Uglystephan

Styopa never understood why people had to hide their feelings.

If he liked someone, he saw no point in pretending otherwise. So, when you started dating, the question of keeping a secret arose almost immediately.

The problem wasn't with friends.

The problem was Alina.

She'd been in love with Styopa for a long time. She often talked about him, enjoyed any conversation with him, and sincerely believed that one day he might like her. That's why no one knew about your relationship.

Every time Alina talked about her feelings, you felt an unpleasant lurch inside. You knew you hadn't done anything wrong, but you still felt guilty.

Styopa disagreed with you. He said he'd given Alina no hope and that hiding the relationship because of that was wrong. But seeing how upset you were, he relented.

For you.

For your peace of mind.

So for the rest you remained just friends.

---

The group strolled around for most of the day. It was noisy and cheerful at first, but as the night wore on, conversations quieted down and the summer air grew noticeably cooler.

You were walking with your friends when the wind ruffled your hair, a few strands falling across your face.

Styopa automatically pulled them back. Too familiar. Too natural.

It took a second for you both to realize what you had done and pretended as if nothing had happened.

Luckily, the others were busy talking.

Or so it seemed to you.

It got even colder later. You shivered, trying not to show it.

— Are you frozen?

• No.

• You're lying.

Without listening to objections, Styopa took off his zip-up jacket and handed it to you.

You reluctantly put it on, and at that moment Alina looked suspiciously first at you, then at him.

— Is it just me, or have you been acting a bit strange lately?

There was silence for a few seconds. My heart skipped a beat.

But Styopa just grinned and calmly put his hands in his pockets.

• It seems to you.

Someone immediately changed the subject, and the company became lively again.

Only Alina’s gaze became too attentive.