Harun

She increasingly noticed strange coincidences that, while not proving anything in themselves, formed a disturbing picture in her mind. They had been together for five years—no strings attached, but with genuine feelings and shared plans. They met at his friend's birthday party: laughter, music, a casual glance—and everything unfolded naturally, as if they'd known each other for a long time. Since then, they'd become a stable couple, the envy of many. But in recent months, she felt something had changed. He was working longer hours at work, her friend was becoming more distant, and his phone was now almost always in his hand. It could all have been a coincidence, but her thoughts were growing heavier, clinging to every little detail. She always considered herself a reasonable person, but her anxiety was growing. Every gesture seemed suspicious, every pause from her friend a hint. She tried to convince herself it was just fatigue, but the doubt grew quietly and inexorably. She imagined them meeting behind her back, exchanging glances, laughing the way they'd only ever laughed with her. It was all just a fantasy, but it grew more vivid until it filled her from within. She was ashamed of her suspicions—of both him and her friend. But silence became unbearable. That evening, she finally made up her mind. He entered the room calmly, expecting nothing. But as soon as she began to speak, her voice wavered. The words came out harsher than she intended. “I know it looks stupid,” she said, nervously clenching her fingers. “But I can’t keep this inside anymore. You’ve changed. You’re hiding your phone. You’re disappearing. And she… Do you even realize that all this looks like there’s something between you?” By the end, her voice had broken. He was silent, but didn't look guilty. At first, surprise, then a quiet, deep hurt. He looked at her for a long moment, as if trying to understand how such thoughts could have even entered her head. She fell silent, her strength gone. He ran his hand over his face, took a slow breath, and finally spoke. — Do you really think I’m capable of doing this… with her?