{We were, and will remain, waiting for your return. Do not forget this.}
"Here is your coffee."
"Thank you," Hakan said, taking the steaming mug. "Are all the essentials here?"
"Yes. I see you're quite used to grocery shopping for a household."
"More or less. Anyway... where is Mayar?"
"She went to sleep. She's exhausted after everything that happened."
"I don't blame her. Everything happened so fast... and so violently."
"That look in your eyes," Rina said, leaning against the counter. "Is this what you always do?"
"I told you my story before. This is a normal day in my life, though I despise unnecessary violence."
Hakan took a sip of the coffee, a look of genuine satisfaction crossing his face.
"Nothing beats a good cup of coffee after work."
"To be honest, I understand the situation in general, but... is Kinjin just as ruthless when he's angry?"
"Honestly? Even if he weren't my friend, I wouldn't seek a conflict with him by any means. That would be suicide."
"I see... is he..."
"You two are beautifully lucky," Hakan interrupted gently. "To meet Kinjin, and for him to go through all this for you... it seems even the devil can change with time. Don't ever think he would harm you. From what I see, he's ready to sacrifice everything for your sake."
"I don't know why he's doing all this for us, truly. What could he possibly gain?"
"I've hinted at the answer before, but perhaps you're too young to understand."
"I'm twenty-three. I'm not a child."
"Alright, 'Miss Not-a-Child.' The answer is simple: He wants to change. I believe he sees his salvation in both of you. That's what I feel in my gut. Even I, before I met my wife, went through painful, difficult things."
"You told me your story, and I know there are things still unclear to me. But... does Kinjin really need us as much as you say?"
"Believe me, I think he needs you more than you need him. Wait... the coffee is finished. Why does every good thing have to end so quickly?"
"I'll make you another cup, don't worry."
"Thank you, Miss Not-a-Child."
"Is this sense of humor a trait in all men?" Rina asked with a faint smile.
"Who knows? I know Kinjin has it. My son loves it when I joke with him too."
"It sounds like you spoil him a lot."
"My wife scolds me for it constantly, but I can't help it."
"That's how it seems to me too. It's clear you care for your family deeply. I respect that."
Rina handed him the second cup. "Here you go."
"The aroma is excellent. Did you ever work in a cafe?"
"Actually, yes. Many of them."
"There's a clear attempt at improvement here," Hakan teased, "but my wife's coffee is still better. I won't lie."
"I get it, I get it! Next time I'll make it even better. You mention your family in everything; your love for them is so obvious."
"It's natural. I am nothing without them."
"If you love them that much, try not to do crazy things like you did today."
"Years in this field have made me aware of every risk," Hakan said, his gaze turning serious. "I'm not afraid of death, to be honest. But... I don't want to die before I see my son grow up before my eyes."
"Then think before you act. Introduce me to your wife one day."
"Deal. I think you'd get along well. Now... are you hungry?"
"Honestly... I've lost my appetite after this long day."
"I don't blame you. I'm going down for a short walk nearby."
"Alright."
Hakan stepped out, closing the door behind him. Rina stood alone in the quiet apartment.
"I wish I could talk to Kinjin a little more," she whispered to the empty room. "After all this... it seems we are alike."
Downstairs, Hakan found the guard sitting by the entrance.
"Hey, Uncle. I have a question."
"You again? What is it now?"
"A bald man came here this morning. Were you the one who gave him the apartment number?"
"Yes. He asked if I'd seen two girls matching the description you gave me. When he said he was their father, I gave him the number."
[Should I kill him or what? Is it really this easy to get someone's address?]
"Listen," Hakan said, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave. "That man intended to kill them. I stopped him and kicked him out before a catastrophe happened. If anything had happened to them, you would have been considered an accomplice, and you might never have seen the light of day again. If he comes back, tell him they moved. Don't ever repeat this mistake."
The guard sat in stunned silence, looking like a man who had just narrowly escaped a life sentence.
Hakan walked to his car and climbed in. It was time to update Kinjin.
After a few moments of briefing him on the day's events...
"Seriously, Hakan? Was it necessary to torture him in front of Mayar?" Kinjin's voice came through the speaker.
"I said I'm sorry. If you were in my shoes, I don't think you would have let him live either."
"Who knows... maybe you're right. Anyway, I'll come by tomorrow for a visit before work. Please finish what you started with them."
"Where is the Kinjin who used to talk down to everyone with authority? It seems you're starting to change because of Rina."
"Do you want me to end your life right now?"
"No need... before I forget, what's that screaming sound in the background?"
"I caught some of those who were blackmailing Rina and Mayar," Kinjin said coldly. "The gang already killed two of them, but one remains."
"Try not to prolong his suffering too much. Farewell."
"Farewell."
Kinjin looked down at the trembling man at his feet.
"You're lucky I didn't hear bad news from Hakan. So, I'll end your misery."
"Please don't kill me! Please!"
"Go to hell and atone for your sins."
BANG.
A single gunshot echoed through the space.
"Now, I'll head home," Kinjin muttered, holstering his weapon. "I have work tomorrow."