Days passed in constant tension.
But also…
Unexpected closeness.
They spent more time together.
Not by choice.
But by necessity.
Meals.
Conversations.
Silences.
And slowly…
Distance disappeared.
One evening, Asli laughed at something Emir said.
Ferhat noticed.
Of course he did.
Later—
"You like him?"
The question came out of nowhere.
Asli blinked. "What?"
"Emir."
"No."
"Then why were you smiling?"
She crossed her arms. "Because he said something funny."
"I can be funny."
She stared at him.
Then—
"You're trying."
A pause.
And just like that—
The tension softened.