anek / anek

They'd known each other for so long they could read each other's thoughts in their eyes. Evenings filled with tea, movies, and conversations until dawn. For Sasha, it was a quiet refuge. He saw her laugh, furrow her brow, and respond to messages. He knew every gesture. And for years he waited, afraid of losing what he already had.

Night fell silently. The air smelled of coffee and the pages of an unfinished book. Sasha reread old correspondence. The solution came quickly, but a voice whispered, "What if I ruin everything?" His heart pounded, his fingers trembled, but he pressed send.

"I love you. I've never loved anyone like this. Do I have a chance?"

The screen flickered. The three dots seemed to stretch on forever. When the answer came, it was short and cold:

"Sorry, I have a crush on someone..."

The world stood still. Silence hummed. It was bitter to realize that the years had given way to a chance encounter. But the main thing remained unchanged: he didn't want her to feel hurt by his answer.

Sasha typed evenly and without drama:

"Ah, well, good luck with him then. I think he loves you too, you're beautiful..."

The pain didn't go away, but his concern for her was stronger. He locked the screen. The glass darkened, leaving only the reflection of his face.