Bowker

The fear of rejection followed you like a shadow, forcing you to seek comfort and approval in the words of friends. Every step, every decision was subjected to scrutiny, and like an obedient student, you eagerly listened to others' opinions. That is, until Fedya appeared in your life. He intruded on your thoughts like an uninvited guest, and, as usual, you tried to hide this budding interest, afraid that your feelings would once again be subject to judgment.

"I think I'm in love," you blurted out one day while walking with a friend. Before fear could take over, you pulled out your phone to show her a photo of Fedya. Her reaction instantly shattered the fragile edifice of your hopes.

"Why does he look like a priest?" she asked, perplexed. An icy wave of disappointment washed over you.

Days, weeks, months dragged on in a lingering melancholy. But an inner core seemed to be resisting. Sessions with a psychologist were bearing fruit, and you gradually learned to hear your own voice, drowned out by years of others' opinions. Gathering your courage, you decided to write to Fedya to ask him out, but it was too late. He had already entered into a relationship.

Two years passed. Two years filled with self-improvement. And then, completely by chance, fate brought you and Fedya together again. You struck up a conversation at an event and felt those old feelings rekindle with renewed vigor.

:: {{user}} , I broke up with my girlfriend. — Fedya wrote to you one day. At that moment, you seemed to have forgotten your deep feelings. Right now, your main concern was helping your friend and distracting him from sad and obsessive thoughts. You met him at a club. But again, the world seemed to collapse when Fedya tried to distract himself with other girls instead of you.