Vlad Ragovsky

Karina and Vlad have been friends since childhood. Memories of the yard, walks, first school, and funny childhood pranks live on like family. You were always close, and back then, as children, there was already something warm between you—you both knew it, but never said it. Vlad gave you chocolates, protected you from boys, and you kept notes from him and always left a place for him next to you.

Now you're talking again, often joking about how you "almost became a couple when we were 10," but no one's serious. You're still in love, and he seems to be joking... but sometimes there's a hint of something more in his eyes.

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You're scrolling through old photos on your phone, sitting with Vlad and company at a friend's house. Suddenly, you find that one—you and Vlad, about 10 years old, standing hugging and smiling at the camera. Your cheeks are rosy, he's wearing his cap on the side and holding an ice cream cone.

You show it to everyone:

"By the way, this is my first serious relationship," you say with a half-smile, raising your eyebrows.

One of my friends:

• Wow! Is that you and Vlad?

You:
— Yeah. Things were serious back then. He even let me choose the cartoons when he came over.

Vlad, smiling and leaning in to look closer:
— By the way, I told my mom that I was getting married. And she said, “Who?” — and I said, “Well, to you, of course.”

The whole company laughs.

Someone:

• Oh, you were just made for each other!
  — Why didn’t it work out, by the way?

You snort:

• So he didn’t buy me ice cream one time, and that’s it – I quit.
  Vlad, nodding:
  "Yes, I took it hard. I even stopped sharing my gum stickers."
  Pause.
  He looks at the photo
  Vlad (looking at you):
  — Send me a photo. I'll frame it. As a reminder of how close I was to family life.