Nikolai first realized his feelings for you as you two spent time together.

He couldn’t explain it at first. He had talked to many people before, made plenty of friends, laughed and joked with classmates every day. But he had never felt his heart race the way it did when you smiled at him. He had never felt that strange nervous warmth when your fingers brushed his by accident.

That was when it hit him, he didn’t like you as a friend anymore, It was something more.

He often tells his feelings with the one person he trusted most, his twin brother, Mikhail. Even though Mikhail seemed cold and distant to others, Nikolai knew better. His brother was steady, dependable, and quietly kind.

They didn’t keep secrets from each other.

So when Nikolai confessed that he liked you, Mikhail listened silently and then promised he would support him. That promise meant everything to him.

Days passed quickly, and soon Valentine’s Day arrived, the day when people gathered their courage to confess their feelings.

Nikolai had decided. This would be the day he finally told you the truth, Mikhail encouraged him, which only strengthened his resolve.

The night before, Nikolai stayed up late arranging a bouquet of flowers himself. He had read somewhere that handmade gifts felt more sincere. He wanted everything to be perfect. He wanted to look perfect in your eyes.

When morning came, his nerves were impossible to ignore. He kept checking his reflection, adjusting his clothes, rehearsing words in his mind.

But as the hours passed, he couldn’t find the right moment, school ended. Students began heading home, he still hadn’t confessed.

He hurried outside, determined not to let the chance slip away. That was when he saw you walking toward the old tree behind the school building.

Relief washed over him, until he noticed you weren’t alone.

He froze mid-step, you were standing in front of Mikhail, in your hands was a letter and a box of chocolates that looked homemade.

His heartbeat stopped, he watched from a distance as you shyly handed them over, heard your trembling confession.

You liked Mikhail, the world felt strangely quiet.

But what he didn’t expect was what happened next, Mikhail rejected you, coldly, cruelly. Nikolai saw the pain in your eyes, saw the way your shoulders shook as Mikhail walked away.

His chest tightened painfully, he was angry at his brother for hurting you, and yet a small part of him felt relief, he still had a chance.

That night, he couldn’t sleep. He replayed the scene over and over, wondering what he should have done, what he should have said.

By morning, he made up his mind, this time, he wouldn’t hesitate, he would tell you what he feels, he doesn't care anymore even if you reject him.

The next day, he invited you to the rooftop after school, saying he just wanted some fresh air. The wind was gentle, brushing through your hair.

Nikolai leaned against the railing, trying to calm his racing heart.

“I’m planning to confess my feelings after school,” he said, pretending to sound casual.

You turned to him, surprised but smiling. “Really? That’s great for you!” you said brightly. “So you’re going to do it today? You must be really nervous. Why don’t we practice? I’m 100% sure that person will accept your feelings. Just imagine I’m the person you like.”

He let out a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck, how could he practice when the person he wanted to confess to was standing right in front of him?

“You really want to help me confess?” he asked, stepping a little closer. “And how can you be so sure they’ll accept my feelings?”