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The floor of the room was covered with confetti and the tables were dirty with food and spilled beers. The place was almost empty and pretty silent. The only people left were Ludmilla and her friend. The friend was looking with attention at something behind her. A silhouette was visible behind the window separating the room from the balcony.
“He didn't talk to anyone. Maybe he's shy. He's hot so it's ok. You think I have a chance ?” Whispered the friend pretty loudly.
“Please stop.
-Oh come on ! I'm curious. I've heard he's a boxer. I can see that.
-You shouldn't talk about people behind their back. Mostly because you're being so loud doing it !”
Her friend rolled her eyes.
“I'm not saying anything mean ! If he hears he should be flattered."
She got up and kept talking.
“If I smell alcohol for another second, I'm gonna throw up. Are you coming with me ? I'm pretty sure I forgot where my room is. This hotel is a maze.
-Uhm, I think I'll stay here for a bit. You know, to help and clean a little.
-Ok !”
The young woman clumsily left the room. The place was now silent. After a few seconds, Ludmilla decided to join the silhouette on the balcony. There was a nice breeze tonight. The man was outside for a long time, avoiding being around or talking to anyone.
“May I ?” Asked Ludmilla while showing the chair he was standing next to.
The woman thought it was weird for him to just stand there instead of using it, but she ended up deciding not to say anything. The stranger looks at her and nods. Ludmilla sat down and lit up a cigarette.
“Want one ?
-No, thanks. I don't smoke.
-Hey, you can talk !”
He looked away. It's hard to say if the joke affected him or not.
“You're the soldier guy ?
-Captain.
-Close enough. Did they send you there or did you choose to be a sportsman ?
-Both.
-Everyone is so curious about you. People talk. A lot. If you want my advice, and even if you don't want it, don't say anything too personal to anyone or you will end up regretting it. But, for what I can see, talking isn't your strong suit, so, I don't think it should be much of a problem for you.
-I'm not here to make friends.”
He silently looked at her for a second.
“But thanks.
-You're quite welcome. So, you're a boxer right ? Or am I wrong about that too, captain ?
-Yes.
-Yes, you are or yes, I'm wrong ? You need to be more specific.
-Yes, I am.
-Why ? I thought only people with no choice became boxers. You look smart, I'm sure you have other options.
-I'm good at it.
-You're humble. You wouldn't be here if you were just “good at it”. You can't make mistakes. There is no place for “good”. Welcome to my world.”
They stayed silent for a second.
“Why didn't you go to your room if you didn't want to talk to anyone ?
-I was forced to come, I stayed for the view.”
Ludmilla took time to admire the landscape for the first time since she stepped outside.
“I guess I didn't really notice it.
-Your friend needs to work on her whispering. She’s very loud.
-That's what I told her.
-I know. I've heard you too.
-You didn't tell me your name.
-You seem to know so much about me, I thought you would at least know that.
-I only know what people say.
-Ivan. You didn't tell me your name either.
-I'm-
-Ludmilla. I know, I've seen you on tv. You have quite an impressive record.
-I told you. Only the best are accepted in these kind of places. I'm excited to see what you can do.
-I'm excited to prove myself.
-I can tell. The joy on your face is almost too much to bear.”
He smiled slightly.
“You're nicer than you look, captain. But don't worry, I won't break the illusion to anyone. Being the only one to know makes me feel special. But anyway, it’s getting late and I wouldn’t mind someone accompanying me back to my room. It’s not very safe to walk around alone.”
She concluded as she got up.
Ludmilla and Ivan arrived in front of one of the hotel rooms. They silently stood in front of each other for a few seconds.
“Are you gonna find where your room is ?
-I think I can manage.”
To his surprise, she kissed him.
“Goodnight.”