Selim had been sitting in the car for five minutes. He was unable to move from his seat, despite the drivers honking at him. Finally, the man switched on his hazard lights so he could think in peace.

He had completely failed to expect Defne to bond with someone new so quickly. That's why it came as even more of a surprise to him to see her driving a pram. It occurred to him that he had missed his chance to have a relationship with her. Since she had become a mother, he was not going to wreck her new family. A child should grow up with both parents.

He himself knew what that was like. He experienced it when he went to school. At first, it was hard for him to accept that his mum and dad were living separately. However, as time passed, he accepted the new reality. Today, he had no regrets about them each deciding to go their own way. He was happy that, despite their previous disagreements, they now had a good relationship and were able to get the three of them together for dinner. However, he had learned a lesson from this experience. Even as a boy of a few years, he had promised himself that he would not make the mistake they did in the future.

He felt disappointed that he did not fight for Turan immediately after getting a divorce from Aylin only to focus on pursuing the goal she had written down for him. In therapy, he learned that he needed time and space. A respite between one relationship and another. In fact it helped him a lot to put everything in his head. He then focused on himself. For the first time, he finally did something for himself instead of making others happy.

The foundation "Selim Korkmaz For Children "* turned out to be the perfect solution to his desire to constantly bring joy to the faces of the people he met on his path. He knew that there was nothing wrong with helping, but you have to be able to set boundaries. He was not in a position to save the world. And he had so far lost himself in this that he was arranging his life to suit the expectations of others, silencing his own desires that he should be striving for.

It was then that he remembered all the moments he had shared with Defne when they were friends. If a relationship was not meant for them, he should cherish that very kind of friendship. Especially since they still stayed in touch. They were not strangers to each other, they watched each other on social media. They were able to talk to each other normally.

With this thought, he finally moved on. After three minutes, he caught up with the girl, walking on the pavement with a pram in front of him. He stopped the car in a bay and followed her.

- Defne! - he called out loudly, stopping a few steps behind her. He waited for her reaction, turning the ignition key in his fingers.

The brunette immediately stood still, hearing the call. She knew that tone of voice perfectly well, she knew who it belonged to. In an instant, she felt her heart quicken its rhythm and her hands sweat. Ever since she had decided to come to Bodrum again, she had dreamt of meeting Selim face to face. Rare phone calls could not replace her real contact with him. Despite what had happened between them, she still considered him her friend, but she couldn't fool her heart. It was stronger than she was.

She slowly turned her head behind her, not wanting to come across as crazy. After all, she could foresee him just calling her. However, he really was standing not far away. Changed by the time that had passed. Still handsome, however, and even more so than before.

- Selim... - she howled, turning to face him. - Hello, good to see you!

- You have no idea how good it is to see you after so long - he said, coming closer. From this distance he could already touch her. - Can I give you a hug?

- What kind of question is that! Of course! - She replied, opening her arms to embrace him. For a month she had been waiting for this moment, until his muscular arms met her fragile body.

And so it finally happened. They hugged each other after a long separation. They both missed it very much. They were drawn to each other by the scent of each other's bodies, which they missed so much. Selim, out of it all, closed his eyes, savouring this moment that could last forever. They didn't want to let go of each other's embrace, but this special moment was interrupted by the quivering of an awakening infant. Defne immediately pulled away, checking that he was all right.

- 'I have to go in a minute because the little one is waking up to eat,' she said, setting the pram in motion. She moved it back and forth with her hand.

- So you have a son - said Selim, looking into the pram. The little boy was very small, but he was well able to swing his legs.

- No, this is Janset and Kemal's son," explained Defne, correcting his blanket. At the same time, she mentally burnt herself for not explaining this at the very beginning. - 'I should have told you that right away so you wouldn't misunderstand.

Selim breathed a sigh of relief, touching his hand around his heart. He felt an unpleasant sting. He had unnecessarily broached the subject, he could have just asked instead of worrying about it all being over. This information restored his hope. He was still in the game and could get Defne back.

- 'I'm the aunt of this little cutie,' she added, glancing at Selim, who hadn't said anything for a while. - I'll introduce him to you. This is Aslan**. Aslan, meet Selim's uncle.

- The name suits him," Korkmaz stated. - He is strong, like a lion. If you don't mind, I can escort you to the habitat.

