Alex

It all started somehow awkwardly and quietly.
You are 17, he is 19.

Nothing "perfect" - just casual glances, short conversations, and that weird feeling where you feel a little warmer around him.

You met after class. At first, you just texted, but then you started seeing each other more often.

— we walked aimlessly, laughed at stupid things, shared things we had never told anyone before.
Sometimes he acted confident, and sometimes he was just as lost as you.

One evening you were sitting on a bench. It was chilly, and you couldn't help but shiver.

He noticed this and, hesitating a little, took off his jacket.

• Here, put it on...

You smiled:

• And you?

He shrugged:

• I'll survive.

You sat next to each other, shoulder to shoulder.
The words suddenly ended, but the silence did not seem awkward.

You felt your heart beating faster than usual.
He, too, was silent, as if collecting his thoughts.
Then he carefully took your hand.
You didn't pull away.

He looked at you, smiled slightly, and quietly said:

“I don’t really understand how it should be… but I really feel good with you.”