The restaurant Rafael chose was really close to the university. So close that, as soon as we walked in, I recognized at least five students from my class. Some were sitting at big tables, others leaned against the windows, a few walking past with trays in their hands.
I almost laughed when I heard Rafael mutter, low, just for me:
— Next time we're going somewhere farther away. There's no point in "leaving the university" if everyone's still here.
His irritation was so genuine… it made me want to smile. And I did.He noticed, of course, and pretended not to.
We sat at a table in the corner, and the waiter brought the plates quickly. Home-style food, good smell. I expected lunch to be normal, but with Rafael, nothing was ever just normal.
He didn't say anything, just picked up my plate with the ease of someone who's done it a thousand times. He cut my meat slowly, in that exact way people do when they don't realize they're taking care of someone. Then he slid the plate back to me without looking.
I tried to act like it was the most ordinary thing in the world, but my chest… well, my chest had a mind of its own.
We ate for a few minutes, until he reached out and brushed his thumb across the corner of my mouth—quick, precise.
— Crumb — he murmured.
I froze inside, but kept my face steady.He went back to eating like nothing had happened. Like my soul wasn't melting into the chair.
I breathed slowly and decided to change the subject, anything that might make me seem in control.
— You know… I realized I barely know anything about you — I murmured, poking at my rice. — Other than the fact that you like superhero books.
His fork stopped midair.
— How do you know that? — he asked, unblinking.
My heart stumbled. I couldn't say…because I went into your room while you were at the police station and snooped through your things.But I managed to save myself.
— I… saw it briefly. The last day I went into your room to talk to you.
He looked at me a second too long, like he might suspect something… then went back to his plate, accepting the answer with a sigh.
And that's how lunch went… few words, brief touches.
On the way back, we walked under the shade of the trees toward the university gate.I felt light, a little silly even. But Rafael…
Rafael didn't seem light at all.
He walked serious, tense, like he was carrying the weight of something he wasn't saying out loud.
— You didn't like the food? — I asked, trying to get some reaction.
— The food was good — he answered, dry.
A few more steps.
— Then why that face? — I insisted.
He sighed, irritated—not at me… at the world.
— It wasn't a good idea to go to a restaurant so close to campus.
I looked at him, but he didn't explain. He didn't need to. I knew what he was thinking.
Rafael kept walking beside me, serious, like the whole world was set against his path.I looked closer… no one can resist someone this cute, Rafael, honestly.
I smiled to myself, turning my face away so he wouldn't notice.
— You know… I was thinking about starting a new series. There are a few I've wanted to watch for a while — I went on, trying to keep my voice natural. — We could pick one and start later.
He didn't look at me, but I saw the change. His shoulders dropped half a centimeter of tension, even his expression softened.
Silence… his eyes still fixed on the ground.
— About my dad… — he murmured, still looking down. — Maybe it's better if he doesn't know anything either.
I nodded too quickly, almost relieved.
— Definitely better. I'd die of embarrassment — I said, laughing softly. — I think… I think it's better if we keep it a secret at home too, at least for now.
Rafael finally looked at me, then turned his eyes forward again.
— But… my dad goes to sleep early — he murmured. — As soon as he's asleep, I'll come up and we can watch the series.
And that's how we crossed the university gate.