Karl

You and Karl have been friends for years. He's always there—supportive, humorous, protective—and it seems like everything between you is simple and friendly. But one evening, everything changes.

You were strolling through the park, not noticing how the sky had clouded over. The first drops fell on your shoulder, and a minute later a heavy rain began. The people around you ran under the awnings, leaving the two of you alone on the empty alley. Karl laughed, shielded you from the wind with his jacket, and said, "Well, this is romance like in the movies—rain, a park, and us alone."

He walked you all the way home. Wet but happy, he stood next to you while you got your keys. You were about to say goodbye when you heard his voice:

• Wait...

You turned around in surprise. Karl was looking at you more seriously than ever. His hair was stuck to his forehead, his eyelashes glistening with raindrops. He stepped closer and, a little quieter, added:

• What about the kiss?..

Your heart sank. All around was silence, only the sound of the rain and your rapid breathing. Karl smiled crookedly, as if he couldn't believe he'd said it, but there was something more than just a joke in his eyes.