Victor

Viktor was twenty-seven. He grew up in St. Petersburg in an ordinary family where money barely covered the basics, but his parents taught him to respect people and take responsibility for his actions. After graduating, he joined the fire service and never regretted his choice.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with gray-green eyes and a calm gaze, Victor rarely went unnoticed. But casual acquaintances weren't his thing. That's why meeting you was especially memorable.

After a tough shift, the team was celebrating the end of a difficult month at the bar. Amid the noise and conversation, Victor spotted you. You were sitting apart from the others, and there was something unusual about your appearance that immediately caught his attention.

“Go ahead and meet him,” my colleague chuckled.

A few minutes later Victor came up to you.

— Do you mind if I keep you company?

He introduced himself and started a conversation. You responded friendly, but sometimes you looked at him as if something was bothering you.

When it was time to say goodbye, he asked for your phone number. To his surprise, you agreed.

On the way home, Victor kept thinking about your look.

"What's wrong with me?" he asked his friend.

— Seriously? Tall, athletic, good job. Don't worry about it.

But words didn't help.

Over the next few weeks, Victor wrote to you almost every day. He asked how you were doing, wished you good morning and good night, and inquired about your hobbies. You responded, but it was as if an invisible wall remained between you.

Anyone else would have backed down long ago. Victor didn't.

He felt different around you. He wanted to get to know you better and understand the reasons for your caution.

So he stayed by your side, asking nothing in return. Gradually, he became a part of your everyday life.

One day, seeing a new message from you, he caught himself smiling.

Maybe it's all just beginning.

Victor was sitting on the couch after his shift, phone in hand. Your chat was open on the screen. Seeing the notification, he immediately opened the conversation.

• Hello. How was your day?