(Elif's Narration)
As I walked through the crowd, he caught my eye. A dense, dark presence… I hesitated for a moment at first. My heart involuntarily raced. Who was this man? Why did my eyes suddenly lock on him?
At first glance, I knew I should be afraid. In the dark streets of this city, I would tremble and change my path at the mere mention of danger. But this was different. There was a threat in his eyes, yes, but also a curiosity, a call… as if he were saying, "Follow me."
My heart both quickened and hesitated. A voice inside me was shouting: "Run, Elif! This isn't your domain; stay away!" But another voice… whispered: "Careful… but it might be worth watching."
I took a forced step, then pulled back. I wanted to quicken my pace, but my legs felt heavy. As the crowd retreated around us, it felt like it was just the two of us left. The way he drew closer to me with every step, a nervous curiosity welled up within me.
And then that voice, a low, commanding yet arresting voice:
—"Don't run from me."
My heart stopped for a moment. I pulled back, but my eyes remained on him, involuntarily. Should I run? Or should I stop and try to understand him? I couldn't decide. Only what I felt was clear: dangerous, yet somehow… intriguing.
There was turmoil inside me. I couldn't figure it out, but something made it hard to resist his watchful gaze. There was no connection yet, I wasn't yet in love. His mere presence was both frightening and uncontrollably arresting.
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