But What If This Is Love?

A pupil finds a letter on the floor and hands it to the teacher. The teacher, upholding strict morals, takes the letter to the headmistress and orders an inquiry to uncover its author. This action sets the incident in motion within the school.

The teacher assigns a pupil to discover who wrote the letter, signaling a formal investigation into the source of the note. The move turns a private message into a school-wide matter and flags looming social tensions. The process foreshadows how classmates will be scrutinized.

It is revealed that Boris Ramzin wrote the letter to his classmate Ksenia Zavyalova. The finding reframes the issue from a generic misdeed to a personal romance with social consequences. The school starts to grapple with the implications of teenage love under strict moral judgment.

Frightened by the revelation, Ksenia does not dare to attend school the next day. She retreats to her home, overwhelmed by rumors and the prospect of scrutiny. The atmosphere around her becomes oppressive.

Seeing Ksenia's indecision, Boris suggests skipping classes to go to the forest together. The plan moves their relationship from the classroom to a private, risky outing. It marks a turning point toward a more intimate confession of feelings.

In the forest they are caught in rain and shelter in a dilapidated church. There, for the first time, they speak openly about their feelings instead of only exchanging letters. The moment deepens their bond amid isolation from adults.

Ksenia is summoned back from the forest because she is late. Her younger sister reveals that Ksenia left with a boy, and her mother slaps her in the face in anger. The home scene emphasizes the clash of private love with parental authority.

The next day, the lovers are called to the director’s office to explain themselves. The scene exposes the tension between moral policing and the couple's defiant affection. It leaves Ksenia unsettled and anxious about social judgment.

Ksenia withdraws as rumors spread and others mock her, while Boris remains unafraid of ridicule. The debate among teachers about decency versus genuine affection intensifies the stigma around their relationship. The couple's world tightens around them.

Ksenia’s mother, having repented for her earlier reaction, warns that men have 'one thing on their mind' and advises against trusting Boris. The family’s stance adds to Ksenia’s inner conflict and confusion about love and safety.

Overwhelmed by the social storm, Ksenia tries to poison herself. Classmates learn about her state during a German lesson, illustrating how rumors and fear push her toward self-harm. The incident heightens concern and reveals the fragility of her psyche.

A few months later, Ksenia is in a hospital while Boris leaves with his father on an expedition. Boris still loves her, but the emotional trauma has deeply undermined their relationship. The distance and time apart complicate their future.

Ksenia informs Boris that she will study in Novosibirsk. Boris offers to go with her, but her reaction remains uncertain. He watches her retreating figure, leaving the possibility of reunion hanging in the air.