BLACK ROSE (COMPLETED)

29 -

The race between Fatih and Kerem had unfolded amidst the cheering of us girls, and once again, Fatih had claimed victory. Emerging from the water, he dried himself with a towel before walking toward me.

"Congratulations," I said as Fatih drew nearer. "It was a fine race."

He approached the spot where I stood. Perhaps I was still under the spell of our earlier kiss, for I stood there, fidgeting like a schoolgirl experiencing her first blush of love. My hands were clasped behind my back, and I swayed my body gently from side to side, absently nibbling on my lip.

Fatih, his soaked chestnut hair falling over his eyes, wrapped an arm around me. "That good luck kiss worked wonders, my Ece."

"You're getting me all wet!" I protested, trying to pull away, but his strong arm held me firmly. He cradled me close, running his wet fingers delicately through my hair. They say love makes you soaked to the skin—well, in this moment, it wasn't even a metaphor.

As he held me, he took a step forward, pressing closer. Unconsciously, I stepped back. He took another step, and I, once again, retreated. One more step, and another, until I felt the cool edge of the pool beneath my heels.

I turned my head slightly, casting a glance behind me at the water. "Fatih?" I murmured, my voice laced with apprehension. "You're not planning to do what I think, are you?"

"No."

I turned to face him again, locking eyes with his. "How can you be so sure you know what I'm thinking?"

"Because I know you... as always."

"Arrogant Laz boy! You can't know what I'm thinking. But I can read your mind—telepathy, remember?"

Fatih grinned mischievously. "Then go ahead, read my thoughts."

The moment I delved into his mind, my eyes widened. "No, no! You're going to throw me into the pool!"

Before I could escape, Fatih's arm slipped beneath my waist, lifting me effortlessly. I screamed all the way down as he tossed me into the water, the cold splash enveloping me. Seconds later, he jumped in after me, laughing.

After flailing for a moment, I managed to grasp the pool's edge, pushing my wet hair back from my face. "You're terrible!" I scolded, shivering slightly. "The water is freezing, and now my school uniform is drenched."

Fatih gestured toward my clothes. "Well, they're no longer black."

"What?" I asked, glancing down at my soaked uniform. "You're right! My skirt's back to gray, and my shirt... it's pink again!"

I suppose I was no longer the black rose.

"How do you think that happened?" Fatih asked, curiosity piqued.

"Sinem and I had a theory," I replied. "For my clothes to stay from turning black, I'd have to let go of those gloomy feelings, maybe experience some romance. And after kissing you... well, maybe that did the trick. For now, at least."

Fatih swam closer, his voice dropping to a teasing tone. "Shall we try for a little more, just to be sure?"

"If we go any further, my pink shirt might start flashing like a disco ball! Let's not overdo it."

Just then, a shriek pierced the air, and I caught sight of something soaring above me. Was it a bird? A plane? No—it was Super Derin!

Derin flew over my head and landed with a splash. Kerem, having taken inspiration from Fatih, had thrown her into the pool, and then, like a true partner in crime, he jumped in right after her, joining us.