- I'd be very happy to! - said Defne, grabbing the handle of the cart with her other hand. - We'll have a little chat, just like in the old days.

As Janset and Kemal's house was not far away, they managed to exchange a few general questions with each other without going into detail. They did not expect to be able to talk to each other without barriers despite the time that had passed. Defne assumed that she would feel awkward at first, and the opposite happened. Selim was also surprised by the development. They had such a pleasant conversation with each other that before they knew it they had arrived at their destination. The infant was crying by the end of the trek.

- Why don't you come in for tea or coffee? - suggested Janset, surprised by Selim's presence at Defne's side. She took her son out of the pram, trying to calm him down. - I'll feed the little one and I can also prepare dinner.

- Please don't make a problem for yourself,' Selim replied, correcting his sunglasses on his nose. - I will be happy to visit you, but another time.

- You are welcome! The door of our house is open to you,' announced Janset, tenderly kissing her son, who was still frowning. - Sorry, but it's feeding time. It's impossible to fool him,' she replied, laughing.

- How long did you come for? - Selim asked when he and Defne were left alone.

- 'I don't know yet. I haven't talked to Janset about it,' the brunette said, looking at Selim. - 'I want to help her recover from the birth.

- In that case, I hope to see you again.

- I'm sure there will be more than one occasion,' she replied. - Onur has offered me a job at the hotel. Tomorrow we are to talk about the details.

- I didn't know anything about it,' Selim admitted frankly. Apparently his cousin had made this decision quite recently. - In any case, if you agree, I will be happy. I have good memories of our cooperation last season.

- So do I. - Defne smiled. - 'I don't mean to be unkind, but you look tired.

- 'I'm tired after the trip,' Selim sighed, not wanting to worry her with his well-being. - 'I'm going to go now.

- Good night then, Selim,' said Defne, hugging him again. To do so, she had to stand on tiptoe.

- Good night, Defne. - In addition to the embrace, the man stole a kiss on her cheek.

This time it was Defne who stood in the wicket and watched Korkmaz until he disappeared from her sight. She did not want to be alarmed, but she felt that something was wrong. However, she could not gather herself to ask if he was hiding anything from her.

*

On Saturday, Turan went to the hotel to talk to Onur. She walked towards his office, which she knew the way to by heart. She glanced uncontrollably at the door to the conference room and remembered moments alone with Selim. In it, they had hidden from the rest of the staff, allowing themselves to exchange affection when they were together.

Defne smiled to herself at these memories. This place meant a lot to her. She began to hesitate as to whether she had done the right thing in deciding to come to Onura. However, she quickly reconsidered. After all, she didn't know what position he was going to offer her. Listening to everything he has to say about a possible job is no crime. She could always say no.

When she found herself in front of the door, she knocked on it and entered when she heard permission. As soon as she crossed the threshold, the empty desk she had had the pleasure of working at last summer caught her eye. Only after a moment did she focus on the person of the elderly Korkmaz and greeted him by shaking his hand.

- 'I'm sorry, but I have a fondness for this place,' she explained, sitting down in the comfortable chair standing by his desk. - When I am here, all sorts of memories come back to me.

- I am all the more glad that you came here,' Onur said, sitting down behind his desk. - What would you like to drink?

- 'I'll have a coffee with milk,' Defne announced, putting her foot down. At the same time, the man connected with the secretary through the business phone and asked her to prepare two drinks. - Before we talk about work, I would like to say something on a completely different subject.

- Seni dinliyorum (I am listening to you.) - said Onur, looking at her.

- I have been thinking a lot about your and Asli's request all evening. I have made up my mind,' she announced, taking air into her lungs. - I agree to participate in your official engagement. I am pleased that you have thought of me. I can't do otherwise if I have been so honoured.

- I am very happy! - said Onur enthusiastically, smiling. - Thank you on behalf of Asli. She will be happy when I convey this news to her.

It was his fiancée's idea to do everything to reconcile Defne and Selim. They both couldn't see these two not being able to come together. They knew them well and were sure they were destined for each other. They agreed that they would do everything to bring them together. They decided to initiate meetings together, using their own wedding to do so.

After this pleasant introduction, the secretary brought the coffee they had ordered. Korkmaz presented Turan with a job offer, explaining what she would be doing.

