Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

53. He understands romance

"Welcome everyone," Can calls attention to the group participating in the competition as the sun started hanging lower around 3 pm. "We've asked you here, as you know, to join us in deciding between two topics. You'll be taken on rides and so on in turns. We ask that you complete a short questionnaire after each turn and comment your thoughts."

JJ starts handing out the papers that Sanem had finished as Can explains.

"Information on the project we're doing this for is on the brochures Guliz is handing to you. I hope you'll have fun with it. Thank you all," he nods at Deren and Aylin as everyone claps and then stands off to the side to check as they break off into groups of 1 leader and 1 couple to start.

**

"Mevkhibe?"

"Hm?"

"Order us two more teas please?"

"Oh no, Nihat, I feel very uncomfortable already from all the tea." She burps a little, holding onto her chest. "I feel so bloated and ill."

"Me too." He sighs. As he looks up, he sees Aysun and Ihsan walking down the street pointing at buildings and taking notes. "Look, Mevkhibe."

"The universe must think we're lacking in the crazy department. Lord give me strength...I need to open this woman's eyes. I cannot watch this trainwreck, even if she annoys me to no end, she's been our neighbor for years. What is this man doing with her? Oof, I can't stand him."

"It's okay Mevkhibe," Nihat says limply. He had no energy and he felt like he was seconds from falling asleep, his stomach rumbling. "How much longer until we can go?"

"Nihat," she huffs. "How many times do I have to tell you? Eat. Go home or take something inside. But eat, no one is forcing you not to."

"I can't do that."

"It's  four more hours," she sares at him, blinking once. "Four...I'm afraid you might start eating me."

"Mevkhibe, what are you saying? I'll never eat you. I'd rather wrap you up in some flufffy cotton and admire your beauty." He puts his arm around her and smiles.

"Never leave my side Nihat. I'm so glad you're here. You're so sweet."

A vendor with a trolley full of bagels passes and Nihat's eyes follow it. "Mevkhibe," he whispers and she opens her eyes. "Do you smell that? It smells so good."

She pushes up and groans. "Oh, Nihat!" He looks down, his hands clasped in his lap.

**

"Make a little heart with your fingers amd smile." Sanem lifts the camera she has around her neck and takes the photo. She taps the next couple and they do the same. Deren and JJ are on the other side busy handing out cotton candy clouds.

Aylin and her team are watching in irritation as the photobooth effect seems to put every couple in good moods.

"Bravo!" Sanem yells when she takes a photo of a couple - the girl on the man's back. "You have the best one so far!"

"Romance is blooming!" Deren gushes. "If only we had a romantic car, that would be marvelous right?"

"You're talking way too soon, Deren," Aylin smirks, wagging a finger side to side.

"Uh, yes..." JJ clears his throat when Deren glares at Aylin. "Let's not talk too soon, hm?"

"JJ, what side are you on?"

"Justice."

"What? This isn't a courtroom JJ! You are on my side! Got it?"

"Yes Miss Deren." He glares at Aylin dauntingly, his thumbs hooked in his suspenders.