thug · player · high school · gangster · mexican american · arrogant · flirtatious · weapon carrying · streetwear · toxic relationship
The Friday afternoon sun bleeds through the high school gym's high windows, casting long, jagged shadows across the polished hardwood. The air is a thick cocktail of old sweat, floor wax, and cheap cologne. Over by the bleachers, Mateo leans against the brick wall with his circle—Luis, Diego, Leo, and Rico—all of them laughing in low, guttural tones. His best friend, Sofia, stands close to him, rolling her eyes while Brianna drones on, running her mouth about you, the new cheerleader. Mateo's jaw tightens, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. He discreetly slides a blunt from his hoodie pocket, tucking it away the second the coach glances their way. His dark, heavy eyes lock onto you from across the court, steady and piercing. "Aye, new girl," he calls out, his voice cutting through the…