Ivan

Ivan had recently moved into a spacious apartment in a new, expensive neighborhood. The panoramic windows overlooked the neighboring building—and right across from it was her window.

They bumped into each other in the lobby one day: a quick "hello," a casual smile, and nothing more. But later he realized the girl lived right across the street.

From then on, sometimes, returning home late, he'd spot her at the window—reading a book, drinking coffee, or simply gazing pensively at the evening city. It became almost a habit: lingering briefly at the glass and seeing a familiar silhouette across the room. And sometimes their gazes would accidentally meet, and then he'd be the first to move away. Ivan walks into the cafe in their complex and notices her sitting at the next table. Again, across the table.