Page 194 of The Bittersweet Bond

Evin’s pulse quickened. His words struck something deep inside her. She had felt trapped in her own mind since that night. But for a fleeting moment, she almost believed he might be right.

"Maybe we just haven’t found the right way out yet," he continued, his tone softer now. "But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist."

Evin turned to look at him, their eyes locking. In his gaze, she saw a flicker of hope, of understanding—something that made her heart race.

He smiled, barely noticeable, but enough to send a shiver down her spine.

"Maybe I can help you find it," he said seriously. "And if I can’t…" He hesitated. "Then I’ll stay here. Until you can see it for yourself. If you let me."

His words washed over her like a warm wave—carrying both comfort and vulnerability. Relief tangled with the familiar ache in her chest, as Milka’s voice echoed in her mind: If you want him to do something, sometimes you have to show him.

Her hands trembled slightly, but she refused to pull away from the moment. Instead, she reached for her seatbelt, unfastening it with a sudden, impulsive movement.

"Evin—" Bas started, his voice tense, but she silenced him by turning toward him, her eyes burning with resolve.

She didn’t hesitate. She leaned in and kissed him.

His breath hitched, and for a moment, the kiss was hesitant—unsure.

Her fingers clutched the hem of his hoodie like she needed to hold onto something solid. Her other hand slid into his hair, soft but desperate. God, I missed you.

Bas hesitated only for a second before his hand came up, barely grazing her cheek before he cupped it gently. His touch was reverent, cautious—like hewas afraid of shattering something fragile.

But it wasn’t uncertainty. It was something else. Recognition.

His thumb brushed over her skin, while his other hand rested lightly on her waist.

Slowly, she pulled away, letting her forehead rest against his, her eyes still closed as she tried to catch her breath.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like she could breathe.

"Wow," Bas murmured eventually, a lopsided smile playing on his lips. The sharpness in his eyes was gone, his tension had melted away.

Evin mirrored his grin, a teasing glint in her gaze, as the moment lingered between them.

"Do you want to listen to music?" Bas asked after a pause, breaking the silence.

Evin let out a quiet laugh, her voice still raspy from the kiss. "Music?"

"That’s all you have to say?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, smirking.

"Better than the things running through my head right now."

She leaned back in her seat, a mischievous smile curling on her lips. "Fine. But if you play ‘Hotel California,’ I’m getting out."

Bas chuckled and reached for his phone. "Don’t worry. I have something else in mind. Something that fits you better."

Evin raised a curious eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly fits me?"

He hesitated, his gaze flickering between her and the screen. "This song… it says everything I can’t." His voice was lower now, almost hesitant. "It’s not about me wanting to fix you…"

His words caught her off guard. Her chest tightened, and tears stung her eyes. Unsure whether to laugh or cry, she looked at Bas as the first notes of the song played.

Fix You.

A choked sound escaped her, all the suppressed emotions finally breaking free.

Bas noticed immediately, and without hesitation, he gently pulled her toward him.

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