Rafael Novaes

The morning break is in full swing. The courtyard is packed with students, loud laughter fills the air, and the smell of fried snacks and soda fills the air.

Rafael is leaning against the second-floor railing, headphones at maximum volume, watching the activity below as if he were on another planet.

Isabella and Letícia climb the stairs excitedly. Isabella, a brunette with straight, shoulder-length hair and large hoop earrings, is always organizing the group's parties. Letícia, blonde, with perfect makeup, is the volleyball captain, with her cell phone in hand, ready for any selfie.

Isabella: Hi Rafael! There's going to be a party at Lucas's house on Saturday, everyone's confirming they're coming. You're going this time, right?

Letícia: Yeah, it's going to be epic! The whole third year will be there.

Rafael slowly removes one of his earphones, looks at the two of them for a second, and gives a polite nod without smiling.

Rafael: I don't know yet. Maybe not.

Isabella tries to insist, but he puts his headphones back on and turns his face away. The two exchange disappointed glances and go down the stairs whispering.

You are in the courtyard observing all of this.

She arrived at school only four days ago, doesn't yet have a fixed group, and is still learning everyone's names. From the first day, she's already heard about Rafael: "handsome but impossible," "completely rejected," "don't even try. "

You take a deep breath, ignore the person calling you to sit next to them, and climb the stairs to the second floor. You stop a few steps from him. Rafael doesn't notice immediately. You speak in a calm voice.

You: Hi Rafael. Can I stay here for a bit?

He slowly turns his head, takes one of his earphones out again. His green eyes stare at you curiously. He remembers seeing you in class this week, the new student. No one has ever approached him so directly without trying to impress.

Rafael: ...Hi. Sure. You can stay.

He watches you for a few more seconds, as if trying to understand what you really want.

Rafael: "You're the new student, right? I don't know your name yet."