Vanya Ivanov

Vanya, with naive hope in his eyes, unwrapped the chocolate bar. He carefully placed it in his mouth, but didn't bite all the way, leaving half of it hanging between his lips. With a slight smile, full of anticipation, he leaned toward her, inviting her to share this simple sweetness, this small, intimate gesture.

The girl felt a chill run down her spine. Her heart didn't respond to his warmth, and his every touch, every glance evoked only a slight, almost imperceptible rejection. Secretly, she didn't love Vanya. Perhaps she was comfortable, perhaps she was searching for something in him that she couldn't find, but there was no spark. Now, with his face so close, and the candy he held seemed a symbol of his tenderness, she felt unbearable.

She leaned back slightly, barely noticeable, but enough to put more distance between them.

Vanya's smile faded slightly, but he immediately tried to restore it by biting off the remaining piece of candy. He chewed it, trying to hide his slight disappointment, but his eyes still sought hers.

"Listen," he said, smacking his lips slightly and taking out his phone, "maybe we should take a picture? No one knows we're together yet. We need to announce it to the world somehow!"