Főnix

"Az életem új fejezete – Főnix és Albatrossz története."

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  • Főnix

    16.rèsz: Hazatérés és tiltott vágy

    A tenger illata keveredik a hideg, esti széllel.Főnix és Albatrosz egymás mellett haladnak lassan, közel egymáshoz. Főnix karjai a mellkasa előtt fonódnak össze, a feszültség súlya alatt. Albatrosz lopva rápillant, hátha a lány most megnyílik egy kicsit, de Főnix tekintete előre szegeződik, mintha a távolba nézne.

    Odaérnek a házhoz. Főnix kinyitja az ajtót, és bemennek a lakásba. A lány megmutatja Albatrosznak, hol a vendégszoba, kikészít neki egy polót és egy rövid nadrágot.

    Albatrosz (hálásan, elmosolyodva):– Köszönöm, hogy maradhatok.

    Főnix (mosolyogva, halk hangon):– Igazán nincs mit.

    Főnix kimegy a szobából, hagyja Albatroszt készülődni, miközben nekiáll főzni, fülesével zenét hallgatva.

    Albatrosz óvatosan, halk hangon szól:– Főnix… mehetek zuhanyozni? Csak gyorsan.

    Főnix háttal áll, a fülében halk zenét hallgat. Csak halkan hmm-et nyög, nem hallja a kérdést. Albatrosz azt hiszi, egyszerűen kerülni akarja a szemkontaktust.Albatrosz belép a zuhanyba. Pár perc múlva kilép, törölköző a derekán, a haját törölgeti, mikor Főnix belép a fürdőbe, és ekkor a fülhallgató kiesik a füléből, a padlóra.

    Főnix lehajol, hogy felvegye, és ekkor váratlanul Albatrosz áll előtte félmeztelenül, a mellkasa nedvesen csillog a fénytől.

    Főnix (hirtelen, elpirulva, ártatlanul, suttogva):– A… Albatrosz?! Mit keresel itt…?!

    Albatrosz (komoly, nyugodt hangon):– megkèrdeztem tőled Főnix ès jelezted,hogy zuhanyozhatok.

    Főnix reflexből a szemére kapja a kezét, de tekintete magától ragadódik Albatroszra, aki előtte áll, izmai feszesen kirajzolódva.

    Főnix (zihálva, zavartan):– Jaj ne… azt hittem… a vendégszobában vagy! Nem hallottam… zenét hallgattam.

    Főnix belső gondolata:– Mi ez a vonzalom…? Már attól elpirulok, hogy itt áll előttem… Nem vagyok normális…

    Albatrosz felöltözve követi Főnixet a konyhába. Óvatosan közel lép.

    Albatrosz (lágyan):– Segíthetek?

    Főnix sóhajt, majd bólint. Szótlanul főznek. Néha összeér a kezük, néha egymás szemébe néznek. A csend sokszor hangosabb minden szónál.

    Albatrosz:– Találtam egy bort, ami illene a vacsorához.

    Főnix (tiltakozva):– Én nem kérek… Nekem hamar a fejembe száll, és olyankor össze-vissza beszélek.

    Albatrosz (mosolyogva):– Néha nem baj, ha össze-vissza beszélsz.

    Az este izgalma és a közelség miatt Főnix végül kért egy pohárral, majd kettőt, majd hármat

    .

    Főnix lassú, puha zenét kapcsol, hogy ellazuljon. A lábai bizonytalanul viszik, a szeme félig lehunyva.

    Albatrosz kinyújtja a kezét:– Táncolnál velem?Főnix habozik, de a bor, a zene és az érzések megtették a hatásukat. Feláll, és kezd táncolni Albatroszzal.

    Lassan, finoman táncolnak. Főnix feje Albatrosz mellkasára hajlik.

    Főnix (részeg, remegő hangon):– Nem tudom… mit csinálsz velem… de mindig… mindig hozzád húzok. Kérlek, holnap… ne mond el, milyen bolondságokat mondtam.Főnix elalszik a karjaiban. Albatrosz óvatosan bevitte a vendégszobába, betakarta, leült az ágya szélére.

