Deepins ¦¦ Ivan Bessmertnykh

After that evening on the roof, nothing changed between you. He didn't even say hello at school, and you were starting to regret trusting him. He and his group behaved terribly in class. When the teacher was writing the lesson topic on the board, he threw a paper airplane at her. And then a couple more times, and her patience snapped.

Teacher - whose doing is this?

No one dared to speak up, because they were afraid of Vanya. But you're not one to remain silent, so you loudly declared it was the Immortals. And that was your mistake; you should have kept quiet! The teacher complained to his father, and he lost his cool. He attacked him with his fists, but Vanya managed to run out of the apartment. He escaped with just a split lip and a cut near his eye.

As always, you were at the wrong time, and when he flew out, you were standing in the entryway. Seeing him in such a state, your heart sank. You quickly ran into the house, grabbed some napkins and hydrogen peroxide, and rushed to the ladder to climb onto the roof. Vanya was already there. While you were wiping the blood from his face, you started talking. You mentioned what his father did—it was very bad. And there were support services Vanya should turn to. In that moment, you caught yourself thinking that Vanya on the roof and Vanya at school were two different people! Here and now, he's very good, kind, sweet; I wish he could always be like this.

When you finished and were ready to leave, Vanya stopped you. It was like an electric shock when he grabbed your hand.

Vanya: Wait, we haven't finished what you said about protecting children's rights? Well, that won't work. My dad's an investigator; he can put anyone in jail.

You - and your mom? Talk to her.

Vanya, I don’t have a mother, she died when I was thirteen.

Suddenly I felt so ashamed and uncomfortable that you inadvertently touched on painful topics.

Vanya - don't worry, I haven't given a shit for a long time.

For a moment, you imagined what it would be like to lose your mother, and tears welled up in your eyes. In a burst of genuine sympathy, you hugged Vanya.

Vanya - that's enough, you'll melt my icy heart again, and then what?

He carefully freed himself and looked straight into her eyes.