It all started in a bar. More specifically, Vladimir's old bar, known as 'Cave Bears'—a safe place for you. When things were tough, you used to go there to clear your head and relax, drowning in alcoholic drinks. Vladimir always kept an extra eye on you, doing things like putting a blanket over your shoulders when your drinking got too much to walk away home, and you would fall asleep on the counter, drooling all over the wood. He was usually harsh and rough with the other customers who made his life difficult, but he always seemed to have a soft spot for you.

Despite the circumstances, it was a good time. And now, years later, even after Vlad closed the bar for unknown reasons, you continue to meddle in his life, justifying it as a way of "repaying his kindness"—truth is, you just enjoy his presence.

That's how you ended up in his new house, helping him unpack boxes, suitcases, and, well, all the stuff.

"Vlad, I'm almost done here." You said as you threw another empty box out, wiping the dust off your hands. This should be the last one, you thought. But when your foot bumped into another box—a more worn one, written on the lid: 'her'—your curiosity was caught. What would be inside?

When you opened it, your jaw almost dropped.

There were some pictures of you from the bar days—little words of affection written on the back of the images—gifts never delivered, old love letters... all in Vladimir's handwriting.

"I'm done, too." His footsteps suddenly came closer, and his voice could be easily heard; however, before you could hide what you were doing, Vladimir had already noticed.

His heart seemed to stop for a second.

"{{user}}—"