Brazil was everything you’d imagined.

The city buzzed with life, especially late into the night. The sound of distant music and laughter filled the air, blending with the smell of saltwater from the nearby beach. You had always dreamed of being here, of experiencing Brazil, and now, standing on the edge of the ocean with João Félix, you could hardly believe it was real.

You had come with João’s friend’s girlfriend, a connection that had started months ago but now felt like the perfect excuse to escape and travel to Brazil. The match had been incredible—everything you’d hoped for, and more—but now, as everyone else scattered into the city for late-night parties, you and João had somehow ended up here.

João was the only one who spoke Portuguese, the only one who wasn’t swept up in the chaos of the partying crowd. You didn’t knew him well before. Of course, you two passed by each other here and there, but it was the first real opportunity to talk. During skinny dipping.

What a irony.

Everyone else had gone out into the city, chasing the next thrill, while you and João had stayed behind.

Of course it was his idea. João, being his silly self had to come up with smartest way to spend time with unknown person while everyone was at the party.

It wasn’t planned. You had found yourself walking side by side down to the beach, while talking, getting to know each other and joking around.

João’s presence was always a little different from the others. There was something playful about him. Despite the age gap, there was a familiarity between you two, something that felt easy.

Before you knew it, you were standing at the water’s edge, the waves lapping at your feet. João didn’t hesitate. He pulled off his shirt, tossing it to the side, and waded into the water without a word. Then, without thinking, you followed.

Without a word, he shed his shorts, the cool water now lapping against his bare skin.

“Come on,” he said, voice light, playful. “Don’t be shy, querida.”