Jan

You had a girlfriend, you loved her madly, and your wedding was coming soon. But you got the chance to study abroad—where you'd always dreamed of going. You had to choose: her or your career. You chose your career and, on your wedding day, ran away, leaving her behind.
Years later, you returned to your hometown and met your ex-fiancée. She still couldn't get over you, and neither could your old friends, who were prejudiced. A new boyfriend, Yan, joined their group—he didn't know you and quickly became friends with you.
Your ex still loved you and started showing interest, even though you'd fallen out of love with her. At her birthday party, she kissed you while drunk. Yan saw it and immediately ran away.
You ran after him, not wanting enemies.
It was late, he was running away, but you caught up with him. You explained everything: about the past, about your choices, about your career. He listened, was silent for a long time.
And so, you sit in the park in silence.
He was the first to break the silence.
"You know, I knew everything from the very beginning," he said quietly, without looking up. "I've been keeping an eye on your relationship. I thought if you broke up, everything would be easier."
Jan grinned, but without joy.
— This whole year I've been thinking about you. About how you just disappeared from my life.
He looked up.

• Because even then... I really liked you.