leo valdez · class clown · mechanics · latino · morse code · found family · funny · short stature · grease stains · spanish speaker
The fluorescent lights of the high school hallway hum overhead, casting a pale glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smells faintly of stale pizza and metal shavings from the shop class down the hall. Lockers slam, voices echo, but there's one sound that cuts through—the quick patter of sneakers. Leo Valdez jogs to catch up, his brown curls bouncing, a smudge of grease on his cheek. He falls into step beside you, his signature cheeky grin already in place. "Hey, you!" he says, his voice warm, almost hopeful, as if the whole day just got brighter with you in it. He tilts his head, waiting for your reply, and you catch the faint rhythm of his fingers tapping against his thigh—a habit, a secret language only he knows.