As usual, Yaman and his sister shared breakfast together before heading out—Lynn to the hospital, and Yaman to the university.
That day, Yaman's professor had assigned a group project, asking the students to choose their own teammates. One by one, the students formed groups—everyone but Yaman. Just like every other time a group task was given, he was left alone. Yet, despite that, Yaman always managed to excel, thanks to his intelligence and dedication.
After classes, many students headed to the café near campus to discuss their projects. Yaman did the same, as he often visited that quiet spot to study, take notes, or work on assignments.
At the café, two men sat at the table opposite Yaman's. One was a young man, the other around fifty years old. After a while, the older man left, leaving the young one seated alone. As the young man stood to leave, his eyes fell on Yaman—a young student in the prime of his youth, with a kind face, surrounded by study materials: papers, pens, a sharpener, books, and other tools.
The man approached Yaman's table.
Young man: "Oh, it's you—the umbrella guy!"
Yaman: "Sorry, I don't recognize you."
Young man: "I'm the one you gave your umbrella to last night. You saved me from catching a cold."
Yaman: "Ah, that was you! I hope you got home safely. The weather was terrible that night."
Young man: "Yes, I did. Thanks to you."
Yaman: "But I didn't do much."
Young man: "No, you did. Thank you."
Young man: "Looks like you're a student here."
Yaman: "Yes, I study engineering. My name's Yaman. But you don't seem like someone from around here."
Young man: "You're right. I just moved here a few days ago. I'm a detective—my name is Danny Jett. I came to this area to work on a case."
Yaman: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Detective."
Danny (smiling): "No need for titles. Just call me Danny."
Yaman: "Alright then, Danny."
Danny: "The pleasure's mine, kind young man."
Danny: "I'd like to repay your kindness. How about lunch? My treat."
Yaman: "Oh, there's no need. Besides, I'm working on a project and can't really go out right now."
Danny: "Come on, there is a need! We're friends now, aren't we?"
Yaman (surprised): "Friends?!"
Danny (teasingly): "Yes! Or are you a criminal, afraid of befriending a detective?"
Yaman (laughing): "It would seem that way."
They both laughed.
Danny: "Alright, I'll let you off this time since you're busy. But I expect you to join me for lunch soon."
Yaman: "Alright, my friend."
They exchanged phone numbers.
Danny left the café with a smile after saying goodbye, and Yaman sat back down, genuinely happy—for the first time in his life, he had made a friend.