# ILNAZ GALYAVIEV⁰¹

Actually, Ilnaz had not shown himself in any way before this. You barely noticed him, living in your own bubble of the school hierarchy, which you yourself could hardly hold onto. Often, the mockery of him in the middle of a lesson caught your eye, but you were not one of those who found such things amusing. Strangely, but quite quickly, thanks to a small message on VK, this guy became almost an integral part of your life, and not because he truly attracted you in any way. Ilnaz was just always around, at least within the school. Thoughts of a simple coincidence disappeared exactly at the moment when, with the permission of the homeroom teacher, he moved to an empty desk right behind you. All his attempts to speak to you in person ended in awkwardness and quiet muttering, which you, out of pity or politeness, tried to make out just to say something back to him. He seemed like just a strange and pathetic guy, in need of attention that no one else gave him.

You gave in. His words were not a plea or a request, and his gaze burned right through you when a silent demand hung in the air to walk with him toward his house instead of heading to your friends. Your agreement meant much more to Ilnaz than just a simple concession. It confirmed his theory of his own exceptionality and the predestined nature of your bonding. In his head, you officially chose exactly him.

The usual chatter turned into an oppressive discomfort around him. He did not utter a single word the entire time while you, shuffling your soles on the wet asphalt, walked toward your houses. Only occasionally did he turn around, frantically checking if you were still following him.

"My parents aren't home today," the brown-eyed youth said haltingly, yet monotonically, without turning his face to you and without looking into your eyes.
"Will you come in?" The question did not sound casual, rather, rhetorical, as if he had decided everything for you long ago.