The First Goal

The date

Baris

As I arrived at practice, I felt a surge of energy I hadn't felt in ages. I couldn't hide the grin on my face, and I wasn't even trying to. I passed Coach, who gave me a nod and then asked about the "day in the life" shoot.

"It went perfectly, Coach. Just as planned," I said, keeping my tone as professional as possible, though I couldn't resist a bit of a smirk.

As I made my way to the locker room, Kerem was already waiting, watching me with that look he gives when he knows something's up. "Morning, bro. You're in a surprisingly good mood today.

 Did you get along with Amel yesterday or something?" he asked, half-joking but curious. "Please don't tell me you annoyed the poor girl."

"Oh, she was definitely not bored," I replied, matching his sarcasm with my own. He rolled his eyes but gave me that knowing grin. 

Kerem always had this way of reading between the lines, and he knew just enough without needing to ask more.

"Baris," he said, his voice suddenly more serious, though there was a playful glint in his eye, "if you hurt this girl, I'll personally beat you up."

"I won't, Kerem. Don't worry," I said with a small laugh, though his words hit deeper than I let on.

He didn't press, but he gave me a look of approval, and I knew he'd keep this between us. I trusted him with this. 

There was something different about Amel, and maybe Kerem could see that. It wasn't a fling. I didn't want it to be.

We made our way onto the field, and I was already feeling the adrenaline coursing through me.

My mind wandered back to this morning, to the way Amel looked curled up next to me, peaceful and beautiful, like she belonged there. 

I'd never thought of myself as the kind of guy who wanted something... more. But I couldn't deny that I wanted this to work, that I wanted to keep seeing her, to build something with her.

Maybe tonight, when I took her out, I could show her just how much this all meant to me.

Amel

As I was getting ready, I sent Baris a text, hoping he'd give me some hint on what to wear. He only replied, "Wear whatever you want." Not exactly helpful, so I pressed him a bit more until he finally hinted, "A dress will be fine." That narrowed it down, and I decided on a simple white dress that felt romantic and effortless.

A few minutes later, my phone rang. Baris was outside and would be at my door in five. I gathered my things, dabbed on my favorite perfume, and just as I finished, I heard a soft knock.

Opening the door, I was met with a burst of pink and white—a bouquet of peonies, freshly wrapped in delicate paper. And behind the bouquet, Baris's eyes sparkled with pride as he handed it to me. "The most beautiful flowers for my most beautiful flower," he said, his voice soft as he leaned in to kiss my cheek.

A rush of warmth hit me. His thoughtfulness caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but smile. "Oh my god, thank you so much, baby..." I blurted, and suddenly realized that I'd just called him "baby." It felt natural, yet somehow bold, and I saw the way his eyes lit up at hearing it.

"Wait, wait, wait," he interrupted, his grin widening. "Say that again."

"What?" I teased, pretending I didn't understand.

"That word..." he said, his eyes now playful, daring me.

"Oh, you mean baby?" I teased back, watching his grin spread wider.

"I didn't hear it," he insisted, leaning in with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Thank you so much, baby," I said, letting the word roll off my tongue before giving him a quick kiss on his cheek. I turned to quickly place the flowers in a vase, glancing back at him as he waited by the door, grinning.

He drove us to the marina, and just as I was about to look around, he rushed over to my side and gently closed my eyes. "It's a surprise," he insisted. 

I giggled and obeyed, trusting him completely as he guided me to the boat. "Open your eyes, guzelim," he said, his voice warm with excitement.

As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of a boat decorated with fairy lights, soft blankets, and a cozy table filled with fresh fruits, cheeses, crackers, and a bottle of wine. 

It was breathtaking. "Omg, Baris, this is so beautiful!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling with joy.

He guided me onto the boat and we settled into a snug corner. "Where is the captain?" I asked playfully, looking around.

"You're looking at him," Baris replied with a grin.

"No way! You can drive a boat?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yes, prenses, I can drive a boat, and I wanted it to be just the two of us. 

No one to make unwanted pictures or spread rumors." He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, and I felt a shiver run down my spine from his touch.

As he steered us into the open water, we talked about our childhoods, sharing stories of how different our upbringings had been. 

I grew up in a typical Dutch neighborhood, while he was raised in Rize, immersed in a traditional Turkish family. Even though my parents were Turkish, our experiences felt worlds apart.

After a while, we found ourselves in the middle of the sea, surrounded by darkness and stars. The sky was clear, and the stars shone brightly, undimmed by city lights. 

Baris pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my shoulders, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him. He leaned in, capturing my lips in a soft kiss that quickly deepened.

"I really like kissing you," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. "I can't get enough of it."

"I like kissing you too, Baris," I confessed, my heart racing.

Suddenly, he shifted his position, climbing on top of me while still making sure I was comfortable. It felt exhilarating as he effortlessly turned me around, making me straddle his lap. His kisses turned fierce, igniting a fire within me that I hadn't expected. 

I craved this side of him, the raw intensity that pulsed beneath the surface.

I could feel his desire growing, and my body responded eagerly to his every touch. "Baris, we can't do this here. What if someone sees?" I gasped, caught between pleasure and the reality of our surroundings.

He paused, looking deep into my eyes, the heat of the moment still lingering. "No one will see us here, baby. 

But I want to continue this in a more comfortable place, somewhere I can take my sweet time with you because I'm far from done," he said, hunger lacing his voice.

We shared a few more heated kisses before reluctantly gathering our things. 

He scooped me up playfully, tossing me over his shoulder, and I squealed in surprise. "Put me down!" I protested, but he just laughed, giving me a playful spank.

"You're going home with me," he declared, and with that, he carried me all the way to the car, our laughter echoing into the night as we drove off, excitement buzzing between us for what was to come.