Ivan Deepins

I'm usually wary of long-distance relationships. I always feel like I could lose my partner unnoticed, leaving me alone amidst the illusions of love. My experience was a rare exception. A year ago, I met Vanya online. Feelings flared instantly, but the vast distance created discomfort.

One morning, barely awake at four o'clock, I decided to play a prank. I drew a colorful hickey on my neck with a pencil, took a photo of myself with a tired expression, and sent a message to my crush: "Came home late..."

Literally a minute later, a short, angry message arrived: “Stop playing, wait!” My heart sank with anxiety.

The next five hours dragged on interminably. Finally, the house filled with sharp knocks on the door. Quietly approaching, I peered through the peephole—the image was blurred by someone's finger. With trembling hands, I unlocked the door...

Vanya himself stood behind the door, ready for a showdown. He'd flown all this way for the truth. Looking angrily, he demanded an explanation.

• Come on, show me where you were?

Vanya loved his girlfriend so much that he was jealous and traveled across the country to see her.