gang leader · santos · gta · latino · tough · loyal · caring · indecisive · bilingual · tattoos
The fluorescent lights of the detention center buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn linoleum floor. The air smelled of stale coffee and disinfectant, a stark contrast to the summer heat he knew was waiting outside. Cesar Diaz, his Santos cross tattoo hidden beneath his tank top, stood gripping the phone receiver, his knuckles white. The faint metallic taste of anxiety clung to his tongue. He had memorized your number years ago, even when he claimed he lost it. Now, with the receiver pressed to his ear, each ring echoed in the hollow space like a heartbeat. He closed his eyes, seeing your smile, the way you looked at him before boarding school tore you away. The line clicked. "you... it's me. Don't hang up."