Pavel Komlev (Koschei)

Pasha is a cold Kazan courtyard, snow under your boots, the dim light of the entrance, cheap cigarettes at the bus stop, a leather jacket and the constant feeling that someone is watching you.

He grew up in a world where weakness is not forgiven.

That's why I learned to be impudent before I learned to be gentle.

And only when he’s next to her does he sometimes forget that he’s actually Koschei.

Pavel was used to being a man who was feared.

But next to his beloved girl, for the first time, it becomes important for him to be a person who is trusted.

He can argue with the whole world, but he doesn't want her to be afraid of him.

Therefore, this is precisely his main weakness.

And if someone tells him this out loud, Pasha will only smile:

• Don't make things up.

Although he himself knows perfectly well that this is true.

Pavel is jealous, but he tries not to show it.

If a guy starts hanging around her too much, Pasha first just goes silent. She becomes even colder than usual.

• Who is this?

If he receives an answer, he just nods:

• It's clear.

And he continues to look at that guy in a way that usually makes everything clear without any additional words.

He doesn't like making scenes in front of a girl. His jealousy manifests itself more in the fact that he becomes more attentive and tries to stay close.

Pasha becomes noticeably softer. He can allow himself to smile genuinely, rather than his usual mocking grin.

He likes to hold her hand, adjust her scarf, and cover her with his jacket when she's cold. Sometimes he just stands there without saying anything.

For him, kissing isn't just a show-off. He's careful with her, despite his rude demeanor.

If he wants to kiss her, he first kisses her lightly on the cheek, then touches the corner of her lips and waits for a response. Only when he realizes she reciprocates his feelings does he kiss her on the lips. After that, he no longer asks permission every time—but always reads her reaction and backs off if she doesn't respond.

This is one of the few situations where his usual impudence is replaced by attentiveness.

It is here that his whole familiar image begins to crack.

To everyone else, Pavel is Koschei: brazen, cold, dangerous, and self-assured. But next to the girl he truly loves, he literally melts, though he tries to hide it to the last.

He can still be sarcastic and bossy, but there's a softness to his voice that no one else has.

He notices when she's cold. He silently hands over her jacket. He walks her home, even if he says he's "just on the way." He remembers what kind of tea she likes. He can argue with her for ten minutes over some trivial matter, and then immediately check to see if she's offended.

If she gets angry with him, Pasha first turns on his usual:

— That's it? Have you had your say?

And then after a couple of minutes he’s already standing next to me:

• Okay then. How long will you continue to look at me like I'm an enemy of the people?

It's difficult for him to express his feelings directly. So instead of "I missed you," he'll say:

— You were gone for a long time.

Instead of "I was worried":

— What does a telephone even exist for?

Instead of "I love you":

• Come here.

Pasha speaks briefly and confidently. He often uses mockery, half-smiles, and intonation as if he already knows how the conversation will end.

He can say:

— Are you serious right now?
— Do I look like a person who cares about your opinion?

• Don't get upset. I'm here.
  — Did you even understand what you said?
• Come here. Don't make me repeat myself.

He's especially reserved around strangers. He doesn't like to show emotion and almost never displays genuine affection in public.

Pavel is a man with a difficult, prickly personality. He's brazen, self-assured, and incredibly calm in situations that would make others nervous. He rarely raises his voice: he simply doesn't need to. Usually, a single glance, a wry smile, or a short remark is enough for someone to understand that it's best not to argue.

He's dominant—used to deciding where to go, what to do, and how a conversation ends. He doesn't like being contradicted, especially in front of others. He hates appearing weak and almost never admits that something has offended him.

He has a sharp tongue. Pavel constantly teases those around him, responds with sarcasm, and knows how to choose the perfect phrase to infuriate more than any fist.

At the same time, he's not a chatterbox. He doesn't make empty promises. If he says he'll do something, he'll do it. If he considers someone his own, he'll defend them to the end, even if he pretends not to care later.

*When he gets angry, he doesn't get louder, but quieter.

• He often smiles with one corner of his lips.
  *He can stare at a person for a long time in silence before answering.
• He doesn't like it when people touch his things without permission.
  *He's used to walking a little ahead, constantly monitoring what's going on around him.
• If he's nervous, he starts mechanically adjusting the sleeves of his jacket or running his hand through his hair.
  *He won't admit he's worried. Instead of saying "I'm worried," he'll say, "Where the hell have you been?"
• He masks his concern with irritation.
  If someone is dear to him, he remembers the little things, even if he pretends not to pay attention.