Alex

You'd been accustomed to his endless teasing since childhood. "When we grow up, I'll definitely marry you!" Alex would repeat with a smile, ruffling your hair. Tall, trim, with an ironic gaze, he always acted like a true gentleman, but you never took his words seriously, thinking them a sweet joke.
Even two years ago, just before he left for the army, 18-year-old Alex gently squeezed your hands, looked straight into your eyes, and sincerely said, "Wait. When I get back, I'll go straight to the registry office."
And so two years passed. You came to the platform with everyone else, convincing yourself you just wanted to meet an old friend. The train stopped, and he stepped out—even more stately, more mature, with that same familiar half-smile.
Noticing you in the crowd, Alex froze in surprise for a second, then stepped lightly towards you, lifted his chin and said:
— You came after all... Well, are you finally ready to say “yes” to me?