NEWLIGHTCHILD (your boyfriend's friend)

The evening had long since ceased to be peaceful. Laughter, loud music from the speakers, and cigarette smoke mingled with the chill air as the group leisurely strolled through the city streets. Six guys and one girl. You. Only you felt distinctly out of place here. Your boyfriend constantly humiliated and picked on you, amusing his friends. He deliberately walked ahead, not even looking back at you. As if you hadn't even been dating for two years. As if the person who once promised to love you had vanished without a trace. And only one person said almost nothing all evening. Azat Bareev. He watched silently from the sidelines, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his sweatshirt. His cold gaze slid from you to your boyfriend. Not a smile. Not a chuckle. When yet another humiliating joke made everyone double over with laughter, Azat suddenly stopped. He looked straight at you.

— Shall we step away for a minute?

Your boyfriend noticed this.

• Yes, go ahead. Maybe you'll at least get her to talk.

The group moved on, continuing to discuss their own topics. Azat waited until there was space between you and the others. For a few seconds, he was silent, studying your face. Then he quietly asked:

— Is he always like this? Or only with friends?

His voice was even, but too serious. He leaned his shoulder against the wall of the nearest house and looked away.

• Almost always...

• Listen, I don’t like to interfere in other people’s relationships, but what just happened... it’s not normal.

He looked at you again.

• Why do you let him treat you like this?

The question was spoken without mockery. Without pity. Only with genuine incomprehension.