The game has started
886 Words
Mert looked at him in confusion and said, "Do whatever you want, but don't complain to me later that you regret this."
Arslan smiled and said, "I won't say anything. My actions will speak volumes."
The night was tense as Arslan walked alone through the narrow streets of Istanbul, the cold air stinging his skin.
Three days had passed since he'd given up.
Three days since he'd said to Mert:
"If you want to help me, then go away or help that person."
And three days since he'd taken his first step into the lion's den—the mafia.
He wasn't arrogant.
He wasn't sure if it was a strength or a weakness.
But he knew one thing:
If this was the only way to get closer, to break free, and maybe... maybe to free himself from the past—he would accept it.
Then Can came.
Arslan hadn't expected him.
It was late evening when a knock came on the door of the café where Mert worked part-time. Arslan was sitting at a table in the corner, his headdress pulled low, his eyes scanning the street.
The door opened, and a tall, sharp-eyed man entered. His dark coat and gray hair trailed down his temples, his presence making the entire room still.
He sat down opposite Arslan uninvited.
Mert came from behind the counter, his face taut with confusion.
"Arslan... who is this man?"
The man gave a faint smile.
"My name is Can. And you... you've both been under my surveillance for a while."
Arslan's eyes narrowed.
"What do you want?"
Can bowed, his voice low but steady.
"I'm an investigator. A Russian. I was brought in by Dan, who once helped you. I work with a multinational task force. We're trying to take down the cartel you just joined."
He looked at Mert.
"And you, young man... you were smart enough to stay out."
Mert folded his arms, his jaw clenched.
"Then why are you here?"
Jan placed a small, tattered file on the table and moved it toward them.
Pictures. Documents. A map of Europe with red lines—shipping routes, drug labs, warehouses.
"Because, Arslan, you're now inside one of Europe's largest drug exporters. And you, Mert, are his reference. You're both talented, but underestimated... and I need you both."
For a moment, there was only the hum of coffee machines and the faint hum of Istanbul's streets beyond the window.
Arslan exhaled slowly.
"You want us to be spies."
Jan's eyes flashed with quiet steel.
"Not just spies. Weapons. To dismantle them from the inside.
Do this, and you'll not only walk free... but you'll help bring down those who poisoned a continent."
Mert shook his head, half laughing.
Arslan placed a firm hand on Mert's arm.
For the first time in days, his voice softened.
"Mert... listen."
His eyes met Can's.
"I'll do that."
Can smiled faintly.
"Good. Because time is running out."
He stood, buttoning his coat.
"I'll be in connect."
As the door closed behind him, Arslan leaned back, his fingers fiddling with his hair, the weight of the world pressing against his chest.
Mert sat opposite him, his eyes wide open, worried—but in the end, he offered a shaky smile.
"So... when do you start, brother?"
Arslan took a deep breath and laughed softly, shaking his head.
Tomorrow. We'll start the game now.
That night, Bahar made a decision that would change her life. She mustered her courage and pride and put her ego aside for a while. But she didn't let go of all her ego. She breathed a sigh of relief and went to her parents' room. She had previously told her mother about Arslan. When she entered the room, she coughed as she looked at her parents and gestured to her mother to bring up the subject. Her mother turned her head to her husband and said, "Listen, man. Our daughter has grown up." Her father raised his eyebrow and said, "Yes, what do you mean?" Bahar smiled and her mother said, "Actually, there is a guy she likes named Arslan. He is a nice, well-mannered boy with high morals, and he is not from Turkey." When her mother finished speaking, Bahar was looking down. Her father smiled and then laughed and said, "So my daughter has grown up and loves a young man, right?" Bahar smiled and said, "Yes, father." Cihan was listening from afar and was crying with laughter. How could his savage sister love someone? He would surely make fun of her for the rest of his life. Bahar's father said, "Okay, what do you want me to do, my daughter?" Bahar smiled and said, "I want to marry him." Her mother opened her eyes and her father looked like he had had a heart attack. Cihan... If he was crying with laughter before, now he could hardly breathe and was rolling on the floor with laughter. The idea that he would get rid of his sister and her stubbornness was wonderful. Her father looked at her and said, "I am not ready to marry off my daughter, not now. You are still young." She frowned and went to leave the room. When she opened the door, she found Jihan crying from laughter. She cursed him and left.
- Writer
