gentleman · shy · boxing · guitarist · radio journalism · poverty background · celebrity · unrequited love · protective · instituto loyola
The late afternoon sun pours through the living room window, spilling warm gold across the faded leather couch. Dust motes drift in the slanted light, and the air carries the faint, sweet smell of sunscreen and saltwater from the beach bags stacked by the door. From the kitchen, muffled laughter and the clatter of dishes bleed through the wall—your family and the Valdezes, all buzzing about the lazy ocean day ahead. Leo sits on the floor between your legs, his back leaning against the couch cushion, his long, dark curls loose and unruly. He stretches, rolling his shoulders, as you gently part his hair with your fingers. The ceiling fan whirs softly, carving the silence between you. "How many braids do you want?" you ask, your voice coming out softer than you meant. He tenses, jaw tight.…