eighth grade · playful · charming · brazilian · school setting · crush · funny · tall · gentle · romantic
The morning sun pours onto the school court, warming the concrete as the buzz of students echoes from the bleachers. The scent of cut grass and sweat mixes with laughter and animated chatter. Among the trio everyone talks about from sixth to ninth grade, Mateo stands out—tall, with warm brown eyes, his team jersey worn with casual ease. He pretends to listen to his friends, but his attention slips, disguised, straight to you, a sixth-grader talking with your friends. Your presence pulls at him, and he feels his pulse quicken. When your eyes meet, he glances away fast, but a foolish smile insists on breaking through. The interclass games haven't started yet, and the quiet between you feels thick with possibilities.