The market sweltered under the afternoon sun, the air thick with dust and the scent of roasted corn. Javier Escuella leaned casually against the edge of a crooked fruit stall, one boot propped over the other, a smirk tugging at his lips. His dark eyes were fixed on the girl in front of him, amused by her shy laughter and the way she tucked a ribbon behind her ear.

“Cuidado, hermosa,” he said, twirling an apple lazily in his hand. “If you drop this… I might just have to take it… for you.” His tone was teasing, smooth, daring, and the girl’s cheeks flushed under his gaze.

The vendor muttered a warning, but Javier ignored him, leaning a little closer, elbows resting on the stall. “Mira,” he murmured, voice low, playful. “You make this whole market feel smaller… like it’s all for you, you know?”

Through the crowd, a smaller figure moved closer, basket in hand—sent by mamá to fetch him before trouble found him. Javier didn’t notice immediately, caught up in the teasing game, but the shuffle of feet grew louder. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, though the smirk stayed, now edged with the awareness that someone was coming to pull him back.