Same, same but different!

Part 18

Ömer: (straightening, his voice softening immediately) Metehan. Everything alright?

Metehan: (pauses, rubbing the back of his neck) Yeah… I just, uh, I wanted to talk. If you’re not too busy.

Ömer gestured for him to sit, pushing aside the irritation from earlier. He took a slow breath and leaned forward.

Ömer: What's going on?

Metehan hesitated before taking a seat. His fingers drummed against his knee restless, uncertain.

Metehan hesitated, glancing down. He clearly didn’t know how to start.

Metehan: It’s about my mom.

That single word made Ömer’s chest tighten. He shifted back, hiding his reaction behind a slow exhale.

Ömer: (carefully) Is she okay?

Ömer already knew what kind of state she would be in.

Metehan: (sighs) That’s the thing… she’s not okay. She locked herself in her room since last night. Won’t talk to me. Won’t eat. She said she was fine, but I know when she’s lying. She didn't go to work so I know something is wrong.

Ömer’s brow furrowed, worry clouding his features instantly.

Ömer: Did something happen?

Metehan looked at him long and hard. As if he was studying him, trying to decide if he should speak. Then, he just said it:

Metehan: I know.

Ömer: (puzzled) You know… what?

Metehan met his gaze directly.

Metehan: About you and my mom.

The words landed like a punch. Ömer froze. His breath caught for a moment, his eyes darting away before finding Metehan’s again.

Ömer: (quietly) Metehan… I...

Metehan: (half-smiles faintly) You don’t have to deny it. I’ve seen the way you look at her. The fight at the bar wasn’t exactly subtle either. She came home one day in clothes similarly to yours. And lately… her eyes are different. Lighter. Like she’s breathing again.

For a moment, the two men just stared at each other, the silence thick but not hostile.

Ömer: (low voice, almost hesitant) I don't think your mom would've liked you to find out this way.

His voice softened, the protective son emerging through the cracks of his composure.

Metehan: (calmly) I figured. Look… I don’t want to make this weird. It’s just, (he exhales sharply) she needs someone, Ömer bey. I'm planning on getting my own apartment soon and while I don't want to leave her alone, I think it's time. So, I'm glad she has someone other than me. She already has Mavi too, which I'm getting a little jealous about. She’s been through so much. Sometimes I think she forgot what it feels like to be loved.

His voice softened, the protective son emerging through the cracks of his composure.

Ömer’s throat tightened at that.

Ömer: Does she know you want to get your own apartment?

Metehan shook his head.

Metehan: I was going to talk about it last night but... Can you try and speak to her? Please? She always tell me when something is wrong, and her not te telling me, means that whatever is going on... She's scared it will hurt me.

Ömer: (softly) Are you sure you’re okay with this? With… me and her?

Metehan leaned back in his chair, his expression earnest.