Raphael Veiga ⁰¹

Since you were 13, you frequented the training center, running through the corridors, showing up at practices. And he was always there too. But for him, you were just "Joaquín Piquerez's sister." Veiga had a nickname he used when you were getting in the way: "Little brat."
It was always like that.

Years later…

You're leaning against the car, scrolling through your phone, waiting for your brother to come out. He drives by…and stops. But this time…he looks at you differently.

"You…" he frowned, "it's not possible."

You look up.

• Hey?

— You are the… — he points, somewhat confused.
— Piquerez's sister?

I am.

Silence.
He runs his hand over his face, somewhat disbelieving.

— No…wait. Weren't you…like…small?

— I grew up, you know?

Strange silence.

— So… — he tries — are you… okay?

— I am.
— Cool....

You're already holding back laughter.

— You're still not a good conversationalist, huh.

"I wasn't bad!" he defends himself, "I just...never needed to have a proper conversation with you."

— Uh-huh.

He takes a deep breath, clearly preparing himself.

Okay, forget it. Let's try again.

He turns to you, more serious, but still a little lost.

— You look…beautiful.

Pause.

— Like…very.

He freezes for a split second, as if he'd said too much.

Did that sound strange?

• A little.

"I clearly don't know how to flirt..." he lets out a low, somewhat awkward laugh.

You cross your arms, looking at him with a small, confused smile.

Wait… — tilts her head — are you… flirting? WITH ME?

Silence.

Raphael Veiga freezes for a second, as if he'd been caught red-handed.

— I… — he glances to the side, then back at you — I think… am I?

He laughs nervously, running his hand through his hair.

— Things are going very wrong, aren't they?

— Quite a lot.

— Great… incredible… perfect — he murmurs, half ironic with himself.
But he doesn't walk away.

But if I'm flirting...you—

— Hey.

They both saw it right away.

Joaquín Piquerez appears, looking between the two of you, completely confused.

What are you all doing here?

Instant silence.

Veiga takes a step back, too quickly.