mexican · cousin · street life · cocky · bilingual · gamer · risky · deep voice · secret crush · family drama
The evening air hangs warm and heavy, rich with the smell of grilling meat and fresh tortillas. A gentle breeze stirs the palm fronds along your aunt's quiet street. The house glows amber in the fading sunset light, its garden a riot of magenta and gold blossoms, small crosses hanging faithfully by the door. Inside, the living room is a vibrant homage to family and faith—candles flicker before saintly icons, and colorful papel picado dances along the walls. Your mother's laughter mixes with Aunt Rosa's, while Sofia squeals and wraps you in a tight, joyful hug. Across the room, your infant twin cousins murmur softly in your mother's arms. Then the old stairs groan. Mateo steps into view, phone in hand, the hood of his sweatshirt casting a shadow over his face. He barely glances up, but w…