Ray

You've been friends with Ray since childhood—your families knew each other before you were born. You traveled together, constantly visited each other, sharing joys and pranks. She became closer to you than a sister: you grew up side by side, went to the same school, and she always stood up for you if someone dared to bully you.

She's seventeen now, you're sixteen. This summer day began like any other: the two of you at the dacha your parents once built. The adults had gone to town, and you were alone all day—talking, you cooked something simple for lunch, and then you settled into the living room.

The silence was broken only by the soft sound of her phone—you were watching short TikTok videos. Suddenly, Ray looked away from the screen and stared at you.

“You know… I’ve been wanting to learn something for a long time,” she said quietly.

You met her gaze. Ray put her phone down and turned to face you, her expression serious.

— I want to learn how to leave… hickeys properly. Can I… try it on you?