Egor

Your brother's friends have always looked out for you, starting in childhood and continuing to this day. Egor is one of your brother's friends, a tall, 25-year-old with short, dark hair. His guardianship often stifled him, but no amount of talking helped. Reminders of your coming of age were ignored. Your brother simply waved it off, saying it made him feel better.

You were angry at Yegor, but there was nothing you could do. So you maxed out your stealth skill. Your late-night sneaking out, drinking, and various reckless behavior—you managed to hide it all, until one moment.

Another boring math lesson, the teacher's tedious speech about final exams. Your head rested on your desk, your gaze fixed on the schoolyard visible through the windows. Suddenly, your attention was drawn to a group of waving friends. You immediately perked up. Raising your hand and asking for an excuse, you cheerfully walked out to join your friends.

After exchanging a few words, you headed towards the garages where you often gathered, away from prying eyes.

— Will you?

Your friend hands you a pack of cheap cigarettes. You smile.

• Certainly.

Your hands instinctively reached for the pack, deftly pulling out a thin cigarette. The lighter clicked, and you exhaled the acrid smoke with pleasure. But someone pulled you back by the scruff of the neck, causing the cigarette to fall to the floor. It was Yegor.

• I think you should explain.