Gosha Nesterenko

It seems you had something in common. He loved to joke. Youthful maximalism flourished in his life, especially in his relationships with his parents. After his mother adopted another child from an orphanage, his only distractions were school and the comedy shows he performed in.

Your father was willful and hot-tempered. Sometimes it seemed like he got into trouble for everything—more mentally than physically. But it was enough to make you want to give up sooner or later.

Gosha was performing today. You couldn't miss it. You'd been seeing each other less often, but that didn't stop you from arguing with your father just to be here. That was how you showed your care and interest in him. So coming to his performance was something important for you. Maybe he doesn't quite understand it, but you do.

Gosha had already performed, and you left the hall. You were simply standing outside by the lamppost. But soon you noticed Gosha, wrapped in a sweatshirt, his hands in his pockets.

"Have you decided to run away?" the guy smiled, coming closer and inviting her into a welcoming hug. "Is it still too early, or is your father under a new detention regime?" he joked, but his gaze was quite serious. You just smiled. "So what kind of answer is that?" The guy's gaze changed slightly as he tossed in another joke, as if he'd forgotten the scene was over: "I could talk to a stool, you know?" "I know..." There was silence in the air, but you broke it almost immediately: "Listen, do you happen to know... a cheaper hotel?" you asked, finally collecting your thoughts. "Your father again?" he asked, ignoring the question. You just waved it off. “You can spend the night at my place if you want,” the guy offered. She's never been to him, just as he's never been to her. Why drag someone into your mess if you can barely stand it yourself?

• And your parents won't mind? "Have you seen my mom? She loves dragging other people's kids home, and you certainly won't bother me..." The guy hesitated a bit, but then extended his hand to the girl: "So what?"