The First Goal

Coward

Baris (POV of that night)

I can't stop thinking about last night, replaying it over and over. I was out with the guys, just trying to relax, when I went outside for some air and saw her with that scumbag Mert. 

First thought that hit me? Maybe she liked him, the way she stood there talking to him. And that... bothered me. It shouldn't, but it did. She's the new social media manager, and that's it—nothing more. So why the hell was I annoyed? 

Then I noticed she looked... off. Uncomfortable. Something about her face made me snap to attention, and I started walking toward them. I didn't know what I was gonna do or say, just that I couldn't stand there and do nothing.

Then she screamed. Instinct took over, and I didn't think, didn't hesitate. My fist buried in his face before he even knew I was coming. 

The way he'd grabbed her, the way he'd spoken to her—who the hell did he think he was? I didn't care about my own control; I just wanted him to regret ever touching her. 

Every punch had a message: Don't. Ever. Touch. Her.

When my teammates finally pulled me off, I took in the damage I'd done. She looked stunned, almost frightened, and I felt a pang of regret. 

Maybe I'd just made everything worse for her. I turned to her, trying to steady myself, but anger still simmered in my veins. I wanted to hug her, to take away that look on her face, but instead, I cupped her face softly. 

All I wanted was to let her know she was safe.

She was so shaken. It's her first week here, and this asshole already ruined it. I'll make sure he regrets it every damn day. 

We rode in silence on the way to her place, but I could feel her tense beside me. When we got to her door, I wanted to tell her I'd always have her back, that no one would ever get away with treating her like that, but somehow... I couldn't find the words. 

Instead, I watched her disappear inside and I headed back to that piece of shit.

The police had already shown up. I talked to them, made sure he'd pay the price. Once they had everything, I went home, but my mind was still racing, replaying her face, the way she was trembling. 

I couldn't shake it. So, I called the office this morning, found out when she'd be there, and waited.

Seeing her at her desk, I finally felt like I could breathe. She looked tired, worn out, in an oversized sweater, hair pulled back... still so beautiful. 

I asked how she was, and she gave me the same answer I expected—fine. I wanted to push further, maybe ask her out for coffee just to talk, make sure she was okay, but again, I held back.

So I left, heading to practice with that one word in my head: coward.