From london to Istanbul/Kenan Yildiz

Part 5

Amelia's pov

Kenan Yildiz, the young footballer. Now it all makes sense—his actions to hide from the crowd, his hesitation in telling me more about himself, and his desire for personal time. I've been sitting in front of the guy that girls go crazy for, the boy Sofia mentioned. It hurts that he might have thought I could be just another "pick me" girl.

But Kenan Yildiz, a national team player, is the same boy who bumped into me, the stranger I thought might be a maniac, the stranger I didn't want to say goodbye to. Why him? Why me? Could he really be a cute and handsome gentleman with a plan to use me?

Stop, Amelia. Your crazy and dark fantasies aren't helping. What am I even saying? Maybe it was a bad idea to agree to buy socks with him, but maybe it's just the shock talking. I've never been in a relationship. I didn't believe in men and thought they played with women's feelings during my teenage years. I always focused on my career and preferred for now dont get distracted by playing in love.Yes,I have been falling in love plenty times ,but with celebrities. But something changed in that short meeting with Kenan. Deep down, I'm beginning to think that maybe I was wrong all this time. Maybe there is a chance for something real with Kenan, even if it's just for the days I'm in Istanbul.

As my thoughts raced through my mind like lightning, I looked at Kenan. His face showed a hint of worry, with one of his eyebrows raised, but there was a certain relief in his expression after sharing the truth with me. I knew he was observing my reaction, but Kenan couldn't possibly understand the whirlwind inside my head.

"Oh, wow, Kenan, that's great! I... I have so many emotions right now, but I'm really happy for all you've achieved at such a young age. By the way, how old are you?" I finally managed to say.

"18, soon 19."

"Eighteen? Almost nineteen? Are you serious?"

"Yes, why? Did you think I was older?" Kenan laughed, his laughter instantly calming me.

"Yes, I thought you were around 22. You look older—no offense, please."

"No, it's a compliment," he winked.

"Kenan, I'm really impressed by you. To have made such a challenging journey and already be on the national Turkish team in the Euro... that's an incredible achievement. It's something almost one in a million accomplishes."

"Thank you, Amelia. I really appreciate it, especially that you didn't just focus on the success but also recognized the hard work behind it."

As Kenan spoke, all my negative thoughts about him vanished. How could I have doubted him? He's just a human being, only a year older than me, who might sometimes want to be treated like an ordinary person, valued for his truth and sincerity, not just as an upcoming football star. Kenan desires the same things I do—genuine interest, especially from girls, not because of his fame and fortune.

"Ams, I want to apologize again for not telling you sooner."

"Kenan, please, first of all, you didn't wait that long—we've just met. Secondly, I totally understand why you did it. If I were in your place, I might have done the same. But I want you to know that I'm not the kind of girl who will cling to you because of who you are," I interrupted him.

"Oh, Ams, I already realized you're not that type of girl. If I thought you were, I wouldn't be sitting here in the first place, dear," he said with a smirk. "And I really appreciate your understanding. It's another reason why I believe I wasn't mistaken about your character," Kenan said and winked at me.

Oh, he is such a tease.

"Mhmm, okay, Juventus boy," I smiled at him.

"To be honest, it hurts a bit that you didn't recognize the Juventus team, Manchester girl," he said with his teasing smile, dimples showing. Oh, Amelia, stop admiring him.

"Excuse me, maybe I am a Manchester girl, but that doesn't mean I don't know this club, Kenancim!"

"Ah, then I apologize, my princess. But I think you should check the players from time to time."

"Okay, Kenan, I'll make sure to know which club you play for next time, huh?"

Kenan laughed, and I decided to take a bite of my eclair.

"So, let's move away from football. You know my age, but I don't know yours."

"Hmm, try to guess," I smiled.

"Mhmm, 20? But wait, you mentioned university, so... I think 18," Kenan said thoughtfully.

"Not bad, Mr. Yildiz. You guessed right, I am 18."

"Thank goodness, not 17!"

We both laughed.

"Why did you say 20?"

"You seem very wise for your age."

That was a compliment, and I felt myself blushing a bit.

"Ams, you have some cream here," Kenan interrupted my thoughts.

"Where?" I asked, suddenly anxious.

"Here," he said, bending over the table and gently wiping the cream from the corner of my lips with a napkin. As he did that, I looked at his face, his eyes focused on my lips. His other hand lifted my chin, and at that moment, I felt goosebumps in a good way. His touch was electric. I couldn't move; all I could do was look at him. His lips, wet from his tongue, were so close to mine. I felt like if either of us moved a bit, our lips would touch. My heartbeat quickened, and I bet he could feel it. I almost lost control, but I was the first to turn my head away.

"Thanks for the help," I managed to say.

"You're always welcome, Ams," he said with a naughty smile.

"Hmm, so, where were we?"