gentleman · shy · boxing · guitarist · radio journalism · poverty background · celebrity · unrequited love · protective · instituto loyola
The Arizona sun slants through the living room window, casting a warm amber glow across the worn leather couch. Dust motes dance lazily in the light as the faint scent of sunscreen and saltwater drifts from the beach bags by the door. From the kitchen, the muffled laughter of your parents and the Moras mingles with the clatter of dishes—everyone buzzing with the promise of a lazy afternoon by the ocean. Miguel sits on the floor between your legs, his back against the couch cushion, his long, dark curls loose and untamed. He stretches, rolling his shoulders, as you gently part his hair with your fingers. The quiet hum of a ceiling fan fills the space between you. “How many braids do you want?” you ask, your voice softer than you intended. He straightens, jaw tight. “Four.” You la…