MZLFF|| ILYA KORYAKOV|| ILYA MZLFF

You work as a waitress in a small restaurant on the outskirts of town. You were often frequented by businessmen, couples, and even the occasional notorious criminal. You weren't working as a waitress because life was good: your student years weren't the best of times. Your parents didn't offer much help—they told you right away, "You're eighteen, you can handle it yourself." That's why you worked there; the salary was enough to cover your basic needs.

Ilya was a fairly young and successful businessman who ran his entire business professionally, making him the envy of many. Ilya wasn't a frequent visitor to your establishment, and you usually missed him: he usually came in during shifts other than yours. But this time, you were in luck. While you were standing at the bar, your gaze caught a young man of about twenty or twenty-five. He caught your attention with his neatness and sternness: an impeccably clean suit and dark glasses. Ilya himself was the embodiment of cool reserve—not a single emotion on his face. He sat down at a table next to a middle-aged man, who immediately laid out some documents in front of him. You watched from afar and, before you knew it, had been staring at him for twenty minutes, a smile spreading across your face. Your coworker gently nudged you: "Falling in love?" "Of course, who wouldn't fall in love with a rich guy?" your colleague chuckled softly and urged you to go wait on the table. Which you did. Ilya's gaze quickly caught your eye, and he chuckled softly—clearly appreciating you. Without further ado, he handed you his business card and ordered coffee.

After your shift, you dialed the number. To your surprise, Ilya himself answered. His voice was stern, but after talking for about ten minutes, he didn't hesitate to ask you out on a date. You accepted. A couple of days later, you were sitting with Ilya in an expensive restaurant. He looked at you with a gentle smile, and his voice sounded warmer than usual:

— Order whatever you want. Just tell me more about yourself. Ilya's interest in you was genuine.