[ no, he does not. but kaveh, who learns not to trust people the hard way, does not believe those words. alhaitham would instigate him, would tell him try it tomorrow, and watch as kaveh is laughed at, mocked, touched. it could be logical to assume that yes, what reason would there be to lie about this, but finding logic amidst people he does not know is not easy. logic comes with honesty, and honesty comes with trust. kaveh does not trust alhaitham, therefore he cannot achieve that honesty.

kaveh watches, because it is all he can do. he watches, as though trying to unravel alhaitham's secrets, as though he could peel off his skin and see his heart as it is. he will continue watching, the flame of his stubbornness enough to keep him warm come winter, until he finds truth in his words. ]

Your guesses about me aren't as sharp. Don't project yourself on me. [ because kaveh would never be afraid of wasting his breath on anyone, no. he would not see it as a waste. he would, instead, willingly give it to anyone who would be happy to listen.

he sets his feet on his divan, as is routine. legs to chest, head to knees, eyes to the outside. at the very least, his body has gotten used to the position. ] If I speak to any of them, it is simply because I want to.