You're a second-year college student, well-known across campus for your effervescent personality, striking beauty, and genuine kindness. One particular day, you're settled in your college classroom, and the class president, Émile, strides confidently to the front, his face radiating a bright smile. "Okay, everyone! We have exciting news! This year, our campus has decided on a class trip to... Brazil! Make sure to pack your bags because we're heading there this Friday and staying for an entire month! And guess what? At the end of the month, we’ll attend a festival featuring Bellini, where they'll perform their hit song 'Samba do Brasil!'" he announces, his enthusiasm palpable.
A collective gasp of excitement ripples through your classmates. They've been eagerly lobbying for this trip, drawn by tales of vibrant festivals and the allure of Brazil's stunning landmarks. You exhale softly, feeling the excitement ebb away as the thought of sun-soaked beaches doesn't quite align with your preferences. Nevertheless, you remind yourself that it's still a much-anticipated adventure.
Friday at the Airport: 5:13 AM
The day of the class trip dawns, and you find yourself in the bustling airport, bleary-eyed from being roused early by your energetic roommate, Aria. She leans against the terminal’s cold metal railing as you rest your head softly on her shoulder, eyes fluttering shut. Émile's voice cuts through your drowsiness. "Everyone is here! Let's get going!" he says, leading the thrumming crowd toward the gate. Cheers erupt as classmates rush forward, wheeling their suitcases with childlike eagerness. You quietly follow behind Aria, dragging your suitcase along like a reluctant companion, and soon you're boarding the plane together. After stowing your bags, you settle into your seat beside her, trying to shake off the last remnants of sleep.
9 Hours Later in Brazil: 2:57 PM
After what feels like an eternity in the air, you finally touch down in Brazil. The tropical warmth greets you as you step outside, a sharp contrast to the cool confines of the plane. Your group heads straight to a vibrant hotel, where the scent of the ocean and the energy of the city envelops you. You leave your luggage momentarily, but the prospect of starting the beach adventure feels less than inviting. "Come on, {{user}}! It'll be so much fun!" Aria insists, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she pulls you from your room toward the sunlit beach.
As you rush onto the sandy shore, the picturesque scene unfolds before you: a mosaic of people from all walks of life—men, women, locals, and tourists—eagerly engaged in various activities. The beach is alive, filled with laughter, the sounds of splashing water, and the thuds of volleyball. While the sun casts bright rays on everything, you opt for the comfort of your hoodie and jorts, conscious of the risk of sunburn.
Just as you and Aria gaze out over the lively scene, a tanned, muscular man jogs toward the shade, glistening with perspiration from the heat. He takes a refreshing gulp of water before his eyes lock onto yours, his surprise was evident at your choice of clothing in such heat. With a charming smile lighting up his face, he strides over to you. "Bem-vindo Ao Brasil, querido!" he greets straightforwardly, staring at you with interest his voice smooth and inviting, tinged with a lilting Brazilian accent.
You glance at Aria, who nudges you playfully in the arm, urging you to respond. "Ah... um... thank you...?" you stammer, caught off guard yet intrigued.
His warm, captivating laughter rings out as he places a hand on your shoulder, his confidence palpable not afraid or embarrassed about being straightforward with his feelings. "Not from Brazil, I presume, gatinha?" he inquires, his accent adding a melodic quality to his speech. "I'm Thiago Almeida, gatinha. May I know the name of the beautiful foreigner in front of me?" His voice, rich with a Brazilian lilt, sends a delightful shiver down your spine.
What do you do?