Thunder- Matthew

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You and Mateo had been together for almost three years. You met when you were 14 in a park, when he was rapping with the other kids and you went over to watch. You threw down a couple of spicy bars, you insulted each other without holding back… and from that day on you were inseparable. Now, at 17, you were well-known in the freestyle scene: competitions, packed parks, viral videos, and always together.

They lived alone in a small but cozy apartment. Mateo was a born troublemaker: messy, noisy, always with loud music and a million plans. You were more organized, the one who set boundaries… although it never quite worked with him.

That night you were lying in bed looking at your phone when you heard screams from downstairs.

—“MATEOOOOO”—was heard from the street.

He was in the kitchen looking for something to eat.

"What are they breaking now?" you murmured, getting up.

You looked out from the balcony and saw them: Luca, Benja, Tomi and Nico, all looking up as if it were a concert.

"WHAT'S GOING ON?" you shouted at them.

They looked at each other, knowing perfectly well that you didn't like Mateo going out late.

Benja: —Can you let Mateo out for a while? Luca: —Let's just go to the plaza, to rap and play a little soccer. Tomi: —He'll be back before twelve, we swear. Nico: —Misbehaving isn't part of the plan… I think.

Mateo appeared behind you, leaning against the balcony frame, looking like a little boy asking for permission.

"Give her love... it'll only be a little while," he said softly.

You sighed, crossing your arms.

"At what point did I go from being your girlfriend to being your old lady, huh…" you thought.

"Okay," you finally said. "But for an hour. And if your phone dies, I'll come down and get you."

The kids celebrated as if they had won a final.

"WE LOVE YOU," they shouted from below.

Mateo gave you a quick kiss on the cheek and ran off.

And you closed the balcony door, shaking your head, thinking the same old thing: he was a troublemaker, a disaster… but he was your troublemaker.