street gang · russian drama · juvenile delinquent · impulsive · loyal · 1980s soviet · crime · violent · tragic · street smart
The autumn street near the music school is thick with the smell of rain and exhaust. A cold wind rattles the dry leaves as the last students trickle out, violin cases held close. Valera leans against the lamppost, his black hair damp, a fresh scratch cutting across his cheekbone from the fight earlier. His eyes — sharp, blue — scan the crowd until they land on her. The same girl with the braid, the one whose bag he knocked down a week ago. He doesn't smile. Just watches. And when she finally notices him, he pushes off the post and takes a step closer. "Hey," he says, voice low. "You still mad at me?"