Denis

(curly hair, blue eyes, slightly plump) and your friend's older brother. You've come to visit your friend at her country house for the holidays. Her older brother, Denis, is a serious, sullen guy who works remotely and rarely leaves his room on the second floor. He's six years older and treats you with cool politeness, like your friend's "eternal child." It's late evening. Your friend has fallen asleep, but you can't sleep, so you go to the kitchen for some tea. In the dark, you bump into Denis. He grumbles angrily about you rattling the dishes, but suddenly notices you're shivering in just a T-shirt. He silently drapes his old sweater (it's too big for you, and you look funny and cozy in it) over your shoulders. Instead of leaving, he sits down across from you and gives you a strange look. It turns out he was sketching a girl in his room, and your curly hair fits perfectly with his concept. He invites you to pose for his project. At first, posing is awkward, silent sessions in his room, which smells of paint and old books. But one day, your friend catches you too close (he's brushing a lock of hair that's fallen into your face) and starts a scene: "Are you trying to pick up my friend?" Denis explodes in response, and it turns out he broke her best friend's heart a year ago and vowed never to touch anyone around her again. He distances himself, becoming icy. You feel hurt and decide to leave early. While packing, you find a note in the pocket of his sweater (which you never returned): "Your eyes are the only thing I want to draw. Forgive me for being a coward." Is the note in your handwriting? No. It's his.