From london to Istanbul/Kenan Yildiz

Part 2

"I'm sorry, it just slipped out of my mouth, I guess because of the stress from you... heavily bumping into me. And, what the heck, you think I know your name? Are you a local Turkish star? Excuse me, I don't know much about it, but I know you're not Serkan Bolat.""Ahaha, no, I'm not, and I'm not even local. Just never mind, it was a joke. My name is Kenan, Kenan Yildiz."When he told me his name, he looked straight at my face, and I got a bit dizzy."Again, I'm sorry, Amelia, for that. I didn't know how it happened. I was just looking at the Bosphorus, and then I saw you, and I had already bumped into you. I guess I was zoned out. My biggest apologies, it has never happened before in my life. I'm really sorry, Amelia. I promise it was an accident. Please, let me help you?"As he said that, I started to lose all my anger and fury toward him. I thought he was sincere."Okay, I accept your apology, Kenan Yildiz. Accidents do happen, and yes, I did take it too emotionally, and maybe I am crazy here." I laughed, and he joined in, laughing while looking straight into my eyes. Only now did I notice his green eyes. "And, about the help, I don't know how you can help me. My socks are wet, but at least we saved the bottom of my jeans and my Sambas with your wet wipes and water.""Actually, I can help. I can give you a new pair of socks—they're new, don't worry, just bought from a shop. They might be a bit big for your feet. And we can go to Taksim where I can buy you a new pair of socks, and if you want, I can pay for the laundry for your jeans and Sambas," he said with a smile."Okay, give me your new socks, and about the laundry, only if the coffee stain remains. But thank you, really. I appreciate it. You could have just apologized and run, but you stayed and helped me.""Great," Kenan said, and started searching for the new socks in his big bag. "Amelia, you know my surname. Maybe you'll share yours with me?""Kenan Yildiz, the cute Turkish boy, is interested in my surname?" I couldn't resist teasing him."And the foreign, I guess, British girl thinks I'm cute?" he laughed."Ahaha, accent maybe. I have a British accent, and my surname is Brier, but I'm not entirely foreign.""Brier, Amelia Brier," he said, handing me the new Nike white socks sized for feet of 42. "And you were the first to prejudge based on my name that I'm Turkish.""So, you want to tell me that you, Kenan Yildiz, aren't Turkish?" I asked as I put on the socks. As I was about to wear my Sambas, he sat down and started putting them on my feet himself. I was surprised and, out of shock, didn't stop him."I am, but I wasn't born here, nor do I live here," he said, looking into my eyes again."Oh, now it makes sense. Thank you for your help. I could have worn them myself, but again, thank you for your help.""I was the one who started this mess. You are more than welcome," Kenan said as he sat beside me. "So, you were right. I'm kind of British, but I was born in Azerbaijan, so I'm half English and half Azerbaijani. I moved to London when I was little with my family, so I guess my accent is here to stay. Now I can't be that 'mysterious' girl because of that accent.""Mhmm, Azerbaijan, close to me, but I like your accent. It's very unusual to find a girl like you," he said and laughed. "Why are you here all alone in Istanbul? Sorry, I just can't connect London, Azerbaijan, and Istanbul.""Hmm, I think it's easy, Kenan. Couldn't you think that I'm here as a tourist?""Alone?""Why not?""Strange... Isn't it boring?""Okay, first, it is not. Secondly, I'm not here as a tourist. I'm planning to study here at university, and I came with my friends just to look at the city, the university, and just, you know, have a rest. Maybe like a tourist, I guess... Ohhh, again, I'm talking too much."I realized I was sitting on a bench with an unknown guy who bumped into me with his coffee, and I gave him too much information.Kenan laughed sincerely and finally said, "Huh, don't worry, you don't talk too much.""No, I did. I just became too comfortable with you sitting here, and I'm sharing my private information with a stranger.""Actually, I'm not a stranger anymore. You know my name.""And you know more about me.""Because you didn't ask me? Don't worry, we have time to talk. I'll tell you everything you need to know about me," he said and winked. At first, I didn't get what he meant, but then I realized he wanted to buy me a new pair of socks."Okay, are you ready to go? How are your feet? Do they still hurt?" Kenan asked with genuine concern."No, the cold water helped. Let's go, but you have to share with me the same information I shared with you.""Deal," Yildiz said as he stood, took his and my bag, and offered me his hand. I accepted it.As we started our walk, he told me that he was half Turkish, half German. He was in Istanbul alone to see his relatives and also to have a rest, but alone, without friends, because he was exhausted by crowded places and just wanted to spend some time on his own."What do you study? Or do you work?" I asked him as we walked, unsure if he was still in university because he looked older.Kenan didn't answer right away as he usually did. As we walked, I started to observe him. