σƒƒѕι∂є яσмαη¢є

e l e v e n

K e n a n s - p o v ::

I leave Mine standing in the gazebo, her silhouette fading into the misty evening as I hurry to the meeting. Each step from her feels like a weight pressing down on my chest. Federicos words echo in my mind, and I feel a surge of anger mixed with regret. Why does it have to be this hard? The team meeting is already in full swing when I arrive. Coach shoots me a look that could melt steel. "Nice of you to join us, Yildiz." I nod, taking a seat beside my friend, who gives me a sympathetic pan on the back. "Sorry coach, won't happen again." Coachs expression softens slightly, but his eyes remain stern.
"See that it doesn't. We have a crucial game tomorrow, and we need everyone focused."

The meeting drags on, filled with strategies and play reviews. I try to pay attention, but my mind keeps drifting back to Mine. I couldn't focus on football... not when I was constantly thinking about her. I remember the disappointment in her eyes when I had to leave. It's not fair to her, and it's not fair to us. I need to find a way to balance both worlds. After the meeting, my teammates and I are walking back to the locker room. Federico, who didn't leave my side is unusually quiet, glancing at me occasionally. Finally he breaks the silence. "Kenan, you know she is worth it, right?"

I look at him, surprised by his sincerity. "Of course I do. It's just...complicated? I feel like she deserves better than me."
Federico nods. "It's always complicated. But if you really care about her, you will find a way. Don't let this slip through your fingers." His words resonate with me, and I feel a renewed determination. I need to talk to Mine, to let her know how much she means to me, and to figure out how we can make this work.

The next day is once again a whirlwind. The match is intense, every second on the field requiring my fully concentration. But even as I give everything to the match, Mine is never far from my thoughts. We win, narrowly, and the locker room erupts in cheers and celebrations. Amidst the chaos, I slip away, needing a moment to myself. I wish she wouldve been here to watch me... but she had work, I have to understand. I pull out my phone and send Mira a text;

We won, can I see you tonight? Please ?

Her reply is almost instant.

Congratulations, I am proud of you. As always :D! And yes, we can. Meet me at my apartment?

Relief floods through me. I need this night to be perfect, a chance to show her how serious I am about us. I spend the rest of the day planning, enlisting Federicos help to cover for me with the team.

By the tine evening rolls around, I am a bundle of nerves. It's not like you're going to meet her for the first time, Kenan. Relax. I arrive at Mines apartment, a bouquet of her favorite wildflowers in hand. She opens the door, and the sight of her takes my breath away, How is she always this beautiful? Mine is dressed casually, but there is something about the way she smiles at me that makes everything else fade away.
"Hey," the girl in front of me greets me softly, stepping aside to let me in. "Hey," I reply, handing her the flowers. "I missed you." Does this sound cheesy? It's been just a day. But I did miss her.

She takes the bouquet, her eyes lighting up. "I missed you too. Come in." We settle on the couch, the soft hum of the city outside providing a comforting backdrop. I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Mine, I am sorry about last night. And about all the other times I have had to leave suddenly, or more like pay attention to my fans. It's not...fair to you?"

She reaches out, cupping my cheeks. Which felt good, really good. "I understand, Kenan. Your career is important, and I don't want to come between you and your dreams. You live for football, and I do not want to take this away from you."

"But you are important too," I insist, placing my hands above hers. "I want to find a way to make this work. I need to make this work, because I care about you...because I like you. A lot."

She looks into my eyes, and I see a mixture of hope ans uncertainty. "How though? How do we do this without one of us getting hurt? You need to concentrate on football, and I am bad with all this attention. The whispers when we walk hand in hand on the streets, or when we simply want to have dinner together and get disturbed by the public."

"I do not know all the answers," I admit. "But I know I care about you, and I am willing to do whatever it takes. We can start by being honest with each other, by communicating more. More about our feelings, our thoughts. And I will make more time for us, no matter what." She nods slowly, her hands on my face gently stroking my cheeks. "I want this too. But it is going to be hard."
"I know," I say, leaning in to kiss her forehead. This was my favorite thing to do. "But we are worth it, are we not? You are worth it."
"Okay, let's try it. Again." She lets out a slight chuckle. "One question, though. I am your girlfriend, am I not? God, I am so confused." We both start to laugh, I thought it was obvious she was. But saying it sounds even better. "Thought it was obvious enough." I say out loud.

We sit together, holding on to each other as if anchoring ourselves against the storm of uncertainties that lie ahead. In that moment, I feel a sense of calm, a belief that no matter how tough things get, we will face it together.

Sisi:
A longer chapter than usual, hope you liked it! (Also I fell even more in love with Kenan while reading my own chapter lol!)
Ily!