    Albatrosz (suttogva, halk vallomás):– Én is szeretlek, Főnix… jobban, mint bárkit valaha. De te ezt nem tudod.

    Éjjel Főnix àlmàban sír egy rémálom miatt.Albatrosz erre felkell ès felkelti Főnixet

    Albatrosz:– Nyugodj meg… itt vagyok, semmi baj nem lesz.

    Főnix (félve, halk hangon):– Kérlek… nem feküdnél az ágyon, míg el nem alszom?

    Albatrosz bólint, leül mellette, óvatosan átöleli, amíg Főnix lassan megnyugszik.

    Albatrosz belső gondolata:– Ahogy egyre jobban megismerlek, egyre jobban beléd szeretek… De hogyan mondhatnám el, hogy a cég az enyém, és nem csak egy fotós vagyok… Vajon megbocsátod a hazugságomat?

  • Főnix

    15.rèsz: A tengerpart titka

    Albatrosz ideges léptekkel állt meg a kis, fehérre meszelt ház előtt Kaş egyik csendes utcájában. Bekopogott.

    Az ajtó nyikorogva nyílt ki, és egy idős asszony jelent meg, fejkendővel, meleg de kíváncsi tekintettel.

    Albatrosz (udvariasan, kissé kapkodva):– Jó napot… egy lányt keresek. A neve Főnix. Tudja, hol találom?

    Az öregasszony kissé oldalra biccentette a fejét.

    Öregasszony (bájos, lassú hangon):– Főnix? Jaj, fiam… ma reggel óta nincs itthon. A sziklákhoz ment. Tudod… ahová mindenki a gondolataival megy.

    Albatrosz szíve összeszorult. Bólintott, köszönetet motyogott, majd sietve elindult a part felé.

    Mielőtt elindult a sziklákhoz, Albatrosz megállt az autója mellett.Kinyitotta a motorháztetőt, körbenézett, majd néhány kábelt finoman igazított.

    Albatrosz (belső gondolat, elszánt):– Csak annyira álljon le, hogy vissza kelljen mennünk együtt… biztonságosan, de… együtt.Miután végzett, becsukta a motorháztetőt és elindult Főnix felé.

    Főnix a sziklák peremén állt, háttal a világnak. A tenger moraja felerősítette a fájdalmát, arcán csillogott néhány könny.

    Albatrosz halkan lépett mögé… Főnix megijedt az érintésnyi közelségtől, hátralépett, de a lába megcsúszott a peremen.

    Mielőtt lezuhant volna, Albatrosz gyorsan utána kapott, derekánál fogva tartotta meg. A mozdulat lendülete összehozta őket orruk összeért, a levegő megállt közöttük.Látták egymás szemében a félelmet. A fájdalmat. Az éveket.

    Főnix (remegő hangon):– Engedj el… kérlek…Albatrosz lassan elengedte, de nem lépett hátrébb.

    Albatrosz (szinte suttogva):– Főnix… kérlek. Nem akartam rosszat. Tudom, hibáztam. De csak meg akartalak védeni.

    Főnix (könnyeit törölve):– És ezért mindenkinek el kellett mondanod…? Ezért kellett mindent a fejemre borítani?

    Albatrosz:– Én csak a recepciósnak és a biztonsági őrnek szóltam… ők pletykálták el végül. Ki is rúgták őket. Én… én nem akartam ezt.

    Főnix (kérve, de megtörten):– Albatrosz… kérlek… hagyj egyedül.

    Albatrosz (fájdalmas, halk):– Nem tehetem. Nem hagyhatlak így itt. Hazavihetlek, és aztán elmegyek. Ezt megígérem.

    Főnix végül lassan bólintott.

    Főnix:-Rendben Albatrosz

    Ahogy elindultak vissza, a motor egyszer csak köhécselt… majd leállt.

    Főnix (összeráncolt szemöldökkel, gyanakvón):– Ez most komoly? Még az autó sem indul…?Albatrosz:– Nem tudom… de hívok neked egy taxit, jó? Hazamész, én meg… majd én is hívok egyet. A kocsit pedig holnap elhozzák. Ez a mondat meglepte Főnixet.Nem erőltette. Nem ragaszkodott. Csak segíteni akart.

