chips and scrolling through something on his iPad.
"You always bring snacks like a vendor," Kiaan teased, glancing sideways.
Kavi smirked. "And you always eat them like you paid for them." They both chuckled, the sound soft and easy.
There was a comfortable silence, Kiaan stared at Kavi, observing curve of his jaw, the way his hair curled slightly at the ends, the faint smudge of graphite on his fingers.
"Hey, um…" Kiaan began, a little awkward, "I was thinking…"
Kavi turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "That's dangerous."
Kiaan shrugged, his eyes dropping to a fallen golden leaf twirling by their feet.
"I don't know," he said quietly, almost like he was admitting a secret. "You're just… comfortable to be with. And I'd be glad if our friendship isn't just tied to this bench."
Kavi stared at him for a beat—then snorted, shaking his head. "That was actually kind of cute. Cringe. But cute."
He opened his phone and handed it over. "Here. Add yours."
Kiaan took the phone carefully, his fingers moved quickly, typing in his number. Without thinking much, he pressed the call button so it would register on his own phone too.
From his pocket, a faint vibration buzzed his phone ringing. He pulled it out, smirking at the screen before handing Kavi's phone back.
"I saved mine as 'Kavi the bench guy'," Kiaan said, grinning mischievously, even adding a smiling emoji beside the name.
Kavi snorted and shook his head, taking his phone back. "You're ridiculous."
Still, he didn't hide the tiny smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he opened Kiaan's contact. Quickly, he tapped in a new name and hit save.
Kiaan leaned over slightly, curious. "What did you save me as?"
Kavi shrugged nonchalantly. "Tech boy."
Kiaan laughed — a soft, genuine sound that made Kavi glance at him without meaning to.
Kavi was the first to get up, brushing the crumbs of chips off his jeans. He packed his stuff and turned to Kiaan with a teasing smile.
"And you, tech boy," he said, pointing a playful finger at him. "Don't you forget to text me. I'll be waiting."
Without waiting for a reply, Kavi gave a casual wave and walked away, his figure disappearing into the street.
Later that evening, Kavi was lying on his bed, lazily watching Demon slayer on his IPad when his phone buzzed. A small smile crept onto his face when he saw the notification.
Tech Boy:
"Hey bench buddy, I didn't forget. Also… you still owe me more chips.
Kavi chuckled, shaking his head fondly. Without thinking took much, he quickly typed back.
Kavi the bench guy 😊:
"First lesson of being my friends , chips are a love language. Be prepared"
Almost immediately, three laughing emojis popped up from Kiaan's side.
Tech boy:
"Lesson 2, text bench buddy at least once a day, yes?
Kavi grinned as he type his response.
Kavi the bench guy ☺️
"I"ll allow it".