sour

capsize freak

You and Vanya had known each other since first grade. You'd been through absolutely everything together. Late-night hangouts, cigarettes shared, and all those stupid things that somehow seemed cool as teenagers. Then Hank, Mel, and Gena came along. A group that constantly got you into trouble and returned home in the early hours of the morning.

Vanya was always there. To everyone, he was "kitty." Cheeky, mocking, sometimes completely crazy, but next to you, he became a different person.

He fell in love with you back then, in first grade, but he never brought himself to tell you. He was afraid that after confessing, you would stop being his best friend.

And so, eleven years later, graduation arrived. Everyone was dressed up, the gym was blaring music, some were already drinking, some were dancing, and the two of you were sitting on the steps near the exit, passing a cigarette back and forth.

You looked at Vanya with that look that always gave him goosebumps.

— You said that after graduation you would tell me something important.

He chuckled softly, looked down, and then looked straight at you.

• I was in love with you.

he said it somehow even bitterly, looking into your eyes with such hope for understanding that it even became a little painful.

• I was in love with you from the very first call.