Chapter 30: Chapter 28

The Fallout

The day after Cem and Melis were brought in for questioning, the atmosphere in the apartment was tense. Y/N sat curled up on the couch, her phone in her hands, waiting for any updates from Detective Kaya. Rosé and Duru sat beside her, their presence a quiet reminder that she wasn’t alone.

Kenan entered the room, his expression calm but watchful. He walked over and sat next to Y/N, gently placing a hand on her knee.

Kenan: “Anything yet?”

Y/N: shaking her head “Not yet. But the waiting is... unbearable.”

Kenan: “We’re getting closer. They’re running out of places to hide.”

---

Detective Kaya’s Call

The tension broke when Y/N’s phone buzzed. She quickly answered, putting the call on speaker for everyone to hear.

Detective Kaya: “Good evening, Y/N. We’ve questioned both Cem Arslan and Melis Karaca. Here’s what we know.”

Y/N: “What did you find out?”

Detective Kaya: “Cem admitted to accessing private information about you during his time with your team. He claims he kept it as leverage, though he denies being behind the threatening messages. Melis, on the other hand, was less forthcoming. She insists her involvement was limited to publishing gossip based on tips she received from ‘a reliable source.’”

Barış: “So they’re pointing fingers at each other?”

Detective Kaya: “Exactly. But the digital trail connects them. The anonymous posts and messages all lead back to accounts managed by one or both of them.”

Rosé: “So, what happens now?”

Detective Kaya: “We’re compiling the evidence for a formal case. In the meantime, we’ve issued a warning to both of them. If they make any more moves, there will be serious consequences.”

Y/N: “Do you think this will stop them?”

Detective Kaya: “It’s hard to say. People like this thrive on attention and control. But they’re under scrutiny now, which should keep them in check for the time being.”

---

Processing the Fallout

After the call, the group sat in silence, each processing the news in their own way. Y/N leaned back against the couch, her mind racing.

Rosé: “That’s a win, right? They’re finally being held accountable.”

Duru: “It’s a step in the right direction. But it’s not over.”

Y/N: softly “It’s never going to be over, is it? There will always be someone waiting to tear me down.”

Kenan: turning to her “Y/N, look at me.”

She met his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze made her pause.

Kenan: “This isn’t about who’s waiting to tear you down. It’s about who’s standing by your side. And you’ve got all of us.”

Barış: smirking “Even me, and I’m the annoying one.”

Y/N let out a small laugh, the tension in her chest easing slightly.

---

A Moment of Reprieve

Later that evening, the group decided they needed a break. Arda suggested a quiet dinner at the apartment, and everyone pitched in to make it special. The living room was transformed with string lights and candles, and the table was set with homemade dishes.

As they sat down to eat, the mood was lighter than it had been in weeks. Laughter filled the room as Barış recounted a ridiculous story from his football training, and Duru teased Arda about his terrible cooking skills.

Kenan leaned closer to Y/N, his voice low so only she could hear.

Kenan: “You’re smiling again. It’s nice to see.”

Y/N: “It feels nice. For the first time in days, I don’t feel... trapped.”

Kenan: “You’re not. You never were. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Y/N smiled at him, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.

---

Ending Note

While the fight wasn’t over, Y/N allowed herself to enjoy the small victories. The love and support of her friends—and Kenan—gave her the strength to face whatever came next. Together, they were ready for anything.

---