Later that night, when everyone had returned to their rooms, Doruk sat alone by the swimming pool. A small fire crackled nearby, and he quietly smoked, gazing at the water. The resort was peaceful in the night-soft lights hung between the palm trees, flowers lined the walkways, and the flicker from the fire danced across the pool.
Unable to sleep, Nayza stepped out of her room. Her injured hand still ached, and no matter how hard she tried, sleep wouldn't come. As she walked, she found herself by the pool area, where she saw Doruk sitting alone.
"Doruk?" she called softly.
He turned toward her, and the sadness that had been on his face moments ago vanished, replaced by a warm smile.
"Hey, Nayza. You still haven't gone to sleep?"
She smiled and sat down beside him. "Yeah, and you haven't either."
Doruk chuckled. "Yeah, I just came out for some fresh air."
Nayza laughed softly. "Same here."
They sat quietly for a few moments, letting the calm of the night sink in. Then Nayza glanced down at her injured hand.
"It looks like I won't be able to have much fun on the island."
Doruk looked at her, concerned. "Why? Is something wrong?"
She smiled wryly. "You, seriously. My hand is injured."
She raised it slightly. "Obviously, I can't enjoy the water much."
Doruk immediately nodded, realizing his mistake. "Ah, yeah, I'm sorry. I totally forgot."There was a brief pause before Doruk looked at her more seriously. "Nayza... are you really okay?"
Nayza met his gaze, and the smile faded slightly. "Yes, I'm fine. Really. You can see for yourself."
Doruk nodded, though his face remained concerned. Then, trying to lighten the mood, he grinned. "Yeah, yeah, of course. You're so strong. You really gave that driver a hard time. I think I need to be careful around you now."
Nayza laughed. "Oh, is that so? Then maybe I should run a little trial on you."
Doruk raised his hands in mock surrender. "No, no, never mind."
They both laughed, the tension finally easing between them as the night carried on. What they didn't know, however, was that from one of the balconies above, someone was watching them. Erhaan his eyes fixed on them, not letting them out of his sight.
The next morning, everyone gathered outside the resort with their bags ready.
Savash looked around at the group and asked, "So, did everyone pack everything they need? Remember, we're staying there for a whole week."
"All done," Yesir replied.
The others nodded in agreement.
Just then, the boat arrived at the dock. One by one, everyone boarded while the staff loaded their luggage.
Once everyone was settled, Savash looked at them and said, "Okay, guys. If the weather stays this good and the boat maintains its speed, we'll reach the island in about fifteen to twenty minutes."
Leera sighed dramatically.
"Only fifteen to twenty minutes? What a shame. Even if it took a whole week to get there, I wouldn't mind."
The group burst into laughter.
Savash placed a hand over his chest.
"You still roast me after all these years, Leera? At least forgive me now."
Before Leera could respond, another voice came from behind.
"So the plan was to leave without me?"
Everyone turned around.
"Huru!"
Nayza's face lit up instantly.
The moment Huru stepped onto the boat, Nayza walked over and hugged her.
"I didn't know you were coming with us."
Huru smiled.
"That's because nobody told you."
Leera immediately looked at Savash.
"Wait a second. You knew she was coming? Then why didn't you tell us earlier?"
Savash glanced at Huru before smirking.
"Honestly? I thought it would be better if she stayed home."
Huru narrowed her eyes.
"Oh really?"
"Maybe I should tell Dad about all your wonderful activities here."
Savash's confident expression disappeared immediately.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa."
The group laughed again.
Savash quickly walked over and threw an arm around her shoulders.
"My lovely sister, don't listen to anything I say. In fact, I've been waiting for you this whole time."
"Sure you have."
Huru rolled her eyes.
Everyone laughed at the siblings' usual bickering.
The atmosphere on the boat became lively almost instantly. They spent the journey talking, teasing each other, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Before they even realized it, the island had appeared in the distance.
And a short while later, they finally arrived.
By the time evening fell, the entire island had transformed into a dreamy paradise. Strings of warm lights glowed between the palm trees while music blended with the soothing sound of the waves.
Following the party theme, all the girls were dressed in baby pink, while the guys wore casual island outfits with half-sleeve shirts and shorts. Laughter echoed across the beach as everyone enjoyed themselves. Huru, Yesir, Doruk and Savash were completely immersed in the fun. Even Erhaan, who was usually reserved, seemed to be enjoying the moment.
A little away from the crowd, Nayza sat quietly at the end of the wooden pier, the one people usually dove into the sea from. Her legs dangled over the edge, one foot gently brushing against the cool water as she watched everyone with a faint smile.
