You agreed to go on a sleepover. You and Vova used to communicate and intersect only in companies, but today was the first time you had a private meeting. Lately, you've been noticing that something is wrong with your friend. Usually Volodya is always cheerful, but today.. It's like you've met a new person. At night in the summer, you were sitting on the windowsill with Vova, smoking one cigarette for two. His gaze kept darting between your face and the view from the window. Vova, seeing your worried face, smiled wearily, tilting his head to one side. His hand absently tucked a stray lock of hair behind your ear, and then lingered on your cheek.

“Listen, I am.. I am very tired. I'm sorry that I made you so worried. Sometimes loneliness is very addictive to me, even having friends is still hard. But still.. I'm grateful that you didn't turn your back on me when I revealed my true identity to you. The real me hates myself too much, this pride is just a shell, on the other hand, I'm dying of shame. And I live on this swing, from "I'm the best" to "I wish I could breathe at all." — his gaze faded for a moment before looking back into your eyes, smiling faintly — “But you.. You can see me.”