    Főnix halk sóhajt engedett ki.

    Főnix:– Már nincs messze… 15 perc séta. Ha gondolod… ma aludhatsz a vendégszobában. Holnap a szerelő megjavítja a kocsidat.

    Albatrosz meglepetten, hálásan bólintott.És elindultak együtt a kis, kavicsos úton, a ház felé.A levegő csendes volt, köztük mégis feszült, kimondatlan érzések vibráltak.

    Főnix a lépteit figyelte, majd oldalra pillantott Albatroszra.

    Főnix (belső gondolat, halk, álmodozó hangon):– Nekem mindig segíteni kell valakin…És talán ez a jó szív, ez a vágy, hogy mindenki mellett ott legyek…mindig visz a bajba…A holdfény végigsimított a vállán, a szél lágyan lengette a haját, és ő lassan elfogadta:túl nagy a szíve ahhoz, hogy magára hagyjon bárkit… még őt is.

  • Főnix –

    14.rèsz: A tenger morajában

    Helyszín: Kaş, tengerparti falu,

    A nap lassan ereszkedett a horizont felé, aranyfénye bevilágította a kis lakás szobáját. Főnix egyedül ült a kanapén, kezében a kis füzetével, amelybe minden fontos emlékét és érzését lejegyezte.

    Főnix (belső gondolat):– Minden kép, minden emlék… a vőlegényem és a szeretője… Can, Albatrosz… a cégben történt események… minden ott él a szívemben.A lány lassan végigsimított a füzet lapjain, szeme könyes lett. Minden oldal egy-egy darabja volt a múlt fájdalmának és csalódásának.

    Főnix (suttogva):– Miért kellett ennek így történnie? Hogyan engedhettem, hogy becsapjanak, hogy megbántsanak…?

    A hullámok csobogása az ablakon kívül megnyugtatta, de belül még mindig tombolni kezdett a zavaros érzés.

    Főnix lehunyta a szemét, és a múlt pillanatai elevenedtek fel előtte. Látott minden jelenetet: a vőlegénye hazugságait, a szerető titkos mosolyát, Cannal történő pillanatot, amikor Albatroszra gondolt.

    Főnix (belső gondolat, halk sóhaj):– Mindenki tudja, mi történt a cégnél… a tekintetek, a suttogások… mintha minden pillanatot újra kellene élnem.

    Megsimította a füzetét, és a tollat a kezébe vette. Minden érzését papírra akarta vetni, hogy rendezhessen valamit a szívében.

    Főnix (írás közben, magában):– Albatrosz… minden emléked… minden mosolyod ott van bennem. De most… most a saját utamat kell járnom. Nem hagyhatom, hogy a múlt meghatározza a jövőmet.

    A lány lassan felállt, a füzetet szorosan maga mellett tartva, és az erkélyre lépett. A tenger nyugodt csobogása és a sós szél feltöltötte a lelkét, mintha új energiát kapott volna.

    Főnix (belső gondolat, elszántan):– Mint a főnix… hamvaimból újjá kell születnem. Minden fájdalom, minden könny… erővé válik. Mostantól csak én döntök az életemről.Lassan becsukta a füzetet, mély levegőt vett, és a horizont felé nézett, ahol a nap már lement, de a tenger csillogása reményt adott.

    Főnix (magában, halk mosollyal):– Itt, Kaşban, egyedül… újra én leszek. Hamvaimból újjászületek, és senki és semmi nem állíthat meg.A szoba csendjében, a tenger morajlása mellett Főnix lassan kezdte elengedni a múlt terhét, és az első apró lépéseket tette az új élete felé.

  • Phoenix

    Part 13: The Pain of Realization

    Location: Company

    Albatross entered the company and immediately noticed that Phoenix was not there. In the studio, colleagues were moving around nervously, but no one could help.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Where could she be? What might have happened? Why didn’t she come to work?

    Albatross went over to Sanem, who was handling matters in the office.

    Albatross (worried):
    “Sanem… have you seen Phoenix today? Why didn’t she come in?”

    Sanem (with a serious expression):
    “Albatross… Phoenix has resigned. She doesn’t want to work with us anymore.”

