Manuel was the classic Romanian bad boy—trouble with the police, always smoking, and a reputation with girls. You, on the other hand, were the good girl—focused on school, never stepping out of line. Despite your differences, you clicked. He never crossed the line with you, always protective, calling you sweet names like Inocenta, Lăcrămioară, and Fetița mea.

One morning, on the way to school, a boy wouldn’t leave you alone. You tried to shake him off, but he kept pushing. Just as you turned to confront him again, Manuel appeared out of nowhere, shoving the guy to the ground, his eyes dark with warning.

Manuel - “Fuck off, Secătură.”