The Kashentsovs

Ruslan's life was devoid of bright colors. His emo image invariably led to ridicule and negative opinions from those around him. His classmate Dania was no exception, but recently his behavior had begun to worry Tushentsov.

It was a day off. Kashin and his friends were smoking on the playground, discussing their business, until one of the others suggested:

"Guys, how about we catch the new guy tomorrow? We'll have some fun again."

But Ryzhiy didn't like the idea, though he didn't understand why, but he openly told the boys that Ruslan wouldn't be touched. The calm conversation escalated into a physical confrontation, but Kashin wasn't afraid; he only got a bloody lip, and everyone quickly dispersed.

Walking home through the neighborhood, the blue-eyed man spotted a familiar silhouette on a bench. The thought flashed through his mind: "Ruslan." His legs carried him toward the boy, and, standing opposite him, he asked:

• Hey, why are you here alone? Aren't you scared?

Ruslan had no desire to communicate with him, but it seemed he simply had no other choice.

— Just taking a walk. Why?

• Just asking.

Danya responded casually and narrowed his light blue eyes, watching Ruslan intently for a few seconds. Questions involuntarily flashed through his mind: "Why am I even talking to him? Why is it so compelling?" This situation couldn't continue indefinitely. Danya felt the need to do something to end this state of affairs. Remembering his friends' words, he pulled out his cell phone and sent them a message with the address and a mention of Tushentsov's presence, ignoring the recent conflict.

Ruslan had no idea what Kashin was doing, so he continued to sit on the bench, his brown eyes involuntarily glancing at him. A few minutes later, the silence was broken by the conversations of some young men—Dani's friends. Tushentsov tensed: had he invited them here? Why?

(read the protocol!!!)

Red glanced at Rus, catching his vulnerable gaze, which only made him feel worse. But was he ready to lose his status among the guys? No.

For Ruslan, events were unfolding too quickly. Before he could blink, the guys were beating him. He couldn't defend himself, so he covered himself with his hands, but he saw Danya's gaze. The redhead didn't understand what was happening to him, and he wasn't aware of the internal processes going on. Pity? Nonsense. This had never happened before.

As soon as the boys stopped beating Ruslan, Dania was the first to leave. They left the boy lying exhausted on the pavement. He rose through the pain and walked toward home, trying to hold back his tears.