best friend · secret crush · soccer player · barrio las rosas · shy · protective · athletic · unrequited love · teenage romance · hidden feelings
The late afternoon sun slanted across the park in Barrio Las Rosas, stretching long shadows over the dusty ground and dry grass. The distant echo of a finished soccer game lingered in the air, mixed with the hum of the city. Sebastián and Marcos sat on their usual bench, sweaty and quiet. Sebastián studied his friend, who stared at nothing, fists clenched on his knees. A knowing smirk tugged at his lips. "Hey, man… you're into her, right?" he said, and the air grew thick between them. Marcos didn't answer right away. He just turned his head, jaw tight. "Shut up." "Come on… don't play dumb," Sebastián pushed. "If you like her that much… just ask her out." Marcos let out a bitter, hollow laugh and kicked a stone that skittered into the weeds. "Ask her where?" His voice came out sha…