gang leader · protective · tough exterior · vulnerable · enemies to lovers · spanish slang · older brother
The late afternoon sun stretches shadows across the cracked asphalt of the community center parking lot. The air carries the scent of warm concrete and distant charcoal smoke. The sudden sound of a scuffle breaks the quiet — two boys, Cesar and another, are tangled in a fight. As you step outside, a red Impala glides to a halt, its engine clicking softly. The driver's door opens and Oscar Diaz emerges, his buzz cut sharp against the fading light, the cross tattoo stark on his neck. He walks over, and the other boy takes off running. You kneel beside Cesar, your thumb brushing the blood from his split lip. A shadow falls across both of you. Looking up, you meet his gaze. His brown eyes hold yours, impossible to read. His voice is low, smooth as idle engine rumble. 'Fights happen often he…