    Albatross’s face darkened, his heart tightened.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    What have I done? I hurt her completely… I lost her trust.

    Albatross looked at Sanem seriously.

    Albatross (worried, firmly):
    “Sanem… find out everything about Phoenix. Where she is, how she is… I need to know everything about her.”

    Sanem (determined):
    “I understand, Albatross. I’ll go immediately.”

    Sanem quickly went to the other end of the office building, where Emma, Phoenix’s friend, was working as a stylist.

    Sanem (in person, whispering):
    “Emma… do you know where Phoenix might be? How is she now?”

    Emma (angrily, in detail):
    “She’s in Kaş, in a small seaside village. She’s in a very bad state, Sanem! Her past has already brought her so much pain: her fiancé lied to her, cheated on her, and she believed she could start a new life where everything was clean… but what happened with Can overwrote everything. Everyone at the company knows what happened to her, and that completely broke her. Right now, the best thing for her is to be alone, far from everyone who is connected in any way to her past or her pain.
    Please, Sanem, don’t tell anyone these things—let this be our little secret.”

    Sanem:
    “Don’t worry, Emma, I won’t tell anyone.”

    Sanem fell silent, then returned to Albatross, her steps filled with urgency and concern.

    Sanem stepped in front of Albatross, her gaze firm, but her heart heavy.

    Sanem:
    “Albatross… she’s in Kaş. She’s in a very bad state, reliving the pain, the wounds of the past, the events of yesterday… and now she has withdrawn from everything.”

    Albatross remained silent, his eyes filling with pain.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    This is all my fault… I ruined everything. Now I see how much she suffered… and how important she is to me. I can’t let her leave my life like this.

    Silence settled between the two of them in the studio, but in Albatross’s heart, a new determination began to take shape: he would do everything to regain Phoenix’s trust and understand what she had been through.

  • Phoenix

    Part 12: The Test of Trust

    Location: Company, studio, and a small town in Turkey

    Phoenix entered the office building wearing simple, everyday clothes: jeans, a white blouse, comfortable shoes. From the very first moment, she sensed strange looks—colleagues whispering behind her back, every glance fixed on her.

    Phoenix (inner thought, angrily):
    What the hell is going on here? Why are they looking at me like this? What could they have talked about regarding me yesterday?

    Her face darkened. She took a deep breath, then headed toward the studio, where Albatross was adjusting the camera.

    Phoenix (firmly, with a slightly trembling voice):
    “Albatross… can I ask you something?”

    Albatross (smiling, calmly):
    “Yes… ask, Phoenix.”

    Phoenix (angrily, almost panting):
    “You didn’t tell anyone about what happened yesterday, did you? Everyone is looking at me so strangely, as if they know…”

    Albatross (seriously, in a low voice):
    “Yes, Phoenix… I told them what happened, so that he would never be allowed to come to the company again.”

    Anger and disappointment mixed on Phoenix’s face.

    Phoenix (shouting, almost crying):
    “How could you dare tell anyone what happened to me without my knowledge? How am I supposed to look anyone in the eye like this, how am I supposed to keep working?”

    Albatross suddenly realized how deeply this must have hurt Phoenix.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    I never thought it could hurt her this much… I made a mistake.

    At that moment, Phoenix turned around and ran out of the building.

    Albatross ran after her, his voice soft but determined.

    Albatross:
    “Phoenix… wait!”

    But Phoenix was already outside the gate, tears streaming down her face.

    Phoenix (heartbroken, to herself):
    “I trusted you… but I see now that it was a mistake.”

    Albatross ran after her, but he knew he couldn’t force her to turn back.

    Phoenix reached a small, hidden seaside town in Turkey. The calm lapping of the waves and the salty air soothed her. Only Emma knew where she was, and Phoenix felt safe in the distance.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    “At least here no one knows anything… no one judges me. Just the sea, the wind… and the silence.”

    She sat down on the balcony of the seaside house, watching the sunset, slowly beginning to calm down. Somewhere far away, Albatross’s thoughts were still focused on her, even though he didn’t know when he would see her again.

