Love in the dark

Geri Dön

In the quiet of the morning, Alaz stirred awake, instinctively reaching for the familiar warmth beside him, but the bed was empty. The absence of Asi's presence left a hollow feeling in his chest. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before getting up and dressing mechanically, his thoughts still lingering on her. Last night had been a delicate dance between them—Asi had been hesitant, and when she softly refused to go further, Alaz had immediately reassured her. "That's fine," he had said, his voice gentle, "all that matters is that you're here with me." Yet, the look in her eyes when he asked for her permission had pierced through him, a silent echo of the hurt she still carried. But how could he ever blame her? No matter how much it pained him, he could never hold it against her.

Shaking off the memory, Alaz stepped out of his room and found Asi, Deniz, and Yildiz sitting together, sipping tea. His eyes immediately sought out Asi, drawn to her as if she were the only thing in the room. Despite the casual setting, he couldn't help but admire the way she moved, the way her presence seemed to anchor him in ways he hadn't realized he needed.

"Günaydın," he greeted her softly, his voice carrying a tenderness that made her look up and smile.

"Günaydın," Asi replied, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. But then, something seemed to click in her mind. "Wait!" She suddenly stood up, her smile fading as she hurried towards the kitchen.

Alaz frowned slightly, confusion knitting his brow, but the small smile remained on his lips as he watched her disappear around the corner. Her sudden movements had stirred something in him—an unspoken worry that he quickly tried to shake off.

Deniz's voice broke through his thoughts. "Dude, we're here too, you know," he said, waving his hand in front of Alaz's face with exaggerated motions.

Yildiz chuckled, nudging Deniz. "God, you actually waved at him?"

Alaz, finally turning to them. "Günaydın."

Yildiz patted the seat beside her. "Come on, Alaz, sit with us. Have some tea."

Alaz was just about to politely decline when Asi reappeared, a tray balanced in her hands. "First breakfast, then tea," she declared, her voice holding a note of authority as she placed the tray on the table.

Alaz started to protest, his voice soft. "But Asi, you know that—"

But Asi cut him off, her gaze steady. "That you don't have breakfast sometimes and sometimes you do, but late in the morning," she finished for him. "Well, today is a day for your late breakfast."

Alaz tried again, his voice quieter this time, almost tender. "But Asi—"

"Sit, Alaz. Sit," Asi repeated, her tone firm yet caring, leaving no room for argument.

He hesitated for a moment, then gave in, a small smile playing on his lips as he sat down. Asi joined him, sitting close, her presence a quiet reassurance. She sipped her tea slowly, then glanced at him, her eyes soft but urging him to start eating.

Deniz leaned closer to Yildiz, his voice dropping to a whisper. "He's so whipped."

Yildiz rolled her eyes, whispering back, "That's love, you idiot."

Deniz shot her an irritated look, but before he could say more, Asi's phone rang. She looked at the screen, her expression shifting as she stood up. Alaz's eyes followed her every move, concern flickering in his gaze.

"It's my father," Asi explained, her voice soft as she glanced at Alaz. "I'll be back," she added, her tone gentle yet reassuring before she walked away.

Asi returned from her call, her eyes scanning the room frantically. A knot of worry tightened in her chest when she realized Alaz wasn't there. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Where's Alaz?"