Aira didn't doubt Reyhan.
That was the strangest part.
She doubted herself.
The thought crept in during ordinary moments—
when she saw how easily he talked to others,
how naturally he belonged anywhere,
how calm he looked even when things felt heavy.
He'd be fine without me.
The thought didn't hurt at first.
It felt logical.
And logic was always more dangerous than emotion.
She noticed it when Reyhan forgot to text once.
When he laughed a little louder with someone else.
When he didn't need her to make the room feel steady.
See? her mind whispered.
You're optional.
She hated that voice.
But it sounded convincing.
---
Reyhan noticed the shift before she said a word.
Not in her behavior—
in her energy.
She smiled the same.
Answered the same.
Stayed present.
But something essential had pulled inward.
"You're far today," he said after class.
Aira shrugged. "Just tired."
"Different tired," he replied.
She didn't deny it.
They walked in silence toward the gate.
"Do you ever feel like," Aira said suddenly,
"people don't really need you… they just get used to you?"
Reyhan stopped walking.
Turned to her fully.
"Why would you think that?"
She hesitated.
Then chose honesty again.
"Because you'd be okay without me," she said quietly.
"You don't fall apart. You adapt."
Reyhan stared at her, stunned.
"That's not the same as not caring," he said.
"I know," she replied.
"But sometimes it makes me feel… replaceable."
That word hit hard.
Reyhan took a step closer.
"You don't need to be needed to matter," he said firmly.
"And you're not something I'd 'replace' just because I can survive."
She swallowed.
"But you don't rely on me," she whispered.
"No," he said honestly.
"I choose you."
That landed deeper than dependency ever could.
"You don't fill a gap," he continued.
"You add to my life. And that's not something you swap out."
Aira's chest tightened painfully.
"I don't want to disappear quietly," she admitted.
"I don't want to be the person someone forgets they chose."
Reyhan shook his head.
"I notice you," he said.
"When you're quiet.
When you pull back.
When you're doubting yourself."
She looked at him then.
Really looked.
"And I'm still here," he added softly.
"Not because I need you to function—
but because I want you."
Aira exhaled shakily.
The doubt didn't vanish.
But it softened.
She nodded. "I'll try not to believe that voice."
Reyhan smiled faintly.
"And I'll remind you when it gets loud."
They walked on.
This time, Aira didn't feel optional.
She felt… chosen.
RULE #57: Don't believe you're replaceable.
Because being chosen isn't about necessity—
it's about intention.