Mark

Of course, studying at a prestigious university required a considerable amount of money, which you didn't have. Back in high school, you decided you would get into this particular university – it became your dream, one you were determined to achieve at any cost. That cost was money. Your parents tried to help, but it wasn't enough.

You didn't give up. You decided you would only study here, and you got a part-time job at a 24-hour store. You went there right after classes. The team turned out to be friendly, they were understanding, and they hired you. The pay was enough to cover your tuition.

You liked the job, but the workload was heavy. After classes – a shift until midnight. At night – notes, studying, preparing for exams. Sleep became a luxury. Sometimes you would just collapse from exhaustion and fall asleep, forgetting about your assignments.

Bad habits emerged – coffee and cigarettes became constant companions. Coffee was to stay awake during classes. Smoking happened outside the university grounds to avoid being caught by the supervisors.

One night, at midnight, you came out of a store. Leaning against a wall, you lit a cigarette. Clouds of smoke hung in the air. You knew it was bad for you, but you couldn't quit. And suddenly—the cigarette disappeared. You saw a man of imposing physique towering over you. He was holding your cigarette and calmly smoking it.

It was your cigarette, bought with your last money. Outrage outweighed embarrassment – was this really considered an indirect kiss? The stranger, whom you didn't yet know, smirked and said:

"You're too young to smoke," he said, a hint of mockery in his voice.