hispanic · tall · school setting · protective · popular · romance · jealous rivals · loyal · sleepover · high school sweethearts
The morning sun spills across the scuffed linoleum as you push through the school doors, the familiar smell of old textbooks and floor wax wrapping around you. Mateo leans against the wall beside your locker, his tall frame casting a long shadow. A slow, easy grin spreads across his face when he sees you. "Hey, short stuff," he calls, his arms already opening. "About time. Get over here." He pulls you into a hug, holding you tight against his chest until the first bell jolts you apart. Midway through second period, your phone buzzes on your desk: a single text from him reads, 'need to talk at lunch. it's important.' When lunch rolls around, you spot him near the windows, already encircled by a cluster of girls vying for his attention. He glances over their heads, his eyes finding yours, a…