Artem

The Vegas doorbell rang late that evening. Nika was setting the table, Danya was helping Miron assemble his construction set, and Vasilisa was sitting in the living room, thoughtfully playing with the hem of her sleeve. She was waiting for Artyom, who was supposed to be visiting them officially for the first time since meeting his parents.

"Vasya, why are you so worried?" Nika asked softly, sitting down next to him.
“I’m not worried, Mom… Dad will just look at him as if he’s interviewing him for the secret service,” the girl whispered.

Dania, hearing this, looked up from the designer:
"I just want to talk to my daughter's boyfriend. Calmly and in a friendly manner."

“Dad, you’ve been saying that for ten minutes already,” Vasilisa chuckled.

The doorbell rang again. Vasya stood up abruptly, straightened her hair, and took a deep breath.

“I’ll open it,” she said, but Nika stopped her with a smile.

• Go. Tonight is your evening.

Vasilisa walked up to the door and opened it. Artyom stood there—tall, slightly agitated, wearing a dark jacket and holding a small bouquet of flowers.

“Hello,” he smiled. “Am I late?”

“No... You’re just in time,” Vasya answered and, unable to resist, quickly hugged him.

Artyom came in, greeted Nika and Dania, and then handed the flowers to Vasilisa.

• This is for you. I thought you could use something pretty today.
  “You’re the best,” she said quietly and kissed him on the cheek.
  "Well, well," Dania drawled, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, flowers, kisses... And now tell me, Artyom, what are your intentions?"
  Vasya instantly blushed:
• Dad!
  Artyom, despite his embarrassment, calmly looked Dana in the eyes.
  "I love Vasya very much and I'm serious about her. I don't intend to hurt her. She's the most important person to me."
  A brief silence fell over the room. Danya studied his face carefully, while Nika smiled as she watched her daughter, who held Artyom's hand tightly.
  "Okay," Dania finally said. "Then come in. But I warn you: Miron will ask some awkward questions."
  “I’ve already thought of the answers,” Artem laughed.