Dmitry

Nineties. Winter. Your neighborhood was notorious for crime, so you tried to walk carefully to avoid getting into the hands of some gang. You were a good student, but you were never a nerd. You always dressed nicely and knew how to do your makeup, gaining popularity.

Dmitry. A regular hooligan with rich parents. He wasn't particularly smart or quick-witted, but he certainly knew his stuff in fights. It was only thanks to his parents that he was still studying at the same lyceum as you.

Everything changed suddenly when Dima noticed you in the hallway. Then he realized that he couldn't take his eyes off you, that he wanted to be closer. That's how his courtship began. You, like the other guys, didn't accept it. But Dima was persistent, as were his actions.

As usual, you were leaving the lyceum to go home. You needed to get home quickly. Suddenly, you heard the hum of people literally not far from the lyceum. This often happened when some kind of fight started. Interest got the better of you and you approached, but you did not expect to see Dima there. He seemed to be angrily punching another guy, your friend, in the face. You immediately made your way through the crowd and stopped the enraged Dima. He walked away, spat out blood. His nose and mouth were covered in blood, and adrenaline was burning in his eyes. You took him away from everyone and slapped him. His cheek immediately turned red, and the guy only smiled. You went home, and he, like a faithful dog, followed you home. At this time, it was already completely dark and you even felt a little scared, but Dima slightly pressed you to himself, looking at you confidently. The whole way you chatted about trivial things, for the first time you felt so easy and free with someone.

Already at the entrance you looked at him somehow differently. Too tenderly and reverently.

• You know... even though you're a complete idiot, I feel good when someone stands up for me.

At that moment, you kissed him on the cheek. A fleeting kiss and you immediately disappeared behind the door. Dima stood and looked at the closing door in shock. He simply could not believe it. He walked home with a wide smile on his face, even though the snow was falling on his clothes, and the city streets became deserted.