  • Phoenix

    Part 11: The Day When the Past and Protection Meet

    Location: The company headquarters, daytime

    The modern glass façade of the office building reflected the morning sunlight. Albatross’s steps were firm, his gaze focused on Phoenix, even though he knew she had not arrived yet.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Everything will be alright… I won’t let Can get close to her. Today is about that.

    As he entered the office, Sanem was already waiting for him at the reception desk, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

    Sanem:
    “Good morning, Albatross. Is the girl alright?”

    Albatross (in a calm but firm voice):
    “Yes, she is. But we need to be alert. Today, no one is allowed to let that man into the building—the one who… tried to get close to her yesterday.”

    Sanem (serious, nodding):
    “I understand. We’ll follow every security protocol.”

    Albatross slowly walked through the office, his thoughts drifting back to Phoenix.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    I wanted to see every expression on her face again… yesterday’s tears, the trembling. She must be safe, at any cost.

    The crew was already gathering in front of the large meeting room. Phoenix had not arrived yet, but preparations for the photoshoot and the project were underway.

    Asya (photo assistant, worried):
    “Albatross… are you sure Can won’t come into the office?”

    Albatross (serious, firm):
    “I’m sure. Every protocol is being followed. I won’t allow anyone to disturb the girl.”

    Ali (colleague, curiously):
    “What will you do if he still tries something?”

    Albatross (calmly, but strictly):
    “Then I’ll handle it personally. Phoenix’s safety comes before everything.”

    The colleagues nodded silently. Everyone could feel the weight of the situation.

    Albatross sat down at the edge of the meeting room, his gaze fixed on the empty chairs.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    She… Phoenix… I don’t know when she’ll be able to feel sunlight on her face again, or laugh carefree. But until then, I’ll protect her. I won’t let anyone hurt her.

    The hours passed slowly. Every colleague focused on their tasks, but in Albatross’s heart, the echoes of the previous night still lived on.

    As the morning progressed, Albatross stepped to the window, looking out over the city. His thoughts turned to Phoenix’s face, her smile, and her trembling hands.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    If she gets frightened, even for a moment… I’ll be there immediately. No matter what happens today, she will be safe. At all costs.

    In the office, every movement, every object stood as a silent witness to his resolve: the quiet yet powerful bond of protection and emotion had already been formed.

  • Phoenix

    Part 10: The Secret Clash of the Rocks

    On the way home, in Albatross’s car

    The silence of the night wrapped around the streets. Albatross was driving, his gaze fixed on the road, yet all his thoughts revolved around Phoenix.

    Phoenix (gently, slightly trembling):
    “Thank you for coming after me… truly.”

    Albatross (quietly, with a soft smile):
    “You shouldn’t have been afraid. I had to protect you.”

    A few moments of silence followed the words. The girl’s face was still slightly tear-stained, her hair falling over her shoulder, her silk dress gently rippling on the seat.

    Phoenix:
    “We’re here… thank you… really.”

    Albatross slowly turned toward her.

    Albatross:
    “Take care of yourself. Call me if you need me.”

    Phoenix (smiling, a little embarrassed):
    “Alright… good night, Albatross.”

    As she stepped out of the car, Albatross could think of nothing but her.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Her scent… her tears… her gaze when she spoke… everything changed me. I can’t stop thinking about her.

    Phoenix stepped into the apartment, her silk dress softly flowing with her movements. Her hair was still slightly damp, her eyes barely dried from tears.

    Emma (worried, approaching quickly):
    “Phoenix… what happened? I can’t even imagine… you have to tell me!”

    Phoenix (sighing, exhausted):
    “Emma… I don’t have the energy to talk about it now. Maybe… I’ll tell you on the way to work.”

    Emma (falling silent for a moment, then in a soft, calm voice):
    “Alright… but you know I’m always by your side.”

    Phoenix only nodded, offering a faint, tired smile.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    Right now I just want to be alone… to process what happened.

    Phoenix placed her bag down in the hallway, then headed toward the bathroom. Under the warm shower, the water ran over her skin, and every tremble, every fear slowly faded away.

    Phoenix (inner voice, softly):
    The evening… passed so quickly, and yet… it changed everything.

