BETWEEN HEARTS

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The moment between Kaner Kandemir and Alparslan Eymenoğlu, while bringing a sense of relief, also marked the beginning of a whole new process for Kaner. Alparslan's reciprocation was an unexpected joy, but now Kaner didn't know what to do with his feelings. Over the next few days, everything between him and Alparslan became more beautiful, yet at the same time, more complicated.

One morning, on his way to school, Kaner found himself thinking about whether there was a label for his relationship with Alparslan. Were they friends? Lovers? Or were they just two young people who had confessed their feelings but hadn't defined their relationship yet?

Amidst these thoughts, Kaner was startled by the sound of Alparslan's cheerful voice. He was waiting for him at the school gate.

With a smile, he asked, "Well then, it's a new day! What should we do during lunch?"

Kaner decided to put all his confusion aside for a while. Being comfortable around Alparslan was the best thing to do.

Smiling, Kaner replied, "What should we do? I'm sure we'll find something where my clumsiness will amuse you again."

Alparslan laughed out loud at his joke.

"Clumsiness? I think you should have your own clumsiness show one day, guaranteed audience!"

Kaner started laughing too. Alparslan's ability to comfort him in such a way helped him get through even his toughest moments with a smile. But the events that would unfold during lunch were a sign of yet another turning point for the two of them.

When lunchtime arrived, Kaner and Alparslan sat in a quiet corner of the school's back garden. As Alparslan kept making jokes to make Kaner laugh, Kaner noticed a change in his expression. For a moment, Alparslan's eyes took on a more serious look.

"There's something I've been thinking of talking to you about for a while," he said.

Kaner's heart sped up. Whenever Alparslan became serious, it meant something special was coming. He tried to prepare himself.

With a worried tone, he asked, "About what?"

Alparslan leaned back slightly, took a deep breath, and continued.

"When I told you I had feelings for you, I was honest, but I also want you to know that these feelings aren't driven by any rush or pressure. My feelings for you are real."

Kaner hesitated for a moment. He hadn't expected such a mature response. Deep down, he might have been hoping for everything to be made official right away, but Alparslan's approach surprised him. At the same time, these words brought him comfort.

Nodding, he said, "After that party night, I guess I was just a bit scared of everything being left up in the air. But now I feel much better, so whatever happens, talking it through is the best thing."

These words brought a soft smile to Alparslan's face. The tension was slowly dissipating, replaced by calm. Kaner now felt more at peace inside. No matter what, having Alparslan by his side gave him confidence. At that moment, Kaner realized something important; maybe the most important thing was simply being together. There was no need for labels or definitions.

As they both let these thoughts settle in their minds, a group of students approached them. One of them was Pakkan Barzo, one of the popular kids at school. Pakkan walked up to Kaner and Alparslan with a smirk. At that moment, Kaner could feel trouble approaching.

With a mocking tone, Pakkan shouted, "Hey, look at this duo. What's the deal here? Are you just close friends, or is there more?"

Alparslan, instead of getting angry, kept his cool. Kaner, on the other hand, tensed up slightly. He knew how difficult it was to deal with people like Pakkan.

Alparslan, in a nonchalant tone, replied, "Could be both, why does it concern you?"

Pakkan laughed in surprise at this bold response and leaned in toward Kaner.

"I was just curious. I always thought you were lonely and pathetic, but I see you've found someone LIKE YOU. Well done."

Inside, Kaner's fear and anger mixed together. He had been subjected to this kind of mockery for years. He felt like he was about to faint. All eyes were on him now, and this time it wasn't because of his clumsiness.

Alparslan wasn't one to back down in moments like this. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Both Kaner and I, whatever we are and whatever is between us, that's only our business, but you don't have the capacity to understand that."

Pakkan's face reddened slightly, and he walked away with his friends, grumbling. After this moment, Kaner stood there trembling with all the tension inside him. He wasn't like Alparslan Eymenoğlu. He felt more sensitive, more fragile. Alparslan moved a little closer to him and looked at him sincerely.

In a calm voice, he asked, "You know I'll always support you, right?"

When Kaner looked into Alparslan's eyes, he once again realized how valuable it was to have him by his side. As long as they had each other, it didn't matter what anyone thought or said.