- 'As you can see, your former desk is waiting for you,' he added, sipping his coffee. - Of course, you have time to think about it.

- Thank you. I'll think about it. - The brunette nodded her head. - I'll let you know by the end of next week, okay? I guess that won't be too late?

- Honestly, I would like to know as soon as possible,' Onur admitted, wrinkling his forehead. - At the same time, I understand that you need to discuss this with Mrs Janset. After all, it was to her that you promised your help.

- In view of this, I will not delay my decision,' Defne stated. - When I've thought about it, I'll come and let you know straight away.

- I will be grateful,' smiled Onur. - Özge's resignation is problematic for me, but I accepted her departure.

- I was surprised too, but what to do since she is moving to Germany,' sighed the girl, who was finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that this was the last summer they would spend together before their paths parted. - There, Ayaz promised to help her open her own event company.

- Are you serious? - He asked, surprised by this news.

- Yes. They are to set up a joint business,' Defne admitted, enjoying her cousin's happiness. She did not think that a man could have such a good heart. - Ever since I can remember, Özge has always dreamed of becoming a boss.

- I didn't know she had such concrete plans. However, if it's already certain, it's rather pointless to convince her to stay - Onur remarked.

- I'm not used to it yet - sighed Defne. - However, love does not choose. It is easier for Özge to move to Germany than for Ayaz to move to Istanbul.

- The trick is to reach a compromise,' Onur laughed. - 'I think you've convinced yourself of Ayaz, am I right?

- I was okay with this relationship from the beginning,' Defne admitted, fixing her hair. - I accepted Ayaz without looking at what it was. He had a right to be angry. He sided with his sister. Today we both laugh about it whenever we get a chance to talk to each other.

- It's great that you were able to come to an agreement,' Onur said, all the while smiling. - I know it's completely out of my style, but are you sure that you and Selim are a thing of the past? It's just worth giving someone another chance sometimes.

- There's no misunderstanding between us, we've cleared up everything we needed to,' Defne announced, looking out the window. - We remain friends because... I think it's the best we could have offered each other. I know it could have been very different. I made the mistake of adding this wish to his paper. And I did it in a somewhat puzzling way.

- 'Just what you did for him, I agree,' Onur admitted, and Defne looked back at him. - 'I'm glad you made him understand that you have to be able to put boundaries. To choose ourselves rather than making someone close to us happy. And I'm grateful to you for that. I couldn't watch Selim arranging his life for others. I had been telling him for a long time that this was not right. At first I supported him because he wanted to help Aylin and that was very noble of him. However, it stretched things too far.

- Actually, while we're talking about him, can I ask you something? - She asked, taking the opportunity to find out what was going on with him. - Does Selim have any problems, something bothering him?

- Why the question?

- Actually, I don't know,' sighed Defne, wrinkling her forehead. - 'Maybe I'm over-sensitive and I'm just making something up in my head, but he was kind of weird yesterday. He claimed it was travel fatigue, although it didn't look like it to me.

- It's definitely fatigue. You know, Selim has been devoting himself heavily to work recently, he has set up a foundation. - Onur got up from his chair, anxious to stretch his bones. - Knowing him, he sleeps very little. He has become involved in his own association. He talks about it constantly.

- 'Very possible,' sighed the girl, counter-checking the time on her phone. - I'm so sleepy! It's time for me to go.

Defne spent the rest of the day in the habitat, doing some work in the garden. Despite her occupation, she caught herself thinking about Selim. In the evening, she decided that she couldn't sit back, feeling that something wasn't right. Therefore, she sent him a message asking how he was feeling. This started a conversation between them that continued intermittently late into the night.

*

The next day, Defne informed the owners of the habitat that Selim would like to visit them and congratulate them on the birth of their child. Janset stood her ground, saying that the man was always welcome at their house. Kemal established a unique thread of understanding with him that has lasted until now, although it was somehow not a particularly strong intimacy, but he was happy to hear about the renewed opportunity to meet.

The man got involved in the Sunday clean-up. Any house with a newborn baby was always full of things needed to care for him, so he arranged them. Then he locked himself in the kitchen, wanting to prepare some sweet treats. Meanwhile, Defne wiped down dust everywhere, vacuumed and mopped the floor. And Janset slept soundly through the sleepless night in the bedroom, making the most of her son's next nap.

