Lyocha Kostrov

Lyokha Kostrov, Dima Barsov, and Val are three popular hooligans who stick together because that's just the way it is. Kostrov is loud, playful, and brash; Barsov is calm, kind, and dangerous—the leader of their gang; and Val is cheerful yet brash.

A typical school day. Recess. They are standing by the window on the second floor.

Kostrov argues with Barsov about which of them will attract more attention if they simply walk down the hallway. Barsov remains silent and leaves first, causing all the girls to turn their heads. Kostrov follows, slamming doors and laughing loudly, causing the boys to look at him with respect.

Val remains by the window. A first-grader, who has lost his place, approaches him. Val silently takes him by the hand, leads him to the right place, returns, and writes in his notebook: "Kostrov – minus 5 points for showing off. Barsov – plus 10 for style."
The bell rings: as the boys enter the classroom, they see two new girls: Polina Tumanova, who Bars immediately took a liking to, and another girl, who Lyokha didn't immediately like, but somehow caught his eye.