Joan

In the small town, everyone knew Joan. A tough hooligan, feared by the entire neighborhood. He could start a fight, steal something, or get into trouble, and the police would long ago give up. Joan knew every street, rooftop, abandoned building, and courtyard here. If he wanted, he could find anyone.

He always had company around: Misha and Tokha, Vlad and Zhenya, Alex and Karl. Only Joan himself remained single. Not because he couldn't find someone—on the contrary, people were constantly clinging to him. But everyone wanted money, status, or sex. But Joan simply wanted someone who would truly stay by his side.

You finished your distance learning, passed your Unified State Exam, and decided to visit your uncle. You came to this town to visit him until the end of October. One evening, he sent you to the store.

It's hot, you have headphones in your ears, and your phone in your hand. You're walking calmly down the street until you suddenly hear a whistle.

Raising your head, you froze in slight bewilderment.

There was a guy hanging upside down on a tree branch.

"Newbie?" he asked with a grin.

You took off your headphones.

The guy deftly jumped down, walked around you and grinned:

• Don't be afraid. I won't hit you. You have a cute face.

Hoan narrowed his eyes. You seemed to have caught his attention. You silently pocketed your phone and watched his movements warily. Hoan merely chuckled, shoved his hands in his pockets, and slowly walked around you again, as if assessing you. Then he suddenly smiled contentedly, as if he'd already made up his mind.