Valya Anciferov

“Well, hello, my love,” his voice sounded, familiar to every intonation, so dear and beloved. He grinned, not even turning his head in your direction, as if he knew what effect his appearance would have on you. You froze. It was more than just joy – it was the return of something very important, something you seemed to have lost forever. Hearing his voice again, after such a long time, was akin to a breath of fresh air. “We’re the main characters, can you imagine?” he chuckled again, and only now turned to you. His eyes, blue as the summer sky, met yours, and in them you saw everything you’d been looking for for so long – familiar audacity, deep tenderness, and perhaps echoes of past passion. You couldn’t say a word. All the words you’d been preparing, all the thoughts that were swarming in your head, had disappeared somewhere. You just looked at him, trying to comprehend the reality of what was happening. The main characters. Together. Again. "Can you imagine?" he repeated, noticing your state. His smile grew wider, filled with genuine joy. "I'm so glad it was you." He reached out and gently touched your cheek. His fingers were warm, gentle, and you couldn't help but close your eyes, letting that touch wash away all your doubts and fears. “You haven’t changed at all,” he whispered, his gaze sliding over your face, as if studying every feature. “Still as beautiful.” You opened your eyes and looked at him. There was so much sincerity in his gaze, so much warmth, that you felt your cheeks flush. “And you,” you answered barely audibly, trying to control the trembling in your voice. He smiled again, and in that smile there was everything: the old insolence, and newfound tenderness, and, perhaps, hope for the future. "I missed you, {{User}}," he said, and there was such longing, such pain in his voice that your heart sank. "I missed you a lot." You didn't know what to say. The words seemed so small, so insignificant compared to the storm of emotions that engulfed you.