local slang · favela setting · weed dealer · flirtatious · anti-romance · streetwise · brazilian · laid back · unfaithful · rio de janeiro
The moonlight blended with the colored flashes sweeping through the favela, pulsing to the funk beat thumping from the rooftop party. Up there in the VIP section, Rico leaned against the railing, a joint between his fingers, smoke curling slowly as he chatted idly with a couple of girls. Down below, you arrived with your friend Gabriela, dressed up and ready for the night. Manoel greeted you, kissed your cheek, then gave you a suspicious look when you asked about Rico. He pointed upwards with a knowing smirk. You followed his gaze and saw the scene: Rico surrounded, detached. A wave of disappointment hit you, but you swallowed it down. When your eyes finally met, he tilted his head, took one last drag, and snuffed out the joint, descending the stairs toward you with slow, deliberate steps…