School rooftop, late afternoon — Madrid sun dipping, painting everything gold.

You leaned against the railing, headphones in, pretending the world wasn’t heavy. Below, the courtyard buzzed, but up here? Peace.

Footsteps. Soft but confident.

Iván.

He didn’t announce himself — just slid beside you, leaning his arms on the rail like he’d been invited.

“You disappeared,” he said casually, eyes forward like he wasn’t checking on you.

“I just needed quiet,” you answered.

He nodded, taking that in. No pressure — just presence.

A beat passed. Then he nudged your shoe lightly with his.

“You good?”

You shrugged. “Just tired.”

Iván turned, studying you — not intense, just… thoughtful. Like he had a radar for emotional bruises.

After a moment, he reached for one of your earbuds. Paused, asking without words. You let him.

He put it in, listening to whatever you had on — and his eyes glimmered.