The First Goal

Between moments and secrets

Baris POV

I woke up with the sun, as I always do, but this time, everything felt different.

 I'd actually rested—a deep, peaceful sleep like I hadn't had in ages. And maybe it was because of her, this beautiful creature nestled between my arms. 

Laying there, her head resting softly against my shoulder, I thought to myself, I could stay like this forever. If this was my last moment, I'd die a happy man.

She looked so peaceful, her face softened by sleep, and I couldn't resist placing a gentle kiss on her temple. 

Every part of me wanted to soak in this moment, so I lay still, even though my arm was practically numb beneath her. I didn't care—I just wanted to stay right there, take in her scent, and let myself drift in and out of this haze of contentment.

But, of course, things had a way of getting complicated. She shifted in her sleep, her body pressing back against me, and I felt myself stiffen in response. 

My pulse sped up, but I didn't dare move, praying she'd stay asleep and wouldn't notice anything.

Come on, man, I thought. Get a grip.

But my body had its own ideas, especially with her warmth pressed right there against me. And as if to test every bit of my willpower, she shifted again, nestling even closer. 

Not helping, I thought, gritting my teeth. And just then, as if to betray me completely, my alarm blared through the room.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath, quickly reaching to shut it off before she could fully wake. But her eyes fluttered open, just a little, and I tried to act normal.

"Günaydın, prenses," I whispered, pressing another kiss to her temple, hoping to ease her out of sleep.

She stirred, eyes still heavy with sleep. "Günaydın, Baris." She gave a lazy stretch, her voice soft and still half-dreaming. "I slept really well... Is this bed made out of feathers or something?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Maybe it's the company, huh?" I pulled her close, pressing a line of kisses along her face. 

She laughed, that sound filling the room, making me feel lighter than I had in a long time. For a second, I let myself imagine every morning like this, simple and sweet. 

But then reality tugged at me; we had practice, a big match coming up, and there was no getting out of it.

"Prenses, as much as I'd rather stay here, I've got to get ready for practice," I said reluctantly, knowing she'd understand. She nodded, sleepily letting me slip away to get in the shower.

When I returned, fresh and ready for the day, she wasn't in bed, but her things were still there. I followed my nose to the kitchen and paused in the doorway. 

There she was, standing at the counter, wearing nothing but my shirt from last night. She looked perfect, casually moving around, making coffee and breakfast.

This, I thought, leaning against the doorframe, is what I never realized I wanted.

"Is all this for me?" I teased, moving to stand behind her, sliding my arms around her waist as she leaned back into me.

She turned, a playful smile lighting her face, and I couldn't help myself. I lifted her up onto the counter, pulling her closer, my hands on either side of her. I couldn't keep it in any longer.

"What is this, Amel?" I asked, my voice low and hesitant. "What does all of this mean? Because I really want it to mean something." I leaned in, brushing a soft kiss across her lips, hoping she'd feel every word I hadn't said yet.

Her hands cupped my face as she met my gaze, her eyes soft but cautious. "I don't know, Baris... Can we even make this work?" She seemed uncertain, her voice barely a whisper. "We can't tell anyone. At least, not until my internship's over." There was a hint of worry there, something she couldn't hide.

I took her hands in mine, my own confidence building. "I don't care what anyone says. I'd tell the world if that's what you wanted. But if you don't, I'll keep it quiet, too." I held her gaze, feeling every word I was saying. "All I know is that I want to be with you, and I'll do whatever it takes to make this work."

She nodded slowly, a cautious smile lighting her face, and for a second, I felt like maybe we could actually figure this out. 

Her lips found mine again, and I felt a kind of happiness that felt wild and new.

But practice wouldn't wait forever. After a few more minutes, I pulled back, reluctantly grabbing a piece of the breakfast she'd made, feeling a new warmth spread over me with each bite. 

I thanked her with another quick kiss and squeezed her hand.

"Don't feel like you have to go," I said. "Take your time, stay as long as you want, sunshine. Sorry I've got to leave, but I'll make it up to you. Tonight, we'll go out and do something fun."

"It's fine, Baris. You have work; nothing to be sorry about. I'll see you tonight," she replied, and I couldn't help myself from leaning in for one last goodbye kiss.

As I left, I turned back one last time, feeling like there was so much more I wanted to say. But I kept it simple. There was no need to complicate things right now. 

This was enough—for now, at least.