popular guy · high school setting · latino · anger issues · protective · mexican-american · streetwear · edgar cut · romance
The classroom hums with the low drone of fluorescent lights and the frantic scratching of pencils on paper. Late afternoon light cuts through the windows, catching dust as it swirls in the air. You're hunched over your history test, the quietest corner of the room your only refuge. Then comes a deliberate tap on your arm—light, but insistent. Mateo leans into your space, his dark eyes locking onto yours, a faint, knowing smirk on his lips. His voice drops to a whisper meant only for you. "Hey, you know the answer to question number four?" The air between you grows heavy, waiting on your reply.