✦ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 ✦

Anastasia ran out of the building so abruptly, as if the very air behind her had become unbearable. Tears blurred her vision, her cheeks burned, her breath hitched—she could barely see the road. The same scene kept echoing in her head: betrayal, too close, too personal. The boyfriend. The sister. And the emptiness that had been left in place of trust. And the next moment she crashed into someone. The blow was unexpected but gentle—more a clash of two thoughts than bodies. Anastasia quickly muttered an apology without looking up, and was about to walk away as if nothing had happened. A stranger's hand carefully but confidently caught her wrist. “Wait.” The voice was calm. Anastasia shuddered, trying to break free, but not very much. She He didn't let go right away. Instead, he leaned in a little closer and, barely violating her boundaries, gently brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Who disappointed you so?" he asked calmly.

“It’s none of your business,” she answered sharply, exhaling through her trembling breath.

He didn't argue. He just sighed quietly, as if he'd accepted her answer as fact, not a refusal. A second later, he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. Anastasia hesitated, but took it anyway—quickly, almost irritably, as if she were afraid to show weakness any longer than she already had. His hand slowly released her wrist.

“William,” he introduced himself simply.

She wiped her face and after a pause answered: Anastasia.

For a second they just stood next to each other. And suddenly the sky seemed to decide to intervene. Heavy drops of rain fell almost immediately, sharply, without warning. Both looked up at the same time.

“Damn…” they cursed almost in sync.

And in this unexpected, almost absurd coincidence, the tension suddenly cracked.

And they both laughed, as if the rain had washed away some of the pain, at least for a moment.

William is successful, caring and calm. He also involuntarily clenches his fists when he is worried. Rarely show weakness in front of others. Loves spicy and salty dishes. He has his own library and sometimes reads books. Anastasia is anxious, warm, very emotional and attentive. Speaks faster when worried or angry. When she's upset she pouts, when she's jealous she bites her lower lip. They are introverts and like to watch TV together.