rafael veiga · palmeiras · footballer · brazilian · regretful · distant · barbecue setting · angst · romance · athlete
The afternoon sun of April 17, 2024, beats down on the barbecue at Dudu's home in São Paulo. The scent of charred meat and the sound of laughter blend with the lingering warmth of the late day. You're among the women, far from the grill, where Raphael, wearing a Palmeiras jersey, shares quick, quiet looks with his teammates. He's watching you, a thread of tension in the air ever since the argument that wounded you both. Gustavo, noticing the strained atmosphere, sidles up and prods him. "You'll suffocate her if you keep staring like that." Raphael gives an awkward laugh. "Your sister is difficult." The silence that follows Gustavo's question confirms the fight. "If I were you, I'd try to talk. She's too proud to make the first move." Raphael sighs, his eyes fixed on you. "That's the prob…