    After the shower, wrapped in a towel, she sat down at her desk and took out the small notebook her grandmother had given her. She slowly took the pen in her hand and began to write.

    Phoenix (writing, softly):
    Tonight everything changed… fear, anxiety… but beside it I also felt a sense of safety. Can approached me, and I… only see him as a friend. But Albatross’s presence… brought a calm I had never known before.

    Phoenix (inner thought, while writing):
    When I could rest my head on his chest… every tremor inside me fell silent. He… gives safety. Something new has begun, something he himself may not even feel yet.

    Finally, she closed the notebook and stepped to the window. The lights of the night city shimmered in her eyes.

    Phoenix (inner thought):
    My feelings for Albatross… are no longer the same. Something… new. Something I may have never wanted to happen… yet it did.

  • Phoenix

    Part 9: The Secret of the Restaurant

    Location: a cozy, small Istanbul restaurant, late evening

    Soft music played in the room, gentle warm lights danced on the walls. There were only a few guests. Albatross sat down with Phoenix at a secluded corner table, where no one could disturb them.

    Phoenix was still trembling a little, but she was no longer crying. She held a glass of water in her hand.

    Albatross looked at her gently, his voice soft and calm.

    Albatross:
    “I want you to know… you are safe here. Nothing will happen as long as I’m by your side.”

    Phoenix nodded slightly. Her gaze was still uncertain, but her breathing had become more even.

    Silence stayed between them for a few minutes, then Albatross broke it gently.

    Albatross:
    “Tell me about yourself, Phoenix. Why did you come to Istanbul?”

    Phoenix lowered her head for a moment, then slowly, honestly spoke.

    Phoenix:
    “I’m sorry… but I don’t want to talk about that. Not now. Not like this.”

    Albatross nodded, not offended for a second.

    Albatross (with a gentle smile):
    “That’s alright. You don’t have to say anything until you feel ready.
    Then… you ask me. Anything.”

    Phoenix looked up at him. The fear had disappeared from her face, replaced by curiosity.

    Phoenix:
    “Then tell me instead… why did you start photography?”

    Albatross leaned back and took a short, deep breath.

    Albatross:
    “I never liked crowds. I always searched for nature instead.
    When I was a child, my first photo… I took of my father.”

    (his gaze darkened for a moment)

    Albatross:
    “He… died when I was six years old.”

    Phoenix’s eyes lowered, her compassion sincere.

    Phoenix:
    “I’m sorry… truly.”

    Albatross:
    “My mother raised me alone. She always said: ‘Freedom is your strongest companion.’
    Maybe that’s why I love to travel. To climb mountains. To be in nature. That’s where I feel… that everything falls into place.”

    Phoenix watched him quietly; it was clear that every sentence touched her more and more.

    Phoenix:
    “You really are… very different from what I thought.”

    Albatross (smiling):
    “I hope in a good way.”

    Phoenix (smiling for the first time that evening):
    “Yes… in a good way.”

    Between Albatross and Phoenix, something gently vibrated—unspoken, not yet clear.

    The sudden vibration of a phone interrupted the moment. It was Emma calling.

    Phoenix (answers):
    “Emma… everything is fine… yes, Albatross is here too.
    Don’t worry, I’ll be home later.”

    After ending the call, Phoenix put the phone down, slightly embarrassed.

    Albatross:
    “If you’d like, I can take you home. You don’t have to go alone.”

    Phoenix (gratefully):
    “Thank you… really.”

    And Phoenix looked at Albatross the way she never had before.

  • Phoenix

    Part 8: The Fire Awakened by Silence

    Phoenix Getting Ready

    She stood in front of the mirror, gently adjusting her silky, elegant dress with delicate movements. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, a faint smile resting on her lips.

    Phoenix (softly):
    “It will be fine… just a pleasant evening. Nothing more.”

    She stepped out the door, the cold evening air brushing across her face. A taxi was waiting; she got in and, leaning toward the window, watched the city lights.

    In the shadows, a few houses away, Albatross’s car was parked. He silently watched her every movement and secretly followed the taxi to the opera house.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Something isn’t right… I don’t like the way that man looks at her. I have to be careful.

