2

- I don't know. Someone must have called me. Man, I was hoping it would be a fun night. - Yulia was upset because she knew how we were. And the whole school knows about our mutual hatred for each other.

- I'm leaving. I've had enough of that bastard at university.

I already turned back to the door, but Yulia held me by the elbow.

- Mash, don't go. Did we make up for nothing? Let's stay a bit. Besides, Seryozha is here too. Maybe at least today he'll pay attention to me, I tried so hard. Please.

I didn't want to upset Yulia. She's had a crush on Seryozha, the star of our group, since freshman year. He's a professional swimmer, competes in international competitions, very handsome and a good guy in general. I was looking at him myself, but as soon as I found out about Yulka's love, I gave it up. I've had enough love affairs in my time. I'll get by.

And Julia, to be closer to her object of love, enrolled in a swimming club and pulled me along with her. She swims like an axe, and I... And I found my passion.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips and Yulka jumped up happily.

- Don't be sour. Maybe it'll be okay. Let's go.

"It'll be all right," I thought angrily, watching him. Laughing, drinking, picking up rich, silicone dames. It's just business as usual.

We walked to the back of the apartment and joined our acquaintances. I had a few drinks and the tension started to let go, I even started to like being here. The good music, the guys' jokes and the alcohol did their job. I was completely relaxed, I let my guard down. That's why I didn't resist when Yulka pulled me to play with a bottle. There, in the circle was Seryozha. I agreed, and when we had already sat down, I saw that in the circle not only Seryozha. My heart sank into my heels. It was too late to run.

- That's very brave of you, flatfoot. Did someone finally air your underpants, now that you're so confident?

Of course, Kirill, which was the name of my personal nightmare, couldn't ignore my presence. I cast an angry glance at Yulia. She looked at me pleadingly. I gave her a look to let her know that she wasn't going to get away with it and replied:

- Shevtsov, you something painfully fixated on my personal life. Your own too boring?

My voice oozes venom, but he only stretches his lips in a smile and stares at me with burning eyes. He enjoys pestering and humiliating me. It's his favorite pastime.

- I'm just wondering when someone's going to get their hands on you, since you still haven't fucked a girl. Are your legs still cramping up?

- Well, not everyone's as weak-willed as your girlfriends. Some girls have pride.

- No one wants to do it, so you can just cite pride? Try offering money, maybe someone will bite.

I was just about to sarcastically respond, but our squabble suddenly intervened Seryozha:

- Enough, Kirill, leave the girl in peace, why are you so angry at her? Let's play already.

I looked at the guy gratefully; Kirill remained silent.

There were quite a few guys in the circle. A few girls from Kirill's entourage, guys from our group, and a few more unfamiliar guys and girls.

- One rule, kisses on the cheek only. If you want something more than that, you can go private afterward. - The rules of the game were announced by the host Stepan. Quite a nice guy, though a little overweight. There were disappointed cries, but they did not argue. The unfamiliar guy spun the first one.

The game was accompanied by jokes and interesting stories, Kirill did not touch me anymore. After a while my mental balance got a little better, the anger went away. The beer, which I slowly sipped from a disposable glass, contributed to this. The bottle hadn't pointed at me yet, but it had already pointed at Yulia twice, but both times unsuccessfully. Seryozha had never been matched with her. I turned away and watched the girls and guys dancing to popular music, as my friend pushed me with her elbow.

- Mash, on you.

Stepan was already reaching for me, and I quickly planted my cheek. The kiss was wet, but I wouldn't say it was disgusting. It was my turn to twist the bottle. One motion with my hand and there was the beer bottle spinning fast and starting to slow down. One last movement and my heart starts pounding like crazy. Why am I having such bad luck today. Kirill grins and pats his unshaven cheek defiantly.

- I'm not playing anymore.

I rise abruptly and already turn around to leave as:

- What, are you shaking, huh? You were sitting there all confident, weren't you? Where's your confidence gone now?

Kirill's entourage giggled disgustedly, and he looks at me with triumph. I'm seething with anger and disgust, but running away now would really look like cowardice. Hell, I can't give him that pleasure and run away with my tail between my legs. I have to push myself to the limit.

Taking a deep breath, I walk over to him. He doesn't move, cowering. Dark hair falls across his forehead, his eyes staring straight at me. A strong-willed chin, a handsome neck, his collarbones visible in the slit in his sleeveless shirt.

My heart is thudding, my breathing hitched. My body shakes with nerves. With each step, my resolve fades, but I calm myself. It's just a kiss on the cheek. I'll give him a quick peck and go home.

But the closer I get, the closer I feel to him. He still doesn't move, but I feel like I'm enveloped in his aura and his scent. I'm starting to get dizzy. Okay, I need to speed up. This is getting out of control.

Finally, I'm close enough to lean in for a kiss. It was only a few millimeters away when Kirill suddenly turned around and caught my lips with his.

I felt like I'd been hit over the head. Consciousness sharply blurred, the sounds around me disappeared. All that was left was the sensation of the softness of his lips, the caressing movements and the careful touch of his tongue. The kiss was incredibly pleasant. A shiver ran through my body, a warmth in my lower abdomen. He deepened the kiss, pulled my lips apart, and penetrated my mouth with his tongue. I didn't even think to resist.

My own moan brought me to my senses. With a sharp retreat, I turned around and walked quickly away from him. My legs were shaking, my head was spinning, and my cheeks were burning. I was ashamed. Laughter erupted behind me. God, I acted like I'd kissed a guy I was madly in love with.

I quickly got dressed and left the party, leaving Yulia alone. I needed to recover and get some fresh air. I got home quickly and went straight to bed. Thoughts were rushing through my head, but I fell asleep pretty quickly. It was probably just the nervous tension.