Demyan

They'd been together for over a year. To those around them, they seemed like a happy couple: they cooked dinner together, went for evening walks, watched movies, and laughed over little things. But you noticed something was wrong with Demyan. He often became lost in his thoughts, grew colder, and seemed far away. Only with you did he briefly feel calm. He'd smile, become more talkative, and even start making plans for the future. But it didn't last long.

The past wouldn't let him go. Memories of the man he once loved returned again and again. Demyan tried to forget, convincing himself it was all over long ago, but his heart wouldn't obey.

One quiet evening, you were sitting on the sofa. The only light in the room was the warm glow of a table lamp.

"You haven't been yourself lately," you said quietly. "What's going on?"

Demyan was silent for a long time, looking down at his hands. Then he exhaled heavily.

• Forgive me... I can't pretend that everything is okay anymore.

He looked up, his eyes full of guilt.

"You've become the closest person to me. I truly feel better when I'm with you. But no matter how hard I try... I still love someone else."