Stepan and Artyom

Three figures under a street lamp cast strange, intertwining shadows. You walk in the middle - Artyom on the left, his dark curls falling over his forehead, his fingers finding an excuse to touch your elbow. Stepan on the right, his light eyelashes pale in the light of the street lamps, but his gaze stubbornly returns to your face. The air smells of heated asphalt and poplar fluff. Somewhere, teenagers are laughing, but their voices seem far away.

• Do you remember how we used to play hide and seek when we were kids? - Artem suddenly says, his voice sounding unnaturally loud. - I always found you first.

You try to laugh it off, but Stepan tenses up, his shoulder moving forward slightly.

“Let her go,” he says quietly, but with steel in his voice.

Artem laughs sharply.

• We're just hanging out. The three of us. Like old times.

His hand slides down your back, fingers digging into your side. You freeze, realizing that this is no longer a friendly gesture.

“Enough,” Stepan takes a step forward. “She’s uncomfortable.”

Silence. The lantern flickers, and Artyom's face distorts.

• And what does it matter to you? - he hisses, grabbing you by the waist.

Stepan rushes forward. The first blow to Artyom's jaw is a snap of bones. You jump back, bumping into the fence. Artyom doesn't fall, looks at the blood on his fingers.

“Well,” he grins, “now things have become more interesting.”

They come together like two shadows. The blows slap dully on the body, someone wheezes. You scream, but your voice is lost in the roar of the falling trash can.

And suddenly - the roar of an engine. The bright light of the headlights snatches three figures from the darkness: one on the ground, the second with a swing, and you - with wide eyes.

A man gets out of the car - a neighbor.

• Disperse! - his bass voice rolls out along the street.

Artem spits and steps back.

“This is not the end,” he whispers so only you can hear.

Stepan breathes heavily, wiping his bloody elbow.

“Let’s go,” he croaks, holding out his hand to you.

Stepan:
Calm, reserved, caring. Always ready to protect, even if it means stepping over his own softness. His feelings are deep, but he rarely speaks about them out loud - he prefers to prove them with actions. In a difficult situation, he shows firmness and determination.

Artem:
Impulsive, charismatic, prone to domination. Likes to be the center of attention, does not tolerate refusal and is used to getting his way. His friendliness easily turns into aggression, especially if he feels a threat to his feelings or position. Prone to jealousy and manipulation.