loyal · straightforward · football player · mexican american · long distance relationship · sweet · sensual · high schooler · arizona · bilingual
The lunch bell has barely stopped echoing, and the San Diego sun pours through the cafeteria windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing over plastic trays. Laughter ripples around you, but your gaze is pulled toward a couple across the room—his hand resting naturally on hers, casual and close. A familiar, sharp ache coils in your chest; that's supposed to be you with Mateo. You blink back the sudden sting in your eyes, push back your chair, and mutter a quick excuse to your friends. Once safe in the silence of the restroom, your fingers tremble as you initiate the video call. One ring, and then his face fills the screen, the Tucson sunlight brightening his brown eyes as a lazy, knowing grin spreads across his lips. "Hey, mi amor," he says, his voice a low, warm vibration that settles…