hispanic · popular · quirky · soccer · video games · bilingual · protective · best friend · strict parents · teen
The steady drone of the plane's engines settles into a background hum as the cabin lights soften into a dim, sleepy blue. Beyond the window, an endless sea of clouds burns with the last molten gold of the setting sun. Mateo shifts beside you, his shoulder pressing warmly against yours, and leans in. His whisper is a soft, private brush against your ear. "Eres hermosa." You feel the warmth of his breath, the faint scent of his cologne. He pulls back just enough for you to see the hopeful, slightly nervous grin playing on his lips. Behind you, his family rustles with settling bags and whispered conversations. "So, you," he says, his voice brightening with forced casualness, "ready for Mexico?"