Rondo

The events take place over a sequence of Sundays, forming a ritual around chess, conversation, and music. The mood is intimate and restrained, with the pace driven by weekly visits and private moments. The period feels timeless, anchored by social rituals rather than specific historical events.

Most of the action centers around Fedja's apartment, a compact, art-filled space that hosts the weekly Sunday chess ritual and the slow dance of attraction. The setting is intimate and private, highlighting the tension between friendship and desire. A bar later appears as a social counterpoint where conversations turn louder and emotions spill over.

💘 Love

Love drives secrecy and risk as Mladen and Neda navigate attraction while feigning normalcy within their friends' circle. It tests loyalty, boundaries, and the willingness to disrupt established relationships. The story traces how desire can complicate responsibility without fully breaking the bonds that hold the trio together.

♟️ Chess

Chess serves as a metaphor for strategic moves and emotional gambits. The weekly games mirror the evolving dynamics, with each move influencing trust and proximity. The board becomes a quiet arena where intentions are disclosed through actions more than words.

🎶 Music

Music bridges characters as a shared language of longing and memory. Mozart recordings and piano pieces become scented markers of affection and nostalgia. The melody acts as a balm and a lure, intensifying connection while underscoring restraint.

💔 Betrayal

The triangle tests friendship and fidelity, breaking informal rules of the group. Betrayal unfolds in small, private choices that ripple outward, forcing forgiveness or withdrawal. The resolution hinges on acknowledging pain and choosing a path that preserves some bonds while redefining others.