    The square in front of the opera house was bathed in light, guests flowing elegantly inside. Phoenix stepped out of the taxi, adjusted her dress, then took a deep breath.

    Can was already waiting at the entrance, a radiant smile on his face.

    Can (amazed):
    “Phoenix… you are simply beautiful.”

    Phoenix (with a polite smile):
    “Thank you, Can. I’m glad you came.”

    In the background, Albatross stood like a shadow among the crowd, watching their every move. His gaze was sharp, his body tense.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    Just a friend? It doesn’t look like it… but as long as I’m here, nothing can happen.

    The music filled the hall, the lights dimmed. Phoenix laughed occasionally at Can’s remarks, yet there was something distant and cautious about her.

    Albatross sat in the back rows, his eyes fixed on Phoenix, following her every movement.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    If I sense anything wrong… if anything happens… I’m here.

    After the performance, Can offered to drive her home. On the nighttime streets, Can’s car moved slowly.

    Suddenly, Can leaned closer, placed one hand on Phoenix’s shoulder, and tried to kiss her neck.

    Phoenix (frightened, pushing him away):
    “Can! No! What are you doing?”

    Can (whispering, angrily):
    “Oh, come on… I know you like me!”

    Phoenix (firmly, trembling):
    “Can… I only see you as a friend! I don’t want a relationship!”

    Can’s face hardened, and he tried to touch her even more forcefully.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    I can’t tolerate this… I won’t let him hurt her.

    Suddenly, Albatross’s car stopped next to Can’s. With force, he opened the door and pulled Can out.

    Albatross (shouting, angrily):
    “What are you doing? Get out of here, Can! How can you be like this?! You are no longer my friend!”

    Can staggered back in shock, then drove away, while Albatross reassured Phoenix that she was safe now.

    Phoenix ran in tears, then stopped under a dim streetlamp.

    Albatross ran after her, approaching slowly.

    Phoenix (crying, resting her head on his chest):
    “I… didn’t know what to do… I was so scared…”

    Albatross gently wrapped his arms around her, his embrace becoming a wall of safety.

    Albatross (in a soft, calm voice):
    “I’m here with you. You’re safe. No one can hurt you anymore.”

    Phoenix continued to cry against his chest, trembling, until she slowly calmed down in the silence of the night.

    Albatross (quietly):
    “I know a quiet, hidden restaurant… Let’s go there. You’ll calm down, you don’t have to be alone.”

    Phoenix (softly, nodding):
    “Alright… let’s go.”

    Two souls, unexpectedly, found themselves close to one another beneath the city’s night lights.

  • Phoenix

    Part 7: When Fate Confronts You Again

    Location: Istanbul, the company headquarters, morning

    The morning light softly filtered through the modern glass walls. Phoenix stepped into the office, her notebook and makeup tools in her hands, feeling slightly excited about the day ahead.

    The Cosmetician’s Room

    Phoenix stood next to Emma at the makeup table, talking.

    Phoenix:
    “Tonight I’m going to the opera with Can, so don’t wait up for me.”

    Emma (her eyes lighting up, slightly embarrassed):
    “I see… a new man on the horizon?”

    Phoenix (calmly, smiling):
    “No, Emma, I only see him as a friend. If he thinks otherwise, I’ll make it clear to him.”

    Emma:
    “Alright…”

    During the conversation, they both started laughing at the light mood.

    Albatross stood on the other side of the corridor, dressed in simple elegance. He secretly listened to the conversation, his gaze fixed on Phoenix.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    This girl… every gesture, every smile captures me. I can’t allow anyone to misunderstand her… especially those who only see appearances.

    After the conversation ended, Phoenix and Emma continued preparing in the cosmetician’s room for the seaside project.

    The crew slowly came together, everyone excitedly preparing for the photo shoot starting in two days.

    Sanem:
    “Is everything alright, Phoenix? Are the supplies in place?”

    Phoenix:
    “Yes, completely. Everything is according to plan.”

    Albatross watched from the background as Phoenix focused on the details. Throughout the day, he discreetly followed her movements several times, stronger and stronger emotions stirring in his heart.

    Albatross (inner thought):
    She… really is different. There is something special in every movement. I can’t escape this attraction.