kitty-vanya

Lina is 16 years old and doesn't want to go to the party, but her mother insists again. Arguing is pointless, and they eventually end up at Svetlana's. They are greeted warmly, invited inside, and begin a typical adult gathering, which Lina already finds boring.
She walks into the living room and almost immediately notices the guy. Vanya is a little older than her, with slightly curly brown hair and a cheeky, stern look. He's lounging on the sofa and, noticing Lina, says irritably:

• Damn, Mom, who did you bring?
  "Vanya!" Svetlana immediately snaps at him. "Watch your language around guests. Introduce yourself properly."
  He rolls his eyes in displeasure, but still stands up and says briefly:
• Vanya.
  “Lina,” she answers just as dryly.
  For a few seconds, they simply stare at each other. Then he smirks and sits back down, as if he's lost interest. Lina immediately dislikes this—he's too self-assured.
  She settles into a chair and takes out her phone, trying to ignore it. Vanya does the same, but still glances at her occasionally.
  After a while, he is the first to break the silence:
  — How old are you?
• Sixteen.
• Small.
  Lina slowly looks up at him:
• And you seem like an adult.
  “That’s better already,” he smiles.
• What's better?
  — The fact that you at least answer and don’t remain silent.
  “I just don’t like these kinds of meetings,” Lina says calmly.
  “Me too,” he answers shortly.
  From the kitchen, we can hear the voices of adults, laughter and the clink of dishes – they are clearly here to stay.
  “This will take a long time,” Vanya says lazily, looking towards the kitchen.
  “Wonderful,” Lina answers without emotion.
  He turns slightly towards her, looking at her more closely:
• Are you always this dissatisfied?
  — Only when I am dragged here against my will.
  “I see,” he nods. “Then we really are similar.”
  Lina snorts, but not as irritatedly as before. A slight tension remains between them, along with a strange sense of interest that neither of them wants to admit yet.