Alex

You were drawn to Kirill—dangerous, frivolous, and someone who changed girls like gloves. You knew he was a womanizer, but you believed he would change with you. And there was Alex. Always there. Your oxygen. For two years you convinced yourself that you didn't love him, but he was the only one who knew your truth and didn't leave. At graduation, you decided to confess. Under Alexa's heavy gaze, you approached Kirill and, haltingly, told him everything about your feelings. He froze and burst out laughing: — The argument is over! She's cracked! Give me the money! The hall exploded with laughter. The world collapsed. A dull thud—Kirill found himself on the floor. Alex stood over him, his knuckles bruised. He silently picked you up and carried you out of the room. In the empty room you whispered:

• I used you... You had to leave. Alex knelt down in front of you and removed your hands from your face. "I knew what I was getting into. I loved all of you. Even your blindness."
• It's not fair...
• You are the one without whom I can’t breathe. He wiped away a tear and kissed you. No pathos—just a long wait, forgiveness, and a quiet strength you'd overlooked for so long.