“I know I shouldn’t but these pastries look delicious. Would you like one too? I’m thinking of buying at least three.” she chuckled, attempting to persuade her company in indulging in the sweet treat also. The markets of Astrails did not have the same atmosphere as they usually did, then again Leyla was not sure if anything would ever be the same after the events of the Autumn Court. Despite no longer being part of that Court, it was still her home and it had people she loved, Leyla found herself worrying about Gemma most nights even though she knew her sister was more than capable of looking after herself. Tragic events made you think of people who you cared for even more than usual. Or that was what she said to convince herself why her thoughts drifted to people from her past more often than not in the last few weeks.
“Thank you.” she smiled as she paid for her pastry and handed the money over to the tradesman. Walking through the market, it was not as busy this afternoon which was a surprise. “I don’t think I can wait until I’m back at home to eat this.” Leyla has a sweet tooth and her hunger levels played a big part in her mood. Taking a big bite of the almond pastry, the flakes fallings down and creating a small mess around her lips, Leyla froze when her gaze fell against Hazar Korkmaz mid-bite. Her cheeks instantly turned a shade of pink and Leyla turned around, brushing herself off. Of course, he had to see her like that.
It would be a lie if Leyla said she had never thought about him over the years, a lie she would tell everyone including herself. The simple sight of him was able to make her heart beat faster, her body feels a familiar warmth that had been missing since the day they stopped being in each other's lives. She kept her gaze on him for a few moments longer before turning away and swallowing her mouthful. If he was going to decide to ignore her then she would do the same, she was not going to give him the upper hand. Besides, it was not as if she was begging to be in his presence or vice versa. They would not have to interact, just like they did not interact at all the events they would see each other at. The only problem was even at those events, whenever Leyla tried to block Hazar out she couldn’t, her mind, body and heart never allowed that. He was her best friend. He would always be her best friend.
Attempting to focus on her company and the new market stool they were at, Leyla could feel Ahmet’s presence still close by. He probably was not looking at her, there would be no harm in getting one more glance at him right? Turning her head over her shoulder, her eyes instantly fell on him but she was not expecting to be met back with his. Instantly she tore away her gaze to look over at their surroundings, trying to catch sight of anyone and anything to distract herself. But that was an impossible task.
“I think I’m going to go over to that stall. Look for some herbs for the shop.” she excused herself from her company, walking away from the woman and directly towards Hazar. She knew that approaching him came with the risk of looking like a fool if he chose to ignore her and walk away. It was a risk worth taking. Hazar was someone who had been on her mind alongside Gemma since the trials. They would never be able to go back to who they were. Could they start over? Rekindle their friendship despite everything that had happened between them. They both knew the answer to that. Though it didn’t change the fact that Leyla spent mornings and nights considering it more often than she should. They were not in a relationship to have a separation and yet the end of their friendship felt more like a break up than anything else had.
“Hello.” Leyla was not one to panic about her words, but here she was standing directly in front of Hazar and feeling more nervous than she had in a while. “I know you love these pastries, I might have gone overboard with buying three. Would you like one? They’re fresh and still a bit warm.” It was a small olive branch. One which she hoped he would take and not leave her standing here alone.