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a blue jeans jacket and matching jeans with Nikes on his feet. He had a great hairstyle that suited him very much. While he was thinking, I started to look at his face; he had green eyes in which one could get lost. I tried to stop staring at him but failed. He noticed and, with a smile, said, "Enjoying the view, huh?"I went a bit red but replied, "Yeah, the buildings are stunning. They've witnessed all the historical moments." I smiled, and he laughed. "Maybe you'll answer my easy question?""Ah, actually it's a bit complicated for me. I'm not in university or college, and it's sort of a job. I'm a footballer."Kenan's POV:I didn't know what to answer to her question. She didn't know who I truly was, and maybe I should lie to her, saying I'm just a regular person studying economics or something. But if she finds out the truth, it will be bad. And I don't want to lie to her. It's strange; I just bumped into her, and I shouldn't care about lying, but I think I want to spend a little more time with her. Maybe she's the type of girl who doesn't care about football. Maybe she's into Formula 1. I decided to risk it."Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Oh, that must be hard work, to become one of the top footballers. It's great, actually. As a kid, I dreamed of joining a football team."Damn... She dreamed of playing football. Great, Kenan."Really? You wanted to play football?" I asked, still unable to stop looking into her eyes, trying to figure out their color."Yes, I did. You know, I was the first child in my family, and my dad needed someone to watch football with. He taught me to enjoy it, and I really did. He had a friend who was a coach and needed a girls' football team. My dad let me attend some training sessions, but when I told my mom and grandmother, they weren't happy. They told my dad to take me out of it, thinking the sport was too rough for girls, and I agree."While she told her story, I was mesmerized by her, especially her smile and the dimples on her cheeks. She looked so good and genuine. I was staring at her, and she noticed but said nothing. She was not only sassy but also shy. I liked it. I also became fond of her hair waving in the wind."Oh, that's a really unusual story. And by the way, I'm sorry if you feel sad or think you missed something by not playing football. Your mom was right; it's a rough sport," I told her. Now, I was really interested in three things: how good she is at football, if she has a favorite team, or a favorite footballer. Especially the last one really intrigued me. "So, Amelia, are you still interested in football?""Certainly! I can't wait for Euro 2024! I can't believe it's only about three months away!"Boom! She knows about the Euro. How does she not know my name or face?"I can't wait either! Who is your favorite team or player in this upcoming season?""Oh, Kenan, please don't start! I know you boys. You'll say I don't understand anything about football, that it's a popular player, and blah blah blah, or you'll say he's a bad player, only good-looking.""No, no way, Amelia. I'm not like others. I'm a footballer myself!" I tried to laugh but lied. I did care about whom Amelia liked and why she didn't know me."Okay, Kenan, here we go. My favorite player was actually Jack Grealish. I noticed him even before Euro 2021 when he was captain of Aston Villa. But unfortunately, he isn't participating this season. I was really upset, but I think I'll be an English supporter again. I was in Euro 2021 and even cried when they lost. But I also think I'll support Spain this season."Boom! Jack Grealish! Ouch, he's not a bad player. She really knows a lot about him. While she talked about football, I noticed a sparkle in her eyes."Interesting, Jack Grealish. So, you're a fan of Manchester City?""Ahah, yes, proudly! Even though I'm from London, and don't forget David Beckham came from there, boy.""Yes, girl, you are right.""Oh, and I'm sorry if you expected me to support Germany, but my dad does. He always believes in Germany, but lately, they've been bad... in my opinion. And did you hear this is the last Euro for many footballers? Especially Ronaldo and Toni Kroos?"Okay, she's really good at football. But how doesn't she know me? Didn't she check the Turkish team?"I didn't expect you to support Germany or Turkey, but I agree, it's heartbreaking for these players. Are you planning to attend the matches?""Oh, Kenan, I wish I could, but unfortunately not. And you? Oh, silly question, of course, you will."At this moment, my heart jumped at her words. Maybe she knew me. But then she said, "This will happen in your country!""Yes, of course, I will. I think I'll be at every match," I lied to her."So, I'm talking too much. I think you have to tell me about your favorite team or player."As she said that, we were already at Taksim Square, nearing the shops. I didn't want to lie to her, and I wanted to tell her the truth, but as we got closer to the shop, I knew that once I got her a new pair of socks, I'd lose her. I wouldn't be able to talk with her again or listen to her, and I didn't want to say goodbye, not now. I wanted her to stay a bit longer with me, maybe all night. It was strange how quickly I got attached to her in such a short time. I got an idea.She was in front of me, and I stopped her by taking her right hand. I know she was shocked or maybe scared. She looked into my eyes, and I watched right into hers, trying to find the color of her eyes. Surprisingly, she didn't say anything or try to pull her hand away. But then Amelia wanted to say something, but I stopped her."Amelia, listen, I hope you won't refuse, but maybe after getting the socks, we can sit somewhere and have coffee. You know, because of you, I couldn't drink my cappuccino with extra cream... or if you're hungry, we can eat. And before you shout at me or say no, I'll tell you my favorite footballer," I smirked at the last words. She tried to say something about the cappuccino and pull her hand away, but she couldn't.Amelia was thinking, I could see it on her face. All the while, I watched her, finally discovering her hazel eyes, and I still held her hand. Surprisingly."Okay, I agree! But only coffee because I think my friends will call me back soon."Yes! She agreed, and I had totally forgotten about her friends....