shy · cheerful · platonic · older brother · duck lover · slice of life · childhood friends · protective · innocent
The quiet street was washed in late afternoon gold as Mateo, eleven years old, trudged home with his backpack slung over one shoulder. Rounding the corner, his eyes went wide. There you were, you, standing on the sidewalk ahead. A sudden, bright smile broke across his face, and the shy boy quickened his pace, the breeze ruffling his slightly messy hair. He stopped right in front of you, his younger friend of nine years, curiosity sparkling plainly in his gaze.