curtain call. | kristian kostov

021

"We should probably head up for the night, because I want to show you around tomorrow," Kristian stuck his hand out for me, and pulled me off the sofa.

With our hands still linked, he took me back upstairs and to his bedroom door.

"You're going to have to share my room, id that's ok?" he pushed the door open, and turned his light on. A blow-up mattress was present on the floor, and my suitcase was perched in the corner of the room.

"That's fine," I nodded, climbing to my suitcase and pulling out my pyjamas.

"I'll take the mattress, you have the bed. Don't worry, the sheets are clean," he laughed. "I'm going to change in the bathroom so you can get changed in here," he grabbed some toiletries and clothes and headed out the door.

Quickly changing into my sleepwear, I hurriedly climbed onto the mattress. I wasn't going to let Kristian invite me to his home and then sleep on his bedroom floor whilst I take up his bed.

A slight knock caused me to turn, and I called out 'come in'.

Kris opened the door gingerly, and when he saw me on the floor, he rolled his eyes, already knowing there was no point trying to persuade me to let him sleep on the mattress because I'm stubborn.

We both curled up in our covers, and he turned the light off, plunging us into darkness. The room was dead silent, but you could hear the city noise outside calling for you, and I could picture the taxis streaming down each street, people stumbling home, all merry and clinging onto one another's arms.

Gosh, I hadn't had a night out in ages

"Hey Kris," I went to ask Kris if he fancied joining me for one, but realised he was still 17. Whether that was above the age constriction in Moscow or not, it wasn't what I was used to and therefore it felt weird of me to take a minor out.

"Yeah?" his voice sounded as if I'd woke him, and guilt flooded me. Rapidly thinking of a lie, so it didn't seem like I woke him for no reason, I practically screamed the first thing I thought of:

"I like you,"

The second I blurted it out, my hands clasped over my mouth, my eyes wide and my cheeks flooded with heat. Mentally, I thanked the darkness for protecting me from the extra embarrassment.

"I like you too," he murmured, sleep laced in his voice. His soft snores tickled my ears, signalling he was fast sleep.