For just a couple of seconds, Erhaan's eyes drifted toward her.
Then, without saying a word, he looked away and went back to enjoying the party.
Before anyone realized it, the night had grown deeper.
Nayza and Doruk were still sitting together, casually talking about random things. After a while, Doruk stretched his shoulders and let out a tired sigh.
"I'm heading to bed," he said with a smile. "You keep enjoying yourself. I'm exhausted."
"Okayyy," Nayza replied. "Go get some sleep."
Doruk chuckled before standing up. "You should sleep soon too. You've had a long day. Besides... everyone's already gone. It's just the two of us left here."
"I'll come later," she said softly. "You go ahead."
Doruk nodded and started walking back toward the resort.
Just then-
"Hey, Doruk."
He turned around.
"Huru?"
She smiled as she walked over. "You didn't even have a drink with me tonight."
He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Sorry... I got caught up with everyone."
"Then come with me now," she said. "Let's have a drink together. We can talk for a while too. I'd like to get to know you better."
Doruk fell silent for a moment.
I already hurt Huru once... If I refuse again, she'll probably feel bad. Besides... there's nothing wrong with getting to know each other.
"Well..." he smiled. "I was actually going to sleep... but sure. Let's go."
The two of them walked back toward the resort together.
Meanwhile, Leera and Yesir had already fallen asleep after an exhausting day. Savash had gone to bed even earlier than everyone else.
It was well past midnight.
Unable to sleep, Nayza slowly made her way toward the beach.
The darkness covered most of the shoreline, but the moonlight reflected beautifully across the sea, making the water sparkle like silver.
Without paying attention to her surroundings, she stepped into the water.
It reached just below her knees. The hem of her baby pink dress slowly became soaked as gentle waves brushed against it. Her long hair danced freely in the night breeze, along with the ribbons resting on her shoulders.
For the first time in a while, she simply enjoyed being alone.
She twirled once.
Then laughed quietly as she splashed through the water.
Another small spin...
Another playful step...
And then-
Her foot slipped.
Before she could regain her balance, she fell into the water. The impact sent a sharp pain through her injured hand as it struck the surface.
Just as she was about to lose herself completely-
A strong arm wrapped around her waist and lifted her back up.
Startled, Nayza looked up.
It was Erhaan.
His hair was damp, and he was shirtless, wearing nothing but island shorts. Tiny drops of water rolled down his shoulders under the pale moonlight.
Realizing how close they were, Nayza immediately removed his hand from her waist.
"Th... thank you."
Her breathing had become uneven, and her legs felt strangely weak.
Without saying a word, Erhaan gently took her injured hand. The bandage had loosened after the fall. Calmly, he began fixing it again.
Nayza looked at him in confusion.
What are you doing here?"
Without looking up, he answered,
"Before you start arguing... just know that I was here long before you."
Her eyes widened.
"So... y-you saw everything?"
After securing the bandage properly, Erhaan carefully let go of her hand.
"Yeah."
"I saw everything."
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
Neither of them spoke.
Then Erhaan quietly turned around and walked away.
Nayza remained standing there, completely embarrassed.
"Great... he saw all of that.
What must he be thinking?
This is so embarrassing... I probably looked ridiculous.
But waitt??"
Just as Erhaan was about to leave, Nayza suddenly called out,
"Wait."
Erhaan stopped but didn't turn around immediately. After a brief moment, he looked back at her.
"What?"
Nayza walked up to him, stopping only a few steps away.
"What was that just now?"
Erhaan frowned slightly.
"Huh?"
"You fixed the bandage on my hand..."
She looked at him, clearly confused.
"W-Why?"
For a second, Erhaan simply stared at her before answering in a calm voice.
"Oh... that."
He shrugged lightly.
"The same reason I pulled you out of the water. Since I was already helping you, I figured I might as well fix the bandage too."
Nayza didn't seem convinced.
"You helped me because anyone could clearly see that I had fallen into the water."
Her eyes shifted to her bandaged hand.
"But this..."
She slowly raised it.
"My bandage isn't something people would even notice unless they paid attention."
For a brief moment, silence settled between them.
Then Erhaan spoke, his tone turning cold once again.
"Listen."
"If you were someone else instead of you..."
"I would've done exactly the same thing."
His words came out bluntly, almost rudely.
Without waiting for her response, he turned around and walked away.
Nayza stood there, quietly watching him disappear into the darkness.
A hundred questions ran through her mind.
What is happening...?
He helped me... so why did I keep questioning him?
And more importantly... why is he helping me at all?
He doesn't even like me...
She let out a quiet sigh before looking away.
Enough.
From now on... I'll stay even farther away from him.