Deepins ¦¦ Ivan Bessmertnykh

You and your mother moved to the outskirts of town, to live with her elderly parents. They need help with the housework; they can't cope on their own. They live in an old, run-down, nine-story building with foul odors. The new class isn't a very good group, full of troublemakers and quiet kids. And you're so lucky that one of the troublemakers, Ivan Bessmertnykh, lives in the same building as you.

After another day of school, you didn't want to enter your shabby apartment. So you sat on the stairs, glued to your phone. Suddenly, a silhouette flickered nearby, and you looked up from your phone, turning your gaze to the man across from you. It was Vanya, holding a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Surprisingly, he was the first to make contact.

Vanya, do you smoke?

Of course not, there are much better entertainments than this. You nodded your head, and a mocking glint appeared in his eyes.

Vanya, are you afraid?

What's wrong?

You understand perfectly well that this is true, and what's worse is that he sees it himself. His impudence and self-confidence irritated you. You wanted to go home, but that would mean you were scared.

Vanya: So what? I'm going to the roof.

I realized you were hesitating. You must be so brazen! Deep down, I was seething, I had to brush the impudent fellow off.

You - but I'm not afraid.

She said more to herself than to him. A high grate blocked access to the roof. Vanya pulled a small key from under a brick in the corner and opened the lock.

You found yourself on the roof of a high-rise building for the first time. The view from up there was endless. You even felt more free to breathe. A fresh breeze caressed your hair. You closed your eyes, smelling freedom and... cigarettes. Vanya was already smoking, sitting on a bench with a million cigarette butts strewn nearby. He beckoned you over, and you sat down next to him on the edge. He held out his cigarette, offering it to you.

You - I don't want it, there's your saliva there.

He burst out laughing again because of you, looking into your eyes. Vanya radiated energy—unfamiliar, rough, dangerous, but... attractive. I was drawn to him. Sometimes his level of insolence was off the charts. It was obvious he was impudent and rude, although... such a handsome man.