Nostalgia by Sophia Osadcha

Roman recognised the woman who came with Diana, his girlfriend, immediately. Huteniuk.

– This is Katia, my friend from work. Katia, this is my boyfriend Romko. Romko, will you have tea with us?

– Rudchenko?! – slipped out of Katia’s tongue. Roman sharply looked away. He managed to notice her expression, though.

– Oh, so you know each other? 

– Yes, we had studied in middle school together, – Katia quickly switched to a pleasant tone.

– What a coincidence. Then, Romko, you have no choice but to stay and have tea with us. And can I serve your cheesecakes? Katia, I’ve told you he makes amazing cheesecakes, – Diana was obviously in high spirits.

– I.. I will take them out of the fridge, – Roman hurried to leave the room.

The air in the kitchen felt heavy. Roman tried to keep a straight face and engaged in the conversation just enough not to be seen as rude. He took a brief look at a young woman sitting across the table. Huteniuk, he remembered, used to gather her hair in a tight, thin ponytail, revealing her large forehead and sparse eyebrows. Her hair was down now, and she was wearing curtain bangs. She noticed his gaze and frowned slightly. Or was it only his imagination? 

– This hairstyle, um, suits you.

– Thanks. – Katia’s tone was cold and sharp. Even Diana noticed. He probably shouldn’t have to bring it up. What an idiot.

– Is everything alright? – Diana asked.

– Yes, yes, – they awkwardly answered in unison.

– The cheesecakes are nice indeed, – Katia tried to sound polite, – I did not think you’d be the one to cook. You didn’t seem like a person who would be interested in such things.

– I’ve told you, he cooks better than me. Wait, so you remember what he was like as a teenager?

Roman squeezed his fist under the table, feeling his fingernails digging into the skin. It was suddenly difficult to breathe. Not Diana. Not like this. He caught Katia’s glimpse and looked at her pleadingly. She sighed:

– I wasn't really close to my classmates and I switched schools later, so I didn’t know him that much. I was just talking about the vibe he gave off. Like, the person… whose hobby was not cooking.

– I mean, people can change their hobbies, and, like, change overall… – mumbled Roman.

– Really?! – Katia’s face suddenly looked tense and nearly scary. – I don’t know, I’ve tried to change many times. I thought I had grown out of my old self, but nevertheless, I think I’m still her.

She gave him an enquiring, almost mocking look. Roman was silent through the rest of the evening.

He walked out to the hallway with them. He wanted to be near Diana. She was upset and seemed absent-minded, despite trying not to show it. She probably figured something out. They’ll talk about it later. But they had to see Katia off first. As she was putting on her hat, her bangs slightly moved to the side, revealing a small scar on her forehead. Roman didn’t think it would last that long.