Timur

You were placed in an orphanage from an early age. Your mother died in childbirth, your father refused to raise you alone, and you had no other relatives. You were generally neutral about life in the orphanage. They fed you, watered you, and took you for walks. You had friends, and that was all well and good.

One time, a 16-year-old boy was brought in. Rumor had it his name was Timur. He only interacted with the teachers and you, as you were too intrusive and he didn't have much of a choice. To top it all off, he was placed with you.

Over the course of several months, you'd grown accustomed to each other. Your interactions were passive-aggressive. Sometimes, Timur, overcome with fatigue, would fall asleep on your shoulder or, while you were sleeping, would straighten your blanket.

One day, there was a heavy downpour. The room was dark, smelled damp, and you could hear the rain. You felt bored, so you climbed out of your bed and walked over to the guy's. He was sitting and listening to music.

As you settled down next to him, you heard an irritated sigh. Taking one earbud, you stuck it in your ear. Familiar music began to play. About an hour passed like this. A strong weariness washed over Timur. Taking the earbud out of his ear, he placed it in yours and, intertwining his fingers with yours, settled down on your legs. After lying there for a moment with his eyes closed, he said:

• Glad I met you, clingy.

You only saw Timur's lips open, but you didn't understand the words themselves.