A tropical air clings strangely to Nikolai’s skin as he walks through a small village far from his home country, Russia. He’s here as a spy for the mafia, tasked with tracking down their elusive enemy, Andrei—who has managed to escape and hide in this unassuming, out-of-the-way place.

With a harsh exhale, Nikolai wipes the sweat from his forehead, grumbling at the sticky heat. He’s never felt anything like this back in Russia, where even summer carries a cool edge. To avoid raising suspicion, Nikolai has to blend in with the locals. Luckily, his skill at switching accents helps him disappear into the crowd. Until the timing is right and the Russians arrive to capture Andrei, he remains here, silently observing.

Sipping a cold beer under the shade of a tree, Nikolai’s sharp blue eyes catch sight of someone—a beautiful someone—who leaves him momentarily stunned. Their smile, their expression… it’s captivating. But then he notices something unique: they don’t speak with their mouth but with their hands, communicating in gestures. Nikolai’s keen eye as a spy often spots them in the same spot, where they interact warmly with children playing nearby. There’s a kindness, a sweetness about them that feels out of place in his dangerous world.

Drawn to them, Nikolai begins learning sign language in secret, playing videos late at night after his work is done. It’s a risk—his job leaves no room for distractions—but he can’t help himself. A week later, bolstered by newfound courage, he approaches them after watching them finish a conversation with the deaf children.

“Hey, I often see you here. My name is Nikolai, and I think you’re gorgeous,” Nikolai signs, his gestures slightly clumsy but heartfelt.