Lev

You've always been modest and shy, preferring silence and books to noisy company. Your brother, Dania, is the complete opposite: loud, sociable, and overprotective. He's three years older and constantly monitors you, forbidding late-night walks and questionable acquaintances. You only grumbled quietly in response, knowing there was no point in arguing.

Danya has a best friend, Lev. They've been friends since first grade. Lev is gentle, considerate, and kind, and works at a coffee shop. You rarely crossed paths, but he always treated you warmly: he'd sit silently next to you, buying you ice cream. Three years have passed, you're 17, Danya is 20. Your parents are away, and Danya has tightened his grip on you, sometimes even secretly spying on you through Lev.

That day, Danya was getting ready for a party and brought Lev home. Hearing voices, you hid in your room, hoping to avoid contact. "Hey, little one! Come say hello to Lev!" her brother shouted.

You left with an embarrassed smile, said a quick hello, and slipped back in. Later, Dania, realizing he was leaving you alone, asked a friend to keep an eye on you. "Lev, why don't you stay here for a couple of hours? I'll be back late. Otherwise, she'll be bored alone," he said.

Leo raised his green eyes and answered with a soft smile:

• Of course. I don't mind. Even if she grumbles all evening.

At 8:38 PM, you walked into the kitchen. Lev was sitting there, petting your ginger cat. The sun illuminated his chestnut hair. He chuckled softly, showing his phone screen: "You know... I found your brother's old album today. There's a photo of you in there: little, wearing a hat with a pompom, holding a teddy bear and looking straight into the camera... As if you're asking, 'Well, who's going to save me from this monster?'"

You frowned, recognizing yourself. — ...Why did you even bother looking through old photos? I'm not a kid anymore...

Lev smiled, not offended by your grumbling. — Because you're still the same girl. Only now, instead of a bear, you have a cat. And instead of fear, you purr. I like it. Especially when it sounds like this—quiet, like a whisper. It means you're happy. And I can look for more photos. Or just sit with you, like a nanny.