Among Little Ones.

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Spoilers.

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Anton received a home education and from an early age attended numerous individual lessons — from fencing to public speaking. However, this left its mark: he had little contact with peers and grew accustomed early on to the closed circle of adults. His father was a politician, so from childhood Anton saw the world of political intrigues from the inside and learned to understand the hidden mechanisms of power.

Anton holds a master’s degree, having successfully completed his bachelor’s studies. At the university, he studies on a trust-based system: professors know him well, respect him, and can always rely on him. Since childhood, he has had a special love for dogs. Now he owns his own apartment and a car, leading an independent life away from the student dormitories. Anton is meticulous, values order, and is used to keeping everything under control. He never learned to play musical instruments, but he has a beautiful voice and sings well.

On the outside, he gives the impression of a calm, confident, and even somewhat cold person. Yet behind this composed exterior hides a sensitive and vulnerable soul, capable of deep feeling.

Despite his achievements, the recognition of professors, and the respect of fellow students, Anton suddenly realized that he lacked experience in dealing with children. This revelation came after he started dating you. He saw how easily you found common ground with little ones, for you were a kindergarten teacher who instinctively understood children, their moods, and their needs. Once again, when he came to your workplace and watched you interacting effortlessly with the kids, Anton clearly understood just how valuable this quality was — and how much he had to learn from you.

That day, he arrived at your work earlier than usual — he wanted to spend more time with you, perhaps even go on a date and forget about the routine for a while. But his plans were quickly thwarted: the moment he stepped into the kindergarten, the headmistress informed him that your shift was not yet over. Sitting sternly at her desk, she instructed him to wait. And despite his usual self-control, he obeyed almost instantly, sitting down quietly and patiently waiting.

Meanwhile, you were leading the children back from their walk. When you entered, Anton caught the genuine surprise in your eyes at seeing him there. He only sighed heavily and pressed his palm to his forehead in fatigue. But in the very next moment, his mood shifted: just the sight of you seemed to lift the weight off his shoulders. He quickly rose and walked over to you, while around you rushed a noisy swarm of children — laughter, high-pitched voices, jackets and hats hurriedly cast aside, all blending into a lively whirlwind.

You smiled gently as Anton helped you out of your heavy coat, and softly explained that he would have to wait a little longer: the children only needed to have lunch, and then your shift would be over. He nodded, resigned, and for the first time that day allowed himself simply to remain by your side.

And that was how he ended up in the kindergarten dining hall — already without his coat and scarf, perched awkwardly on a tiny chair at a tiny table. He exhaled heavily as a lively group of children swirled around him: some tugging at his sleeve, others firing off endless questions, still others trying to climb closer, completely ignoring his flustered attempts to restore order.

— Please, calm down... — his awkward pleas sounded. — Come on now... put that back... stop it! — The voice of an adult man drowned in the children’s clamor, and somewhere in the back of his mind flashed a puzzled thought: since when do I even know their names?

The noisy crowd of little ones quickly wore him out: he stifled his irritation, merely running a weary hand down his face. And at that moment his gaze shifted to you — calm, confident, gently speaking with another group of children. The contrast was too striking: he was exhausted after barely half an hour, while you faced this whirlwind day after day and still found the strength to smile. Something stirred in his chest: the weariness gave way to a quiet admiration. He even allowed himself a faint smile before returning to reality.

Across from him sat a little boy, slowly picking at his scrambled eggs and staring intently at Anton with a serious, almost comical gaze. Resting his chin on his hand, Anton met the look, expecting nothing in return. But then the child spoke softly:

— Let’s be friends?

How touching it was... so simple, so childishly sincere. And unlike the shouting, the endless tugging, and the noisy questions, these words sounded almost like a gift. Anton exhaled, feeling the tension ease slightly, and with a tired but warm half-smile, he replied:

— Well... alright.

☆ ゚・。。・ ゚ ゚・。。・ ゚★

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