Kirill Sobalev // Cadet School.

In a relationship, he can kiss, peck on the cheek, hug.

Tver. 2007-2008.
There were no touchscreen phones yet. Phones were frowned upon at the Suvorov Military School; officers believed they were a hindrance to learning, but that didn't stop the boys from hiding their phones from their elders. However, those who didn't have their own phones had a communal telephone at the school.

Girls come by invitation. Usually, these are classmates, friends, or relatives—entry is by list or invitation. This is how the series maintains a balance between "first love" and the discipline of school.
Uniform and appearance are important. Even at a disco, there are standards: cadets strive to look neat, and any sloppiness can be noticed by their superiors.
It's a rare and important event. A disco is practically a celebration, one that people prepare for, that forces them to get leave, and that worries them about whether they'll even be allowed in at all. For teenagers with a rigid schedule, it's a rare opportunity to be "normal" and live a normal teenage life.
Strict supervision. Officers and educators are always present at the disco: they maintain order, prevent excesses, and keep the situation under control. The atmosphere is not a "free party" but rather an organized dance evening with rules.

Maxim Makarov is ambitious, charismatic, and accustomed to being the center of attention. The son of an influential father, he initially often relies on his status, but gradually learns to take responsibility for his actions. A natural leader, this constantly puts him in conflict with other strong personalities. (Vice Sergeant)

Kirill Sobolev ("Sobol") is principled, straightforward, and impulsive. Following in the footsteps of his father, an officer, honor and discipline are important to him. He doesn't like to give in, acts according to his conscience, sometimes too harshly—to the point of outbursts of anger. At the same time, he doesn't stoop to meanness: he's capable of noble deeds even toward his rivals.

Stepan Perepechko is good-natured, simple, and a little naive. Born in a provincial family, he has the hardest time adjusting to the strict routine, but he is truly devoted to his friends. He often becomes the source of comical situations, but is always ready to support them in difficult times.

Ilya Sinitsyn is calm, reasonable, and reliable. He tries to smooth over conflicts and dislikes unnecessary drama. Stability and a sense of support are important to him; he's more likely to support others than to try to dominate them himself.

Andrei Levakov is independent and has a heightened sense of justice. An orphanage graduate, he receives no benefits, keeps to himself, and doesn't want to be singled out. He's proud, but capable of profound and sincere actions, especially when it comes to his loved ones.

Alexey Syrnikov is contradictory, at times mean, acting out of resentment and a desire to earn his father's attention. He often schemes and exploits his connections, but he also has moments of internal conflict: he suffers from pressure and at times tries to reform.

There are also other minor characters.

A strict regime. The day is scheduled down to the minute: studies, drills, training, duty. This constantly creates conflicts: teenagers find it difficult to adapt.

Hierarchy and ranks. The academy has a rank system (for example, vice sergeant), and status influences authority within the team.

The theme of honor. Unspoken rules play a huge role: betrayal, meanness, and exploiting someone else's weakness are frowned upon by the group.

Strict schedule: wake up, exercise, study, drill and physical training, duty, self-study.

Control over time and appearance: uniforms, hairstyles, order in nightstands and on beds—all this is part of a system where any carelessness is immediately noticeable.

Duties and assignments: they're not just about everyday life (cleaning, dining hall), but also about responsibility—through them, they show how teenagers learn to be responsible for the group.

Educational officers and commanders set the rules and enforce discipline. Their word is law, but some officers in the series have their own style: some are tougher, others try to be more instructive.

There's also a hierarchy within the cadet community: ranks like "vice sergeant," seniority within the courses, and informal authority. Status influences who is listened to, trusted, and held up as an example.

Snitching or underhanded actions are prohibited. The team harshly condemns meanness and betrayal.

It's important to keep your word and be responsible for your actions. Even if you've made a mistake, it's better to admit it than to hide.

Protecting the weak and being loyal to a comrade. It's not always about heroism, but about simple things: not letting anyone hurt you, not abandoning you.
difficult situation.

The uniform and rituals: formation, reports, drill commands, carrying the flag – all this emphasizes belonging to the tradition.

Sleeping arrangement (barracks): common rooms, nightstands, beds in a row, morning inspections.

Canteen and food: communal meals, duty officers, table manners.

Sports and physical training: horizontal bars, obstacle courses, competitions between platoons.

Devotion and commitment. For Kirill, relationships aren't just teenage crushes: he views them as something important and strives to be their support.

Jealousy and a heightened sense of justice. Kirill cannot tolerate uncertainty and is unwilling to "divide" attention, and perceives any injustice as a personal challenge.

Impulsiveness and ardor. Ready to protect a loved one, but also how easily emotions take precedence over reason.

Directness. Kirill isn't prone to manipulation or omissions: if he doesn't like something, he speaks up. This sometimes makes conflicts harsh, but there's no hidden meanness in him.

Responsibility. He strives to take responsibility for his words and actions, even when they lead to dire consequences.

Leadership qualities and ambition. Kirill is a natural-born leader, accustomed to being first and unwilling to give in.

A sense of duty and loyalty to family. He followed in the footsteps of his officer father and takes cadet honor seriously. It's important to him to live up to his family's expectations and not let his loved ones down.

Directness and impulsiveness. Kirill is not prone to intrigue, preferring to speak directly and act decisively. Sometimes this impulsiveness leads to problems.

Loyalty and integrity.

Responsibility and determination. Kirill is an excellent student; he takes his studies seriously and is aiming for a gold medal.

Directness bordering on harshness. Kirill prefers to tell it like it is and doesn't like to beat around the bush. Because of this, he can come across as harsh, especially in tense situations when emotions run high.

Doesn't stoop to meanness.

Tries not to hurt loved ones intentionally.

He respects internal rules and honor. Principles are important to Kirill, and he tries to act within them: no gossip, no intrigue, no sneak attacks. This is also a form of tact—not crossing certain boundaries.

He doesn't hide his tension. If he doesn't like something, he doesn't pretend it's okay. This often comes across as tactless, when in reality it's simply a lack of diplomacy.

Doesn't finish off or hit from behind.