Chapter Six

Baran

Baran took his time walking toward his room. As he considered the future, a hopeful energy surged within him, envisioning the possibilities for him and Darien. They had spent a perfect day together. His mind kept replaying the day’s events like a cherished reel. Gliding across the ice at Rockefeller Center, the chilly air brushing his cheeks, the dazzling lights of New York City enveloping them in a dreamlike haze. Darien’s laughter, warm and genuine, echoing in his ears, making his heart feel light and free for the first time in ages.

The shared pizza, their conversation flowing effortlessly, punctuated by stolen glances and shared smiles. Baran marveled at how perfectly the day went and how natural it felt to be with Darien.

Then came the moment that had left Baran in a daze at the end of the date. When Darien had leaned in and their lips met in that gentle, electrifying kiss. It was as if time had stopped. Baran felt a rush of emotions—joy, excitement, a sense of belonging he hadn’t experienced in what felt like forever.

This date meant everything to him—it was more than just a date, it was a glimpse of happiness. Baran knew he would always treasure this day, holding onto the warmth and promise that Darien’s presence had brought into his life.

When Baran opened the door to his room, Hawk was hunched over his suitcase and rummaging through his belongings. The sight of Hawk’s face, etched with lines of hatred, ignited a spark of anger within Baran.

“What the hell are you doing?” Baran demanded, his voice sharp.

Hawk locked eyes with Baran, making him feel exposed. “Checking for your Koran,” he shouted. Unmistakable hatred clouded Hawk’s icy stare. The animosity was so intense, it felt like a razor-sharp blade slicing through his soul. This must have been the reason his father concealed being a Muslim in this country. His mother’s decision to prevent him from attending a mosque had been ideal for Baran, who found solace in his own thoughts.

Baran’s temper flared. “Stay the fuck out of my suitcase, Hawk. What’s in my damn suitcase is none of your fucking business.”

Hawk scoffed. “I’m checking to see if I can sleep in the same room with an illegal Turk.”

“By stealing?” Baran retorted, his voice rising. “There’s no Koran in there and if there was, it still wouldn’t be your business.”

Hawk’s face turned a deep shade of red. “On your first day, you’re letting Darien fuck you. Everyone knows what you’re doing here. You’re a whore, milking Darien.” He snarled.

Before Baran could respond, Hawk lunged forward, his fist swinging wildly. Baran ducked, the blow missing his head by inches. A wave of adrenaline coursed through Baran’s veins as he retaliated, his own fist connecting with Hawk’s jaw. Hawk stumbled backward; his face contorted in pain.

The two men circled each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle. With each passing moment, the tension in the room grew. Another blow was exchanged, this time a hard right hook that sent Baran reeling. He crashed into the rickety metal bed frame. He was no match for Hawk.

Baran stood and raised his fists. Hawk’s punches landed with brutal force, each one a testament to the pent-up anger and frustration he had been harboring. Baran was disoriented, trying to defend himself, but it was futile. The fight raged on, a chaotic ballet of fists and bodies, until finally, it came to an abrupt end.

Baran lay crumpled on the floor. Hawk stood over him, panting heavily, his knuckles swollen and bleeding. He grabbed Baran’s suitcase and left the room, slamming the door. Baran’s breath came in ragged gasps. Pain throbbed through his body, each heartbeat amplifying the ache in his ribs.

Miss Archer burst into the room; her eyes were wide with concern. She rushed to Baran’s side, kneeling beside him. “Baran, what happened? Who did this to you?”

Baran winced as he tried to shift his weight, his voice barely a whisper. “It’s nothing, Miss Archer. I just…fell.”

Miss Archer’s brow furrowed, her eyes searching for the truth. “I don’t believe that for a second, Baran. Please, tell me what really happened.”

Baran’s eyes darted to the door, avoiding eye-contact. “I can’t. I just can’t.”

Miss Archer’s expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We have a zero-tolerance fighting policy here. Anyone fighting will be removed from the shelter. I need to know what happened so I can help you.”

Baran’s voice wavered, his pain and fear clear. “A stranger took my suitcase after he punched me.”

Miss Archer’s jaw tightened, and she nodded firmly. “I’m calling Darien. Lying to me is not tolerated either. This cannot continue.”

She pulled out her phone and quickly dialed the number, her voice calm as she explained the situation. “We need you in Baran’s room immediately. There’s been an incident.”

Baran got up and sat on a lower bunk, closing his eyes as Miss Archer continued speaking on the phone, the pain in his body a stark reminder of the fight that had left him in this state. He couldn’t defend himself against Hawk. Baran saw himself as weak without Daddy Emirhan. He needed another daddy to protect him, especially in a foreign country.

Within five minutes, the door swung open, and Darien stood in the doorway. “You can leave, Jane,” Darien said.

Baran winced.

“Baran, what happened?” Darien asked gently, sitting beside him and taking his hand.

Baran could see the events replaying in his mind, and his voice trembled. “Hawk was going through my suitcase. When I confronted him, he punched me and called me names. He took my suitcase and left.”

Darien’s eyes darkened with anger, but his voice remained calm. “Did he say why he did it?”

Baran nodded, feeling a fresh wave of displacement, fighting against the fear of another abandonment. Rainbow Haven had a zero tolerance for fighting, and he was certainly part of the fighting. “He said he didn’t trust me because I’m Turkish. He thought I was a Muslim, but I’m not. He even said you were fucking me, and I was a whore. Everyone here knows about you taking me out today. That’s what Hawk said.”

Darien sighed, placing a comforting hand on Baran’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, Baran. Fighting isn’t allowed in the shelter, and Hawk’s behavior is unacceptable.”

Baran looked down, feeling a mix of shame and anger. “I didn’t want to cause any trouble. I just wanted a place to stay. And now, I have less than I did when I got here.” He fought back tears.

“You did nothing wrong,” Darien assured him. “You deserve to feel safe and respected. I’ll handle Hawk, but in the meantime, I want you to stay at my place. You’ll be safer there.”

Baran’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be in the way.”

Darien smiled softly. “You won’t be in the way, Baran. I want to help. You need a safe place to recover, and my home can provide that.”

As they stood up to leave, Baran felt a sense of relief and gratitude. Despite the pain and turmoil of the evening, Darien’s kindness and support gave him hope that things would get better. Together, they walked out of the shelter, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.