The Neighbor in the Heart of MeUpdated at Mar 1, 2026, 00:35
I’m Luna Bozdoğan.My life was hit by a total wrecking ball in the shape of a new neighbor and suddenly, everything turned into a wild ride. I never thought I’d actually say this, but I seriously miss my 'boring' old life.Wait, who am I even talking to? I dived straight in without introducing myself, didn't I? Classic me. Let’s back up. You ready?I live with my family in one of those rare Istanbul neighborhoods that somehow managed to keep its soul. You know the ones the kind of warm, cozy streets you only see in old school movies nowadays, where everyone actually knows your name.It’s just me and my brother, Karan. He’s living in Ankara now, in his first year as a doctor. I’m still not used to him being gone; I miss him like crazy. I grew up on these streets, and I’ve got two childhood besties who’ve been with me through thick and thin: Efsun and Fatih. I love them to death, and honestly, there aren't enough words to describe the bond we have.Efsun and I are both 24. She’s my girl ginger curls, hazel eyes, and just a walking battery of positive energy. I studied nursing and she studied public admin. We’re both stuck in that 'waiting to get hired' limbo, so in the meantime, we’re working at this local bookstore called The Book Sea. Efsun is head-over-heels, hopelessly in love with the owner, Mr. Atilla. But since he hasn’t made a move, she’s just... waiting. It’s a whole thing.Then there’s Fatih. He’s my light in the dark, my happy place on good days, and my safe harbor on the bad ones. He’s three years older than us and works as an interior designer at his dad’s firm. But here’s the kicker: about two years ago, the way he looks at me changed. He used to look at me like a sister or a best friend, but now? It’s pure love. I’ve tried so hard to feel the same way, but I just can’t see him as anything other than the brother I grew up with. It stabs me right in the heart, and knowing I can’t give him what he wants hurts even more.Oh, and then there are my obsessions. Number one: Books. I’ll read anything, but thrillers and mysteries? That’s my jam. Getting lost in a plot, traveling through words it’s a straight up miracle to me. Number two: Songwriting. I spend hours with my trusty old guitar, turning my feelings into lyrics. People say I have a great voice, but I’m too terrified to sing in front of anyone except my inner circle. I’m that girl the one who freezes up, voice shaking, heart racing the second all eyes are on her. Believe me, I’ve tried to get over it for years, but no luck. Thank God for Fatih, though; he’s the one who gives voice to my songs.On Sundays, at the Sky Cafe in the busier part of town, Fatih’s voice is like therapy for our ears. I just hope that one day, I’ll have the guts to stand up there and sing my own songs.So, that was my story. Warm, cozy, and pretty average. Just like everyone else’s.Until the 'Jerk Upstairs' moved in.He’s arrogant, a total caveman, and honestly? A massive pain in my neck. Every time we talk, I end up on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He’s the 'God forbid' type the kind of guy you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. He’s got sandy hair, he's tall, and has these green eyes (I still can’t decide on the exact shade). And ugh, unfortunately he’s gorgeous. But that smirk? That annoying way he poses with his hands in his pockets? It’s so irritating. Totally not my type.I didn't know. I couldn't have known.If you told me that I someone who had given up on love would learn to love again because of him... I would’ve laughed in your face. I would've told you that you're dreaming or that I must've had a fever dream. But I guess life has a way of making you eat your words. Never say never, right? I learned that the hard way.When he arrived, my whole world shifted. Just like the rhythm of my heart.So... shall we begin?