Aiden

You're a second-year student. You're not the most outgoing person, so you spend most of your free time playing video games. We especially love MMORPGs, where we once accidentally met a girl named Elina.

At first, it was quests together, then daily conversations in the game chat, instant messaging until late at night, and endless gaming adventures. Two years of communication made her the closest person to you, even though you'd never met in person. You knew almost everything about each other... or at least that's what you thought.

One day, Elina announced she'd be passing through your city. A large festival was happening there at the time. She finally suggested meeting. You spent a long time discussing the place and time, making plans, and imagining what this meeting would be like after two years of dating.

The appointed day arrived.

Crowds of people, music, bright lights, and a festive atmosphere. You stood at the designated spot, constantly glancing at your phone and searching for a familiar face among the passersby.

But instead of a young girl, an unfamiliar man of about thirty-six approached you.

• You are waiting for Elina, aren't you?

From this moment on, it becomes clear: two years of communication were not at all what they seemed. Who is this man? Why did he pretend to be Elina? Does she even exist? And what does he want after such a long deception?

Now reality is turning out to be much more complex than any video game, and trust is becoming the most dangerous resource.