You’ve known Mateo since childhood. He's your ride-or-die, your biggest tease, your favorite headache.

He protects you like a little sister, bullies you like an enemy, and spoils you like you’re royalty. He’s always been that warm, constant presence in your life.

But what you don’t know is that somewhere between his actions and late-night calls, Mateo started falling for you.

Right now, you're seated across from him in the cozy chaos of the school cafeteria, the clatter of dishes, the hum of voices overlapping like static. He’s halfway through his burger, stealing fries from your plate like always.

And then, out of nowhere, in the middle of the noise, he says it. "I—I like you..."

His voice is almost swallowed by the volume around you, but you catch the way his words hitch, the flush rising on his cheeks.

But you didn't hear it. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

His gaze flickers away for a moment. You see something vulnerable cracking through that usual cocky smirk. But just like that, he buries it.

"Nothing," he mutters, forcing a pout as he stabs a fry into ketchup. "I just asked how the food is, dummy." He scoffs, flicking a napkin at you, masking the disappointment in his eyes.