"We're just trying to lift your mood. Would it really be better to go see Kerem looking this miserable and sloppy?"
"Sapphire's right. If you go with red eyes and that long face, you'll draw way too much attention. He's not stupid, Duru. He'll definitely realize your unhappiness has something to do with him. At that point, you might as well just confess your love."
I pouted and muttered unhappily.
"Do you really think he'd notice? Am I that obvious?"
"Honestly, unless you wrote I love Kerem on your forehead, it couldn't be more obvious, Red,"
"Don't exaggerate," Aylin said, laughing as she nudged Feyza's arm.
Then turned to me more gently. "You're not that obvious, but Kerem is very experienced when it comes to women. And by now, he's gotten to know you a bit too. We're not planning to dress you up like you're going to a wedding anyway. We'll just add a little color to your face and style your hair. That's all."
"Alright, fine. If you promise not to overdo it, I'm okay with that. But don't say I didn't warn you—I'll take this dress off. I can't walk around in the middle of winter wearing something this thin."
Before I could even finish speaking, Feyza had already started loosening and fixing my hair.
I let out a deep sigh and took another sip from my glass. If what was going through my head was really as obvious as they said, then getting through tonight was going to be even harder than I thought.
When my hair and makeup were finally done, I stood up and examined myself in the full-length mirror. They had really done exactly what they said—simple makeup and a wavy ponytail—but even that was enough to make me look very cute. Compared to how pale I'd looked before, I now seemed much more lively and energetic. I could even say I found myself beautiful. I turned to my friends sincerely.
"Thank you, girls. I really do feel much better now."
While they smiled happily and chatted among themselves, I turned back to the mirror and kept looking at myself. After a moment, Aylin spoke up as if she could read my thoughts.
"Do you still want to take the dress off?"
I played with the hem of the dress and murmured hesitantly.
"I don't know, Teresa. I really like how it looks on me, so I don't want to take it off, but going like this feels a bit too much. Like I'm trying too hard to catch his attention or make him like me."
Feyza frowned and put her hands on her hips.
"I never expected to hear that from a smart, freedom-loving girl like you, Duru. Why is it that when we dress up and feel good about ourselves, men assume it's about them? We don't need their approval with every step we take, okay? Who cares what Kerem thinks! If this makes you feel happy, then this is how you're going. End of discussion!"
Without taking my eyes off Feyza, I nudged Aylin.
"Did she get possessed by you or something?"
She laughed, glanced at Feyza, then leaned toward me.
"She even scares me sometimes. She's genuinely more intense than I am."
"Oh please, now you're exaggerating," Feyza said, rolling her eyes dramatically.
We giggled and left the bedroom. When I heard my phone ringing, I hurried into the living room and answered when I saw who was calling.
"Hello, Rüzgar?"
"Are you ready?"
"More or less. Why?"
"I'm downstairs waiting. Come down when you're ready."
When the call ended, I stared at my phone in confusion and turned to the girls.
"Rüzgar's downstairs waiting for me. Why is he waiting for me? I was going to take a taxi."
"Don't worry about the reason now, Duru," Aylin said. "Just grab something to wear and go. Don't keep him waiting."
I nodded and started getting ready to leave when Feyza rushed over to me.
"Shoes! What about shoes? What are you going to wear? Please, for the love of everything, don't wear Converse this time, Duru!"
Laughing, I put my hand on her shoulder.
"Relax. I have some flats I bought for presentations. I'll wear those."
She let out a relieved breath and nodded.
"Okay, good then. Go on. Have fun. Call us when you get back."
"See you, girls."
"See you, babe. Have fun."
I quickly went down to my apartment, threw my essentials into a small bag, took my coat and shoes from the coat rack, put them on, and checked myself in the mirror one last time. Satisfied with what I saw, I left the apartment, locked the door, and got into the elevator.
When I reached the garden and saw Rüzgar leaning against his car, one hand in his pocket and a cigarette between his fingers, I walked over to him quickly.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I didn't know you were coming."
He tilted his head slightly, gave me a brief look, then stubbed out his cigarette on the ground and straightened up.
"It's fine. Let's go."
Aside from a couple of short exchanges, the drive was quiet. Just as I was about to get out of the car, I smiled at a sudden thought and turned to him.
"Thanks for the chocolates."
"You're welcome."
"See you later."
As I opened the door and was about to step out, he called my name.
"Duru."
I turned back to him, and after looking at my face for a moment, he added, "The dress suits you."
I smiled sincerely. "Thank you."
I got out of the car, waved at him, and headed toward Kerem's place.