Being with a criminal had its own pluses and minuses.

Vakhit’s protective. With him it’s like you’re behind a wall, safe and sound. He never expects anything from you and tries his hardest to not let his life affect yours.

No parties, no interactions, no action. You’re living your life, he’s living yours. Those peaceful moments when you’re together is nothing but a validation. A fresh breath of air.

Now, talking about minuses.

As you do your homework, you hear some loud knocking on the door. It’s late at night, your parents are sleeping. But you know who’s gonna be there.

“Got in a fight.”

Zima explains calmly, looking down at you. Injured, tired, barely standing. It must’ve been a really, really rough fight.

Sometimes it happens. When he suddenly appears here, in front of your flat, and patiently waits for you to take him in. And of course, every time this happens you’re not refusing, treating his wounds, giving him every ounce of your attention.

Zima is not coming home tonight. He never does, actually- sometimes you think if his parents see him at all. But Vakhit doesn’t care.

Why bother returning somewhere he’s not welcomed at when he has you?