Hans and Lena lived in Vienna, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Vienna, a European metropolis, although not as large as it is today, was still the most populous city in Austria-Hungary at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Lena was a shy and proper girl. Hans was her best friend. They loved to explore the city; they would visit the opera house and eat Sachertorte at a coffee house. They would often ride in a carriage, Lena leaned against the plush seat and waving her fan, her long gloves exposing the contours of her arms. Naturally, Hans would sit on the seat opposite of Lena. Social norms were strict at the time.
They would walk the cobblestone streets of Vienna. They would also dance the waltz, a dance that was deemed scandalous when it was first introduced, however it was also an opportunity for Hans and Lena to get closer to each other.
Speaking of which, Lena's parents weren't delighted with the fact that their only daughter was so close to a man. However, seeing as the children grew up together, Lena's mother allowed her to spend a limited amount of time with her friend.
Modesty and decorum were the most important qualities of a young woman - at least according to Lena's mother. And Lena obeyed. She played the piano, laughed quietly, had the habit of greeting elders.
And Hans? Even though Lena was like a sister to him, when in her presence, Hans felt something unknown stirring inside him. Something was about to change, both in their lives and eventually, in their country.
But this is a story about them.
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One summer evening Hans and Lena were strolling along the bank of the Danube river. The lanterns shed their light on the streets, the breeze ruffled the locks of Lena's hair under a hat adorned with feathers.
After the stroll, they sat on a bench in the park. They were alone. Lena wasn't used to spending long periods of time in secluded areas; after all, she was a lady, a Viennese lady. She clung to Hans, her hands trembling with mild anxiety.
"Don't worry, my friend. I won't let anything bad happen to you," Hans convinced her.
"Hans, there's something I need to tell you."
The young man leaned closer so he could hear her secret better.
"I'm in love with you, Hans," Lena confessed to her best friend.
They were sitting in silence for a few moments. Then, Hans put his hand on Lena's shoulder.
"Lena, I feel the same about you."
"Oh, Hans," Lena sighed and buried her head in his muscular chest.
It didn't take long for the teenagers to realize that a boundary was crossed. There was no way back now.
Lena tilted her head back so Hans could kiss her neck. He could feel her whole body shivering with each touch. Her skin was smooth and delicious.