In the afternoon, Selim turned up at the habitat. He presented the young parents with gold bars, which, according to tradition, were offered on the occasion of the birth of an offspring.

The table set in the garden looked magnificent. Its appearance was taken care of by Özge when she returned from work. Among other things, Kemal prepared baklava (a traditional baked dessert, layered with nuts) for tea and coffee.

The five of them hosted each other, focusing especially on the youngest member of the host family. Janset and Kemal talked about little Aslan with so much joy and pleasure. It was clear from afar how he had won the heart of his parents. No wonder, as they had been waiting for him for a very long time. They were fascinated by him, as were the others.

- 'I have already said this to Defne, but I will say it again,' said Selim. - The name suits him.

- We had no doubts about that when we chose it,' added Kemal, gazing at the infant who was sleeping sweetly in a portable cot, right next to Janset. - 'I didn't expect us to be so unanimous on this issue. Naming the right name is not such a simple matter at all.

- You are blazing the trail of parenthood," Özge said. - We will learn from you later.

- Bu doğru (That's right.) - Janset nodded. - We will remember the time that is passing so quickly. He's only just been born and it's already flying by on the third week we've been together. The outfit I put on him the day he left the hospital is now a size down.

- Young children grow up in the blink of an eye," Selim remarked, recalling the contents of the handbook he had read in preparation for becoming a foster father. - No one shows the passing of time like they do.

- We are the only ones who grow old," laughed Kemal. - Although I, since Aslan appeared, feel as if I have lost at least ten years.

- Good for you! You'll have the strength to run after him when he starts taking his first steps,' Defne said enthusiastically, concentrating on eating. After all, she couldn't keep looking towards Selim, who was sitting opposite. It was difficult to take her eyes off him. - Delicious this baklava! Health to your hands, Kemal!

- Thank you! - replied the host, with a smile on his lips. - I am glad if you like it.

- Perhaps someone else could have something to drink? - suggested Özge, seeing the almost empty decanter of juice.

- I suggest having a coffee,' sighed Kemal, looking around at the company. - What do you guys think?

Those present at the table unanimously agreed that it was a good idea. Only Janset asked for fruit tea.

- I will prepare everything. - Defne rose from her seat, grabbing a glass juice container. Özge opened her mouth slightly, but she wasn't going to argue with her. She guessed that she needed a moment alone. - You guys here help yourselves to these delicacies.

The brunette walked through the balcony door into the living room and found herself in the kitchen. She reached into the cupboard for the clear glasses and set about brewing the coffee.

As she waited for the water to boil, she had a chance to get her raging bundle of thoughts and accelerated heart rate together. She hadn't expected Selim's presence to have such an effect on her, despite the passage of many weeks. She couldn't fool her heart. It was not indifferent to the love of her life. And in every way her body tried to show it.

- Sakin ol (Calm down.) - she said to herself, placing her hands on her chest. - Inhale, exhale.

She repeated this to herself, performing this action until the jug let her know that the water had reached the right temperature.

She placed the finished drinks on a tray and returned with them to the garden, where she observed that the company, with their guest in the lead, had dispersed from the table. The men had disappeared from sight. Instead, Janset and Özge were leaning over Aslan.

Turan learned from the older of the two that Kemal and Selim had gone out to smoke. They did not want to smoke near the newborn.

Defne joined the girls, leaving the tray on the table. She looked at Aslan sleeping like an angel. Sleeping in the open air evidently suited him, as his arms were placed upwards. She had learned from Janset that such a position meant that all his needs were met and he was happy. The little boy's mother, on the other hand, was full of anxiety. She was afraid that he would be bitten by some insect flying in the air, especially a bee. That's why she didn't like to leave him in the garden, but that's where he slept best. Consequently, she kept an eye on him all the time.

It was then that the male part of the company returned and Defne began to distribute to everyone the appropriate coffee for the order they had previously placed. As she was carrying a cup for Selim, she unexpectedly tripped and the entire contents spilled onto the man's stomach, leaving a big brown stain on his black and white striped shirt.

- 'I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! - She said, jumping away from him. - Did you get burned?

