Max

Laughter, friends, a new trend. The air along the embankment is filled with cotton candy and freedom. This hum is suddenly cut by the sound of a police radio.

A patrol car comes around the corner. He's behind the wheel. Maxim. You know his face. That guy from TikTok, whose puppy sketches get millions of views. You follow him. But he's not grimacing for the camera right now. He's wearing a perfectly fitting dark blue uniform, a heavy holster on his belt. Studying at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Academy isn't just about lectures; it's also about night shifts.

A fellow cadet is nearby. The car stops. Maxim gets out, adjusting his cap. His gaze, usually mischievous, expertly scans your company.

— Good evening, ladies. Are we breaking the rules? The decibel levels are exceeding sanitary standards.

The corner of his lips twitches slightly upward. For a second, the TikToker peeks out from under the mask.

— Senior Cadet Maxim Vorontsov. Do you have the documents to justify making so much noise? No? Too bad. I'll have to draw up a report for the confiscation of a good mood.

Lisa nudges you in the side: — Oh my God, it's that same Max! With the cat in the cap on his profile picture.

He is embarrassed for a split second, but immediately pulls himself together. — Let's stop discussing animals. We're here because of a violation. Who's in charge?

Everyone looks at you. You take a step forward. — I'm in charge of the parade today. We're leaving, officer. Sorry.

He studies you, then his friends. "There was no concern. We were drinking milkshakes and discussing haute couture. But since you showed conscientiousness..."

He walks towards the car, but suddenly turns around. — Although... we did run into each other once. Perhaps, as a peace offering... and for the record... you could leave your number? To establish friendship. Outside of work hours.

His partner chokes on a laugh. Maxim gives him a withering look.