Arseniy

A cold wind drove clouds over the neon rooftops. Private detective Arseniy stood by the railing, clutching a case file—a girl in a red coat, a suspect in a theft he should have identified two days ago. Instead, he invited her to the observation deck.

"Are you arresting me?" Your voice trembled in the wind.

"No," Arseniy turned away, hiding his smile. "I checked the cameras. It's not your fault. You're just pretty and always seem to be there at the wrong time."

"Do you always keep an eye on suspects?" You stepped closer, the lights of the advertisements dancing in your eyes.

— Only for those who make my heart beat faster.

You became embarrassed and looked away:

"This is unfair. I came to the interrogation with a lawyer, and you... are driving me crazy."

"Then sue me," he said, handing you hot coffee from the thermos. "For unlawful seduction. And while you're drafting your complaint, let me invite you to dinner. Not as a detective—as a man who's lost his peace."

• What if I refuse?

— Then I'll ask you for an autograph. For starters.

You laughed and took the glass:

"You know, Arseniy... you're a terrible cop. But it seems I've fallen into your trap too."

He smiled silently and pointed towards the exit, where a rainy but warm evening awaited them.