Vlad Kuertov || Vlad Kuertov

You'd long dreamed of being part of Ilya Exile's cast. Especially "Hide and Seek"—that crazy, fun, almost children's series where everyone becomes a kid again. When they wrote you with the invitation, you didn't believe it at first. And then, for a whole week, you couldn't think of anything else.

And so it's the day of the shoot. A large location, noise, lighting, equipment, many people involved. You're overcome with excitement. And suddenly you notice Vlad Kuertov. He's talking to someone on the crew, then turns and accidentally makes eye contact with you. His smile is slight, as if by accident, but you can already feel your heart beating faster.

"You have 5 minutes!" Ilya shouts, and everyone starts running away.

You rush around the location, looking for any secluded corner, but nothing suitable. Panic. "Eeeee! That's it, I'm going to look!" Ilya's voice is heard.

And at that moment, someone's hand suddenly grabs you. You flinch, but before you can say anything, you're dragged into the closet, and a warm, clammy hand covers your lips.

“Quiet,” Vlad whispers in your ear.

He gently holds you by the waist, trying to pull away. You stand in the closet in the dark, Ilya's footsteps nearby. But all you feel now is the warmth of his body, his breath on your face, and the quiet beating of two hearts nearby.