Early Bird (Erkençi Kus)(Part 1)

99. Osman the chef

Can is on the fourth stretch of his  morning swim in the pool when he notices Polen standing at the edge with her arms crossed as he comes up for air.

"Good morning," she smiles down at him in the water as he stops and stands up straight, wiping water out of his face while walking to the steps to get out.

"Good morning," he answers, pushing his wet hair back and  glancing fleetingly at the skimpy pajama set she was still in.

"Why didn't you tell me you were going for a swim? We could have done it together."

"I got up earlier than usual, and you were asleep so I left you. I just did a few laps anyway, nothing exciting," he shrugs and walks past her.

"It did you good," Polen eyes his upper body. "You look much better than last night."

"I'm fine, all good." He sniffs and grabs a towel, throwing it over his head. "I'm sorry, that I made you worry." He starts rubbing his hair dry. "Also, I'm not sure if I offended you, but if I did, I'm sorry for that too."

"You didn't do anything like that," Polen shakes her head. "Don't even stress over it."

"Good," he nods, drying his face too and moving down, looking out at the water. "What time is your flight today?" Can looks at her again. "I can take you the the airport right away, if you want? Or do you want to go by the office one more time? Say bye to everyone?"

"Can - " Polen turns to look at his back which he had turned to her to dry his legs.

"Hm?"

"That's why I came out here actually. I don't want to leave today. I've decided to stay for a few more days. If that's okay with you of course?"

He sighs inwardly and then shrugs at her question, throwing the towel around his neck. He didn't really care. "Won't it cause problems for you at work?" He shakes his head then. "I wouldn't do it like this, if it were me. Not planning ahead?"

"Yes you would," Polen chuckles a little and pokes his arm. Can couldn't help but agree as he grips the towel and stands back from her. "There's no need to worry," she assures him. "I've already settled it with London. Everything is arranged."

He nods and looks out at the backyard as Polen looks at him, her head cocked to the side, playing with the ends of her hair.

"Listen, Polen," he licks his lips, then looks at her with one eye closed against the sunlight. She hums with a flirty smile starting as she nods, making him sigh and frown at her.
He didn't want to keep repeating the same thing and hurt her more but either she didn't get it or she didn't want to. "Nothing's going change between us as we are now. Okay?" He shakes his head. "I'm not changing my mind," he emphasizes and her smile fades a bit. "If you're staying for me, don't waste your time." He pulls on the shirt he took off before getting in the water to cover his body, keeping an eye on her reaction.

"I'm staying for myself, Can. Don't worry," she nods and smiles again.

"Alright, if that's the case. You're more than welcome to stay as long as you want." He turns to head inside with his wet towel.

"I'm going to visit my mother tonight. You can come with me if you want?"

Can stops in the door and looks at her. What did I just tell you? He gives her a slightly annoyed chuckle and shakes his head.

"Yes, yes, okay. I get it. You don't have to come."

Can purses his lips as she looks at the table and turns again to go in.

Emre comes shuffling out then, his feet dragging and his hair standing up in every direction. He yawns right in Can's face when he walks into him.

"Good morning," he says and smiles sleepily.