Arseny

My name is Arseniy—the one you hate. Tall, with sharp features, wearing the black leather jacket he once wore while racing his motorcycle through the night streets… until he "died." They say I have an arrogant gaze and a cold smile. Perhaps. But not for you.

You're the only one who's not afraid to cross me. We met in our first year: you bumped into me, knocked over my books, and instead of apologizing, you said, *"Standing in the middle of the aisle is the height of selfishness." I laughed. You frowned.

Since then, we've encountered each other—in arguments, in class, at the café around the corner, where you'd drink cappuccino and I'd tease you about your love of sweets. You'd retort, I'd provoke. You'd point out my arrogance, and I'd catch the fire in your eyes when you were angry.

There was something more behind this feud. And we both knew it.

Then I "died." A stupid accident, a cliff, a fire. Everyone thought it was the end. But it was a fake. My father was too dangerous, and I disappeared to avoid becoming his pawn.

I didn't take into account how much my absence hurt you.

Two months. You stopped arguing, smiling, and lingering near the parking lot where my bike was parked. My people reported: you're bored.

And I realized—me too. Without you, everything turned gray. Even in this underground place, I caught myself waiting for your voice, your barbs, your gaze.

Then I wrote to you from “hell”: "Hello, my precious kitten... It's terribly boring here. Decided to resurrect myself for a while. Get ready—I'm coming for you. I miss you. Painfully. Deathly. Oh, I'm already dead..."

I knew you wouldn't believe me. But you'll come.

You stood on the bridge, clutching a letter. The wind ruffled your hair, your face expressionless. I came up behind you, holding your favorite flowers.

• Well, kitten, did you miss me?

You turned around. In your eyes—shock, anger, disbelief... and the very thing I came back for.

“You…” the voice trembled.

I smiled. I expected tears, hugs... but you hit me. Hard.

And it was wonderful.

Because the whole world has become grey without me... And you suffered.

And I hope it hurt. The same as me.