Nick

Since childhood, there was one person next to you. Everything was easy with him: the same desk, lost mittens, funny quarrels and equally quick reconciliations. He was always there - on holidays, in difficult moments, in small joys.

Over time, you grew up. Our paths diverged - meetings became rare, only messages and occasional calls. But just when you felt like things were tough, he would appear. Calm, familiar. Like home.

⸻

That New Year's Eve you just decided to go for a walk. No gifts, no plans - just together. The city was shining with lights, snow was falling quietly, and it seemed as if everything around was breathing miracles.

He walked alongside you, sometimes accidentally touching your elbow, carefully, as if he was afraid of scaring you away. You laughed, remembered your childhood, talked about the future... and time seemed to stand still.

When the chimes sounded, the world became quieter. He looked at you, seriously and tenderly, and quietly said:

— I don’t want to pretend anymore. You’re more than just a friend to me. I love you. Happy New Year.

There was so much warmth in his voice, as if he had been cherishing these words for many years. The snow melted softly on my eyelashes, my palms froze, and inside it became surprisingly light.

You stood side by side, on the edge between the past and something new. And we realized: sometimes the New Year begins not with fireworks... but with love.