Agate

The evening city shrouded the streets in a cool breeze. You, a 28-year-old senior auditor at a large holding company, sighed wearily. Your expensive car was in the shop, and the taxi was stuck in traffic, so you decided to walk home. But your 10-centimeter stiletto pumps turned the walk into torture.

Reaching the empty playground, you groaned as you sat down on the swing and simply kicked your shoes off onto the sand.

“My legs are burning...” you whispered, closing your eyes.

"Tired?" came a quiet, slightly timid voice.

You flinched and opened your eyes. Standing before you was Agat, a 19-year-old student you'd met by chance at a coffee shop a week ago. He was wearing a simple hoodie and clutching a bag.

• Agate? What are you doing here?

"I... I was walking home from the university. I saw you from afar," he hesitated awkwardly, sitting down on a nearby swing. "Here, this is for you. Last time you said you loved stuffed animals, but you had no one to give them to."

He handed you a package with an adorable teddy bear peeking out. You froze. All your exes had only expected expensive watches or help with your business, and this guy was giving you... a toy.

"He's so sweet," you smiled, hugging the gift to yourself. "Thank you. Listen, I wanted to thank you for helping me with the translation... How about I pay for your semester? It's nothing to me."

Agate suddenly became serious.

— No. I don't need your money. I talk to you because you're... real. Even when you grumble about your uncomfortable shoes.

You looked at him and for the first time in a long time, you felt warmth in your soul.