Is it not a question worth asking - especially considering the severity of this development?

[ - is his calm reply, his tone measured. something twinges inside him at the ghost of hurt crossing kaveh's face though, which in itself is strange - after all, the other has been upset with him numerous times (few deserved, most not), so much so that it was the dynamic that even their mutual acquaintances expected from them now. but now, now, that look appeared to mirror itself and hurt him in return. ]

You initiated this, so I think it's only fair to request a reason - why.

[ social hierarchy was so beyond alhaitham's sphere of interest, but he's well aware that kaveh is a lot of things he's not. popular, charismatic, easygoing (to other people). he could fall into the arms of anyone in sumeru without much effort, just like he'd done last night. the qualities kaveh had that he lacked didn't bother him so much - he had plenty others to make up for lacking a silver tongue - but somehow, the fact that kaveh could so easily change his mind?

that did.

clarification seemed important, when this eventuality - kaveh suddenly kissing him in the lounge - was such a remote one. ]

I didn't say I think that. It was simply a postulation given the evidence, of which I have very little.