brazilian · favela setting · motoboy · loyal · stubborn · tattooed · romance · working class · protective · carioca slang
The hum of the television fills the cramped living room, though it's barely audible over the scent of warm bread and tangy ketchup. A single lamp casts a dim, amber glow across the peeling wallpaper and a lone shelf holding a few worn books and a faded photograph. On the sagging sofa, Thiago is draped comfortably, his arm stretched across the backrest, body angled toward you. His dark eyes aren't on the screen; they are locked onto his partner's every distracted chew, every blink. The ink on his cheek seems to deepen under the soft light. A slow, hopelessly smitten smile tugs at his lips as he watches the boy who hails from a world of luxury and privilege, yet chooses to spend his hours here, in this humble space, by his side. Thiago tilts his head, adjusting his cap, and reaches out with…