Ayaz POV
Elysium Art Residence Bomonti
I was standing in the lobby when I called Emir. I could hear the disappointment in his voice as he answered, “Yes, Ayaz. What do you want?”
“I’m guessing you got stood up,” I said lightly. “Let’s have a drink. I’m in the lobby—I’ll wait for you at the bar. It’s nice here, no need to go out.”
“Okay. I just got to my room. You should’ve called me earlier.”
“I wasn’t planning on coming, honestly. My feet just brought me here. I’ll be at the bar—join me for a drink.”
I ended the call and made my way to the bar near the restaurant. I needed a drink to clear my head and relieve some of the stress. I’m not a heavy drinker—just a few shots would be enough before heading back home.
The decision I have to make isn’t easy.
I ordered a shot of Svedka—one, then two, then a third—as I waited for Emir. My mind kept drifting to Nurin. I wanted to meet her, to talk to her, but I knew I couldn’t rush it. Still, something told me she might need help. The medications she bought weren’t casual over-the-counter stuff—they were for serious conditions.
I may not have practiced medicine in years, but I could still recognize those prescriptions. And then there was that scent—the one that lingered with her. It was hauntingly familiar. Vanilla, with a hint of wild daisy. It struck me deeply.
Maybe it’s because I’ve worked with perfume brands before—endorsements, promotional campaigns—so I’ve developed a nose for fragrance blends. I’ve wandered through forests just to enjoy the natural aroma of wild blooms and trees. That scent brought back something... I just don’t know what.
I think I waited around fifteen minutes before Emir showed up. He tapped me lightly on the left shoulder from behind.
He ordered a glass of Pyat Ozer and quickly downed three shots. We sat together, but both of us were lost in thought. I was thinking about her. And judging by the look on his face, Emir was thinking about someone too.
I had to break the silence. “So, what’s going on? You’ve been deep in thought. Emir, I don’t know what’s happening with you—did you get dumped?”
Emir let out a breath. “Ayaz, I don’t know... but what I’m feeling right now is different.”
“How so?” I asked.
“She’s different. This is the first time a woman hasn’t left my mind—not even for an hour. I’ve dated plenty, but I always get bored quickly. Not this time.”
I chuckled. “You always think about women. Different women.”
We both laughed, then sat in silence again.
I knew I hadn’t offended him. We were close—more like brothers than friends. Nothing had ever come between us. We’d never fought, not even once.
Then, breaking the quiet again, Emir asked as we took another round of shots, “So, how was your day? It’s your first day out of the military. My first day back in Istanbul after year.”
I paused, needing a moment to gather myself before answering. “Nothing much. Management wants me to stop sponsoring the foundation so I can focus on saving my career. But you know I can’t do that.”
“What are you going to do?” he asked.
I gave a smirk and replied, “Plans? I don’t have any. I’ll just sit and wait... maybe for her to come around.”
Emir was so shocked he actually spit out his drink. He mumbled, “Wait, what? Her? Who’s her?” tapping my shoulder with a grin.
 I returned the smile and said, “Yes, her. I guess this is the first time we’re both losing our minds over a girl. I don’t even know her personally... all I remember is her scent — that familiar fragrance.
 “So, you’re obsessed with how she smells?” he teased.
 “Surprisingly, yes,” I replied.
We sat in silence for a while, sipping our drinks. No matter how many glasses we had, this drink just didn’t seem strong enough to knock us out.
After a few more rounds, Emir said, “We’re both falling for a beauty we’ve never even truly seen.”
 I gave a crooked smile and replied, “Or maybe we’re two hunters in a forest where the prey remains invisible.”
 “You’ve got a point,” he said.
We downed our final shots and stood up.
Outside the bar, we parted ways — a wave, a smile. He headed toward the elevator, and I made my way out of the hotel.
As I walked back to the bay view parking lot to get my car, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the handkerchief again. While glancing up at the hotel, I whispered to myself,
 “I’ll keep this for you, Miss Nurin... until fate lets our paths cross again.”
I breathed in her scent one more time before gently folding the handkerchief and slipping it back into my pocket.