- Nothing happened - said Selim, holding the clothes around the stain with his fingertips so that it didn't stick to his body.

- The best thing to do is to wash it right away - threw Janset, holding her head.

- Are you all right? - asked Özge, approaching her cousin.

- 'No,' replied Defne quickly, handing her the empty cup. - Exactly! That's a good idea! You have to blot the stain.

- Calm down, after all nothing happened - laughed Selim, looking at the shirt. - It's just clothes.

- I know, but I insist! - said Defne firmly, grabbing Selim's hand at a point above the wrist.

She decided not to get into an unnecessary discussion and went straight to action. Selim, surprised by her move, followed her, not expecting him to be able to move his feet so nimbly.

The girl led him to the ground floor bathroom, switching on the led light in the mirror above the washbasin. She instructed him to carefully remove his shirt.

Korkmaz reiterated that this was not necessary and that he was unnecessarily making a problem for himself. The slight argument made him smile as he longed to tease her. Finally, he succumbed and began to undo the buttons one by one. After a moment, the shirt fell nimbly from his shoulders. Defne seemed to pay no attention to his exposed chest, immediately seizing the dirty garment in her hands.

She wet the area with water where the stain had formed. She then reached from the cupboard for baking soda. Exactly then she looked into the mirror reflection and saw Selim in it, or more precisely his naked torso. It was delicately covered in black stubble, especially on his cleavage, even more developed than a few months ago and bathed in sunlight.

The girl kept her gaze on him. Only when she noticed that Selim was moving his head did she go back to removing the stain. However, she could hardly concentrate on the activity she was doing, because she was constantly thinking about what was happening behind her back. This gave her an uncontrollable rush of heat.

- How is it going? - she heard a question from Korkmaz's mouth, feeling his breath on her neck. There was nothing left for her to do but lift her head and look at his reflection once more.

This time she saw him much closer to her. He placed his hands on his hips and watched her with satisfaction.

- And how, with what? - She asked, unsure if she meant the stain or his torso. She wanted him to specify.

- Is the stain coming off or not?

- 'Yes,' Defne said, feeling her cheeks burning, pulling her shirt in front of her to cover her own reflection. - 'It's better now.

- Defne... Bana bak (Defne... Look at me.) - he asked, and she rolled her eyes. - I don't like talking to someone's back, especially yours.

- I'm listening,' she sighed, leaving her shirt in the sink while turning her front around. Of course she had to lift her head to look into his brown eyes. - 'What do you mean?

- Are you avoiding me? - he asked. - Why are you doing this? Are you afraid to be alone with me?

- Come on! How can you think that? - replied Defne, putting her arms across her chest. - I don't understand where this statement comes from.

- Your behaviour reminds me of the situation right after you met your high school class,' explained the brunet, looking at her. - 'You're just as nervous as you were when we talked about going on holiday together with Ceren and Halit.

- Then I proved to you by agreeing to the proposal that I wasn't afraid to fall in love with you,' Defne reminded. - 'Now I'm here with you and I want to prove to you that we can still talk no matter what we had in common. The fact that you're half-naked doesn't change anything.

- Are you sure? - He asked, laughing in her face.

- I'm not afraid of being alone with you! - she confirmed, looking at his nose. - Better already?

- Much better - he sighed, unable to take his eyes off her.

- 'You ask an awful lot of questions,' Defne remarked, taking in air loudly. The atmosphere between them was very heated. - Can I ask you something for a change?

- Of course - he replied with satisfaction, laughing in her face. - I am not afraid of your questions.

- Is something bothering you? - Defne asked with concern in her voice. - 'You've been behaving strangely lately. I've been worried. I would like to help you if you need anything.

- That's nice of you,' said Selim. - However, there is no cure for this, because it really rarely happens.

- Are you terminally ill? - Defne went pale, pressing her body against the basin.

- 'Yes, I am sick. Sick with love,' Selim said, grasping her hand, which he put at the level of his own heart. - 'The doctors have diagnosed me with broken heart syndrome.

* 'Selim Korkmaz for children' is actually a foundation called 'Can Yaman for children' founded by Turkish actor Can Yaman. Similar concept but slightly altered for the story😉.

**Aslan - means lion; Turks usually choose names according to their meanings.

_____________________

So what's it going to be like with them? Will they reconcile or be friends?