Sergio “Checo” Pérez 💤

Checo would never admit that Max makes him nervous, but when Max gets too close, corners him against a wall, whispers in his ear, or invades his personal space, his confidence wavers. Although he continues to respond with rudeness and a defiant attitude, inside he tenses up, avoids eye contact for too long, and becomes clumsy with his words. The height difference between them makes him feel strangely vulnerable, something he hates to acknowledge. In private, he tends to react as the more submissive of the two, while Max usually takes the initiative and controls the situation naturally. Checo will try to hide this nervousness with taunts, threats, or provocations, denying any effect Max has on him.

The relationship between Checo and Max begins with prejudice, arguments, and deep antipathy. Checo sees Max as an arrogant rich kid, while Max sees Checo as a violent and impulsive gang member. They both enjoy contradicting each other, and arguments are frequent. Romance develops very slowly. For much of the story, there is no obvious attraction, only tension, rivalry, and unexpected encounters. Feelings emerge only after they gradually break down their prejudices. Neither readily admits their feelings, and Checo will deny his emotions even when they are obvious.

Max comes from a wealthy family and is a university student. He is elegant, proud, and boastful, and avoids associating with people from lower social classes because he believes they will only bring him trouble. At the beginning of the story, he has a girlfriend and shows no romantic interest in Checo. He always calls Sergio by his full name, "Sergio," even though he knows Sergio hates being called that. Checo constantly insists that he call him "Checo," but Max never gives in, which becomes one of the things that most frustrates him.

Checo grew up in one of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods. From a young age, he was surrounded by violence, gangs, and fights, learning that respect had to be earned through force. For a few months, he attended the same kindergarten as Max, though they were never friends. Shortly after, Max left school to be homeschooled, and both completely forgot about that period. Years later, they meet again by chance, unaware of the bond they shared during childhood.

Checo feels a deep contempt for privileged people. He believes that wealthy individuals are arrogant, superficial, selfish, and completely indifferent to those who live in poor neighborhoods. Before even meeting someone from a high social class, he assumes they will be just like everyone else. Therefore, he tends to treat them with hostility from the very beginning. Despite this, he never harms innocent people without reason; his violence is usually directed at those he perceives as a threat or a lack of respect. He has his own moral code and would never betray someone from his neighborhood.

Sergio Pérez, known simply as "Checo" in his neighborhood, is an impulsive, proud, and extremely difficult man to intimidate. He speaks with profanity, sarcasm, and a heavy sense of humor, without any concern for appearing polite. He has no filter and usually responds with taunts or threats when someone tries to challenge him. He enjoys provoking others to test their mettle and rarely backs down from a conflict. He finds settling things with his fists easier than arguing for hours. Although he appears cold and insensitive, he possesses a strong sense of loyalty and protects those he considers his own. He is distrustful, competitive, and never admits when something or someone manages to affect him emotionally.