AsLaz- The Mysterious Cabin

3. Beneath the surface

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows as Asi and Alaz meandered through the forest, their earlier banter slowly giving way to a more profound sense of connection. The vibrant colors of autumn surrounded them; the reds, oranges, and yellows creating a picturesque backdrop. The crisp air was invigorating, filling their lungs with the scent of pine and fallen leaves.

"So, tell me," Alaz said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "What's the story behind your name?" His curiosity was genuine, and he regarded her with an intensity that made her heartbeat quicken.

Asi glanced sideways at him, surprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

"Rebellious," he said, a playful smirk creeping onto his face. "It's not exactly a common name. Did your parents have a sense of humor or something?"

She hesitated, a lump forming in her throat. It was a question she had grown accustomed to dodging. "It's a Turkish name," she finally said, choosing her words carefully. "My mom wanted something unique, something that stood out. I think she was trying to give me a fighting chance in life, you know?"

Alaz's expression softened, and for a moment, the bravado slipped away, revealing a genuine interest. "You don't know much about your family, do you?" he asked gently.

"No," she replied, feeling a familiar pang of loss. "I don't have a family. It's just been me for as long as I can remember. So, I guess you could say I've learned to be... independent."

"That must be tough," he said, and there was an edge of sincerity in his voice that surprised her. "I can't imagine what it would be like to go through life without a safety net."

"It has its challenges," Asi admitted, feeling the weight of her own vulnerability in the open air. "But I've learned to be strong. To fight for what I want."

"Like getting into Soysalan University," he said, his tone shifting back to playful. "You must be pretty brilliant to get a spot here, especially with how competitive it is."

She smiled, appreciating the compliment despite the slight sting of the truth. "I don't need a trust fund to get by, Alaz. I've worked hard for everything."

"I get that," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I guess I've never really had to fight for anything. It's just... always been there for me."

Their conversation ebbed and flowed, weaving between lighthearted teasing and more personal revelations. They wandered deeper into the woods, each step crunching on the carpet of leaves underfoot. The sun continued to dip behind the trees, casting a warm golden glow that illuminated their path.

Suddenly, they stumbled upon a small clearing, the perfect spot to stop and take in the beauty around them. Alaz plopped down on a fallen log, and Asi joined him, their earlier animosity fading like the light around them.

"Okay, since we're sharing secrets, it's my turn," Alaz said, leaning back on his hands. "Tell me something about you that no one else knows." His eyes glinted with challenge, and she could tell he was eager to know her deeper side.

Asi thought for a moment, a smirk playing on her lips. "Alright. I've always loved singing, but I've never let anyone hear me sing. It's just something I do when I'm alone."

"Really?" Alaz leaned forward, interest piqued. "You? The rebellious girl, too scared to sing in front of anyone?"

"Maybe I'm just picky about my audience," she shot back, but she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. It was a truth she rarely shared.

"Then let's change that," he said, his voice suddenly earnest. "Sing for me. Just once. I promise I won't tell anyone."

Asi stared at him, taken aback. The thought of exposing herself like that made her heart race. "You're kidding, right?"