Page 189 of The Bittersweet Bond

Evin rolled her eyes. "And dramatic."

Milka held up her hands. "No, that’s your specialty."

For the first time in days, Evin let out a real laugh. Small, quiet—but real. She stared at the rough sea. The café’s gentle hum of conversations surrounded her. But her mind was already slipping back to the chaos of the charity event.

Sergej.

Bas.

The mess.

Bas. His voice. His hands. That look.

Bas. Bas. Bas.

"Okay, I’ve officially secured the title of the most annoying friend in the world, but now talk to me," Milka started, leaning forward. "What’s the situation with you and Bas? It’s been a week… something must have happened, right?"

Evin barely shrugged. "There is no situation. He ditched me on Valentine’s Day, sent me a half-assed apology, and that was it." Her voice was calm, but Milka knew her too well—she could hear the slight trace of disappointment underneath.

"What?" Milka raised her eyebrows. "After everything that happened? I mean, he nearly fought Sergej to death. And all of that… because of you."

"Not everything is about me," Evin muttered, staring into her cup. "He was angry. Sergej provoked him. It was probably more about his ego."

"Oh, come on." Milka crossed her arms. "He wanted to destroy that guy. And it definitely wasn’t because Sergej served him a bad sandwich. You were the reason, Evin. And I think you know that."

Evin lifted her gaze, meeting Milka’s eyes, her own heavy with unspoken thoughts. Was she the reason? Why was it so hard to believe that? "Andwhat does that change? He threw himself into a fight I never asked for. I don’t want heroes. I just wanted it to stop."

Milka leaned back, studying her carefully. "Maybe he doesn’t want to be a hero. Maybe he just wants to be there for you—because you matter to him."

"And yet, he hasn’t called, hasn’t texted, hasn’t met up with me," Evin snapped, her frustration spilling over. "What does that tell you? That it scared him off. That he did it out of pity. I’m broken. He doesn’t want something damaged."

Milka shook her head. "Or maybe he’s giving you space. Maybe he doesn’t want to push, because he knows that’s not what you want. Evin, he knows you. And honestly? If you want him to do something, sometimes you have to show him. You’re not exactly the easiest person when it comes to emotions."

"Wow. Thanks for the compliment," Evin said dryly, taking a sip of her now-lukewarm cocoa.

"No problem," Milka shot back with a small smirk. "But seriously—what do you want? For him to reach out and talk about everything? Or for things to stay exactly as they are?"

Evin stayed silent, her fingers played the rim of her cup. "Honestly, I have no idea. I just… I don’t want him to see me differently. Not the way I sometimes see myself."

Milka nodded slowly. "Oh, babe. I get that. But maybe you should give him the chance to show you that he doesn’t see you that way. That he sees you for who you really are—strong, stubborn, and yeah, maybe a little annoying. But that’s exactly what he likes about you. Do you really think he threw himself into that fight without knowing who you are?"

Evin stared into her cup, Milka’s words echoing in her mind. Her eyes grew glassy. She knew Milka was right, but the fear of disappointment—his or her own—held her back.

"He always knew," Evin murmured finally, barely above a whisper. "And maybe that’s the problem. Maybe he saw just how broken I really am."

Milka reached for her hand, her voice softening. "Or maybe he saw how strong you reallyare. But you’ll never find out unless you talk to him. And I mean really talk. Not that half-assed avoidance thing you do."

Evin let out a quiet scoff, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You’re such a pain in the ass."

"Thank you! Exactly what you need right now. That’s why I’m here," Milka said, raising her cup. "So? Are you going to text him?"

Evin took a deep breath, still fidgeting with her spoon. "Maybe. But not now."

Milka nodded, as if accepting the answer. "Alright. Just don’t wait too long, okay? Some things are worth sorting out before they get even messier."

Evin smiled faintly, meeting Milka’s gaze. "Sometimes you’re way too smart for your own good."

"Thanks, I know. But someone’s gotta look out for you, right?" Milka winked before taking a big sip of her coffee.

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