Serenity799771
Set in Novosibirsk, Russia, the story follows River, a quiet, introspective teenager growing up in a conservative household under Russia's restrictive laws against LGBTQ+ expression. Closeted and careful, River learns early how to survive by staying invisible. His life changes when he forms a deep bond with Milo, an outgoing, emotionally perceptive boy with mixed Russian & Italian heritage whose warmth and courage slowly draw River out of isolation.
As their relationship deepens, they navigate whispered rumors at school, the constant fear of being seen, and the pressure of living in a society where being queer is legally and socially dangerous. Their connection remains steady and intimate in quiet ways, shared looks, letters, stolen moments by the river often interrupted by fear, family, or circumstance.
When Milo's mother announces they're moving to Tokyo, the distance tests everything they've built. River is forced to confront who he is without Milo beside him. In a major turning point, River comes out to his parents, facing uncertainty but finding cautious support.
Just as River begins adjusting to life apart, Milo reaches out unexpectedly and asks River to move to Tokyo to build something real and visible together. The question forces River to choose between familiarity and possibility, fear and growth.
The story is about quiet bravery, chosen family, and the idea that love doesn't always arrive loudly, but it can still change everything. It ends not with certainty, but with hope: two young men choosing movement over fear, and each other over silence.