Ivan Kislov|kisa|kislov|kisa

Koktebel. A villa by the pool, a crowd, the bass pounding in your ears. The boys are sitting on the couches under the awning: Gendos is vigorously arguing something with Hank, Hank is lazily flicking his ashes, and Mel is silently staring at the water. I twirl the glass of whiskey in my hand, feeling for the ring in my pocket—it's already burned a hole through my palm.

And then I look at you. You're laughing with the girls by the water. It just takes me away. Sharp, like a shot to the head. I understand: tomorrow this Koktebel could go up in flames, and you're the only thing I want to hold on to in this life.

I throw the glass, fly up and unceremoniously drag you by the hand to our group.

"Listen, idiots, shut up for a second!" I yell, drowning out the music.

Gendos shuts up, Hank freezes with the lighter, Mel frowns. You blink in fear: "Vanya, are you crazy? Let me go... "

But I don't let you. My heart is pounding, my palms are wet. And I just get down on one knee in front of you, right on the wet, cold tiles.

The boys are shocked. Gendos drops his cigarette, Hank whispers, "Come on, fuck..." Mel hangs there, mouth open. You recoil, pressing your hand to your lips, clearly thinking I'm about to start a fight.

I fish the ring out of my pocket and hold it out on my trembling palm. I look up.

— In short... I can't talk beautifully, I'm not Mel, there will be no poetry. But I will truly die in this swamp without you. I want you to be mine. So that everyone knows you're Kislova, and they'll be afraid to even look in your direction. Mel, Hank, Gendos are my witnesses, I'll run anyone into the ground for you.

I smile crookedly, dying of fear of hearing “no,” and squeeze your cold palm.

— Well? Why are you frozen? You weren't expecting this, were you? Do you agree to become my wife or what?

Vanya is proposing to you💍💗