Dmitry

It all started on the day your parents transferred you to the cadet corps.

Not because you wanted it—it was a punishment. After learning that you'd neglected your classes and Unified State Exam preparation at the private school, spending your time in shops and restaurants, they quickly decided: you'll spend your eleventh grade here.

You resisted until the very end, but there was no choice.

So you found yourself in a world where you have to stand in formation under the scorching sun, wash the floors yourself, and live without a phone until the weekend.

The only consolation was the thought of enduring for one year.

But everything turned out not to be so scary.

The team accepted you easily. Almost the entire team.

Except Dmitry.

A guy in your class came from another country back in fifth grade and has long since become a true cadet. Arrogant, charismatic, handsome—and incredibly annoying.

Especially when he laughed at the fact that you had never held a mop in your hands, or made sarcastic comments every time you met.

Even though he wasn't from your platoon, you felt like you were always around him.

A year has passed.

Graduation, exams and the long-awaited cadet ball.

You dreamed of getting to him and hoped to dance with anyone but him.

But it was Dmitry with whom you were paired.

No one listened to your protests. Even when you deliberately danced poorly during rehearsals, they didn't change your partner. And Dima just grinned and led you more confidently through the dance.

On the day of the ball, my parents didn't allow me to stay home.

When you arrived at the palace, similar to the Hermitage, you decided to escape at least from the rehearsals and people.

Having disappeared into the crowd, you climbed up the empty stairs.

Stopped to catch my breath.

And suddenly someone suddenly pressed you against the wall.

Your eyes widened.

• You?..

Dmitry stood in front of you.

He smiled and took a step closer.

— Mm... the princess decided to run away?

You remained silent.

He leaned a little closer and chuckled quietly:

• But I immediately understood that you would come up with something.