BLACK ROSE (COMPLETED)

4 -

Fatih, who had lent me his shirt, returned to class. After putting on his shirt, I also returned to my class for the last lesson. When I entered the classroom, my eyes found Fatih sitting by the window. He was wearing a navy blue zip-up hoodie. Thankfully, he had found something to wear. I felt a bit relieved that he wasn't left in just his undershirt because of me.

When I sat at my desk next to Fatih, I turned to him and joked, "I'm going to report you to your parents for not adhering to the school dress code. What's with this outfit, man?"

"Look who's talking... You're wearing a huge men's shirt that looks like a sleeping bag. I should be the one reporting you."

I smiled. "Let's call it even and not report each other." I rolled up the sleeves of the shirt I was wearing. No matter how I adjusted it, it was too big for me, and I looked like a ghost haunting a cursed mansion in this oversized garment.

There were ten minutes until the lesson started. As I looked out the window, I noticed a piece of paper on Fatih's bag on the windowsill. There was a drawing of a girl on it.

A drawing of a girl?!

Could she be his girlfriend?

As I examined the beautiful brunette girl that Fatih had drawn so skillfully, I asked, "Did you draw this?"

Fatih turned his head to look at the drawing. "Yes."

"You're talented," I murmured. "Mashallah."

"Thank you."

With my telepathic ability, I could have easily pulled the identity of this girl from his mind, but it felt like an invasion of privacy. So I decided not to delve into Fatih's mind.

I wanted to ask who this girl was, but I kept quiet to avoid seeming too curious. My curiosity must have shown on my face because a few seconds later, Fatih couldn't help but explain the drawing. "She was a friend. She's no longer alive."

"I'm sorry," I murmured, looking at the drawing. Then I aimed my eyes at Fatih's. Looking into his eyes, I could see that this girl was important to him. He was still grieving. Perhaps he wished he could change her tragic death but couldn't... I didn't need my telepathic ability to understand this. Fatih's emotions were sealed in his eyes, and likely in his heart as well.

At that moment, I saw Derin walking towards us with her long, flowing hair and all her swagger. You'd think she had two unicorns in her backyard singing songs for her, she was that cool. When she reached us, she stood by me and teased, "The shirt suits you, Ece. It's a bit big, but at least you can wear it next year. I assume it's Fatih's shirt."

I nodded, embarrassed.

Derin spoke with a smug smile, "Or did you and Fatih flirt in the bathroom while Kerem and I were out? I mean, you're wearing his shirt after all..."

"No! I- we..."

While I stammered in embarrassment and shame, Fatih thankfully intervened, "You know I'm not looking for a new relationship, Derin."

"I know, Fatih. I just enjoy teasing Ece and watching her face turn different shades of red. It's as sweet as profiteroles to me."

"Too many profiteroles can make you sick, Derin," I said, crossing my arms and turning my head to look out the window in exasperation. I was now sure. This annoying girl was my test in this worldly life. May God give me patience.

"Oh, look at those cheeks, blushing with embarrassment!" Derin said as she pinched my cheek, making me grimace and wipe my cheek with my hand.

"Derin, get your paws off me!"