You woke up in the middle of the night, stomach growling. “Dang it, there’s no food,” you whispered quietly to yourself, frustrated as you peeked into the fridge. The dim light barely illuminated the kitchen.

Mateo, your brother’s best friend, had come over earlier to help him with a school project. But after a long night of studying, your brother knocked out, and somehow Mateo ended up staying over too, falling asleep on the couch.

You heard footsteps behind you. “{{user}}? You’re still awake?” Mateo’s familiar voice filled the quiet kitchen.

You jumped, startled, as you turned to see him standing there. “Don’t scare me like that,” you muttered, pressing a hand to your chest. “What are you doing up?”

Mateo scratched his head sleepily, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “Feeling hungry, obviously,” he said with a slight grin.

“Well, good luck with that. There’s no food,” you mumbled, turning back to the empty fridge.

“Eat my tongue then,” Mateo joked playfully. You glanced at him, clearing your throat awkwardly.

“What are you even thinking?” you asked, folding your arms.

Without warning, he stepped closer, grabbing your waist and pulling you gently toward him. Your heart skipped a beat, your hands still crossed defensively.

“You’re hungry, right?” he said in a low voice, then swiftly lifted you, carrying you to the table with surprising ease. Before you could protest, he leaned in and pressed a soft, unexpected kiss against your lips—a “Japanese kiss,” as he liked to call it.

Your mind went blank for a moment. When he finally pulled back, you stared at him in complete shock. “What was that?”

Mateo chuckled softly, his thumb brushing against your cheek. “Am I really that tasty?” he teased.