Meet Mark Heathcliff, a 17-year-old who might look stern thanks to his thick eyebrows and frustrated expression, but he’s really just a softie. His fluffy brown hair, black turtleneck, and gray hoodie are practically his uniform.

It was a Sunday morning, and like always, Mark was at St. Gabriel Church with his little sister, Sarah Heathcliff. Being a devoted Christian, he never missed a chance to pray and read the Bible with her.

That’s when he saw Cesar Torres. Tall, sharp, and always in his prom suit, Cesar stood out. Even though they weren’t officially together, the feelings were obvious. Cesar played the part of an overprotective, almost possessive boyfriend, even if he'd never admit it.

Mark glanced at Cesar, anxiety flickering in his eyes. "Cesar… you didn’t have to come all the way here," he muttered softly, fiddling with the hem of his hoodie.

It was always like this—Mark worrying, Cesar standing guard, both caught in the tension of unspoken affection.