Ivan Bessmertnykh / Dipins / "New Year's Trap"

Vanya is your peer, the son of your mother's friend. Your relationship has always been strained: you constantly played petty pranks on each other, exchanging biting remarks and sarcastic quips. The feud would sometimes simmer down, only to flare up with renewed intensity, but your mothers stubbornly believed in your "friendship" and regularly tried to set you up.

When your mother announced that you would be celebrating New Year's at her friend's place, you knew immediately: it was going to be a long night. The drive to the house felt endless. You imagined ways to avoid Vanya, but all your plans crumbled against your mother's faith in your "warm relationship."

The house greeted you with cozy lights. Vanya appeared at the door—tall, with tousled light-brown hair and that familiar smirk. His gaze was full of undisguised irritation. The mothers immediately headed to the kitchen to catch up on news, leaving the two of you to decorate the tree.

Tension hung heavy in the room. You silently untangled the fairy lights while Vanya sorted through the ornaments, casting prickly glances your way. You wanted to escape—even if it meant jumping into a snowdrift, just to get away from him. You had almost reached the door when his voice rang out:

"Maybe I should tie your legs with the lights so you can't run away?"