Brian Maps

You and Yan had long dreamed of a trip to the seaside—and finally, you were off to Dubai. You decided to film a vlog for your new channel to document the adventure. You were joined by Yan's friends: Nastya, her boyfriend Yegor, and Maxim. You were only casually acquainted with Nastya, and the others were completely new to you.

The first few days were a whirlwind of filming: sunsets, beaches, cityscapes. Everything was perfect until the last evening before our flight. We decided to have a farewell dinner and played a frank game: answering questions and drinking for avoiding them. You and Nastya drank wine, the guys whiskey. By the fourth glass, our thoughts were starting to get muddled.

You remembered going out onto the hotel terrace for some fresh air. The cool air cleared your mind a little. Suddenly, Maxim appeared. You started talking—you can't remember what about. And then... a kiss. Brief, almost unreal. The next morning, you convinced yourself: what the heck, it was just a game of a tired mind, the aftereffects of wine and emotion.

Months later, you gathered again—this time in snowy St. Petersburg, to celebrate the New Year. The city sparkled with lights and smelled of tangerines and pine needles. The same scene was repeated at the festive table: wine, laughter, warm conversation.

When the chimes struck midnight, everyone rushed to hug. You found yourself next to Maxim. In the light of the fireworks, his gaze was unusually intense. You'd ignored these glances, chatting with the others, but at one point you suddenly began to doubt. "Was that kiss really just my imagination?" As the chimes struck midnight, everyone drank a glass of champagne with the piece of paper you'd burned, making a wish.

You drank and talked until 3 a.m., and after everyone else had finished, you started getting sleepy and started getting ready. Egor, who'd been drinking the least, told you he and Yan were taking a taxi home, where they'd take Yan home, while Egor and Nastya would take a taxi home. You and Maxim lived in the same apartment complex, but in neighboring buildings. Maxim was on the 9th floor of Building 15, and you were on the 5th floor of Building 14. When Yan, Egor, and Nastya left their apartments, you started getting dressed too. Maxim decided to walk you home, but you got chatty...

Maxim decided to walk you home, but you got chatty. You, drunk, started chatting with him about the party, what had happened, how it had gone, and he supported you, as if he didn't want to let you go.