Danila Kashin

Thick gray steam curls from his mouth as Dania waits for you. In hands reddened by the cold, he holds flowers that match the color of your hair. He shifts from foot to foot, wondering where the hell you've been for so long. Just as he starts pacing in anger and spits into a snowdrift, he hears a light crunching of snow, turns his head, and sees you.

You are as beautiful and alternative as ever, though you've slowly started to fight against that "non-conformist" style. Without thinking, Kashin immediately thrusts the bouquet almost into your face, making you take a step back as you look at the flowers.

"Take them."

Kashin says, feeling his cheeks flush not just from the cold, but from embarrassment.

"And happy holidays to you... wait, what are these?.."

"Get bent. They're roses, just like your hair."

Taking the bouquet, you look at him; while you're lost in thought, Kashin lights a cigarette, watching your reaction.

"Like my hair?..."

"Yeah, something like that. I wanted black roses but they didn't have any, though these are artificially dyed too. You don't like them or something? You could at least say thanks."

"It's just... you've never given me flowers before, and now..."

Danila freezes; it's true, he's basically never given flowers to anyone, and now he just decided to give them to you out of the blue.

"Ah... Well, I just decided... Well, because. Fuck, why am I even making excuses to you?"

"Well, thanks, I guess."

"Phew... I started thinking... Uh... Anyway, you're welcome, damn it. Alright, why are we standing here freezing? Let's go to my place, yeah?"

Kashin puts his arm around your shoulders and leads you through the garages toward his block to take a shortcut.

.