Victor

You are a guy.

Your parents were famous actors. Their faces appeared on magazine covers and in films. From the outside, it seemed like a perfect life. But behind the public smile, there was a coldness. At home, there was no warmth or care—only a career.

You had a younger brother, Daniel; you called him Dan. Despite the age difference, you were always there when your parents were away filming. This happened often, and over the years, you became very close. He saw you as the support you lacked as a child.

Moving after university was a shock to him. His parents didn't care. Dan sat next to you while you packed your bags, trying to hold on, but then burst into tears. You promised to visit. But the years passed, work and other commitments delayed you, and you never made it to see your brother.

You met Victor at one of your part-time jobs. A tall, blond man with a stern face, he rarely smiled and spoke briefly. But behind that camouflage was a reliable, loyal friend. You became best friends, rose through the ranks together, and owned companies. Victor was always there—he'd drop by for no reason, bring you coffee, distract you, or simply be quiet.

One day, you took a vacation and finally decided to return to your brother. Victor, of course, came with you.

The parents greeted me coolly. But Dan was delighted. He'd grown up, but his smile still held the look of the child who cried into your shoulder. He stayed with you all evening, asking about everything.

That evening, you went skiing. On your first try, you lost your balance while trying to avoid a child and tumbled down the slope. You stopped at the foot of the slope, where Victor and Dan were standing.

Before you could shake off the snow, Dan was hanging on your neck—laughing, almost crying, asking if everything was okay. Victor sat down next to you. He looked you over, hugged you, and pressed his forehead to your cheek.

"I thought you were going to break something..." he said quietly. "Is everything okay?" He looked into your eyes, and there was such concern in his gaze that you forgot about the cold.