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MidReal Story
O Reino da Princesa
Scenario:MAGINE UM CASAL DE LUCCAS NETO E UMA MENINA CHAMADA PRINCESA, ELES SE CONHCERAM NA ESCOLA COM A SALA COM MESAS DUPLAS E A DIRETORA A APRESENTA COM FALAS
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Luccas Neto
He is a student at a private school. He is sarcastic,introspective,and conflicted. Luccas struggles with his feelings for his best friend,Ana Laura,while being approached by other girls. His parents are getting divorced,and he is dealing with the aftermath of being publicly humiliated by a bully named Fábio. Despite his challenges,he remains determined to protect his sister and stay strong.
Ana Laura
She is Luccas's best friend and classmate. She is intelligent,supportive,and reserved. Ana Laura sits next to Luccas in school and has been his confidante since childhood. She helps him navigate the social complexities of school and offers him advice when needed. Her relationship with Luccas remains platonic,despite her beauty and the unspoken feelings between them.
Princess
She is a new student at the school,starting on a Monday. She is mysterious,shy,and observant. Princess arrives late in the morning wearing a crown made of flowers and leaves,striking an unusual impression on Luccas and other classmates. Her presence creates some intrigue and speculation among the students,particularly about her origins and family background.
It was the first day of class and I was late.
I wasn't the only one, though.
When I entered the classroom, I saw that half of the double desks were empty.
I sat in my usual place, next to Ana Laura, who was already seated and had opened her notebook.
"Good morning," I greeted her.
"Good morning," she replied, not looking away from her notes.
The school I attended was a private one and had a few peculiarities.
One of them was that the desks were doubles, which made it easier for us to work together when we had group activities.
Another peculiarity was that the school was mixed, but with separate bathrooms for boys and girls, which also made a lot of sense.
"Did you do the homework?" she asked me.
"Yes," I lied.
"I didn't have time," I confessed, making her look at me.
"You always have time," she accused me, smiling.
"But today I didn't," I said, looking at her.
She was beautiful and intelligent, and for some reason, girls always fell head over heels in love with me while guys wanted to be my friend.
She leaned closer to me.
"I have some news," she said.
I also leaned closer, intrigued by what she had to say.
The classroom was filled with scattered conversations as more students entered and took their seats in the empty desks.
Through the doorway, I saw Principal Santos talking to two girls I had never seen before.
One of them caught my attention immediately; she was wearing a delicate crown of woven flowers and leaves on her head.
The principal cleared her throat to get everyone's attention and silence fell in the classroom.
"Class, please welcome your new classmates," she announced, gesturing to the only empty desk in the classroom, which was right in front of mine.
The girl with the flower crown shifted nervously from one foot to the other, while her companion smiled at everyone in the room.
"Princess and Maria Clara, please take your seats," Principal Santos introduced them.
I didn't take my eyes off the flower crown, which the girl kept adjusting with trembling fingers while her companion waved at everyone.
When they reached our row, I saw how the crown was starting to slip from her head, so without thinking, I leaned forward and placed my hand on it to steady it before it fell to the floor.
The girl froze mid-step, her head turning slightly to look at me for the first time.
The crown felt delicate under my fingers, woven with fresh daisies and ivy leaves.
Principal Santos cleared her throat again, and I quickly withdrew my hand from the girl's head.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"You're welcome," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the curious stares from our classmates.
Ana Laura nudged me with her elbow and murmured, "Looks like you're already making friends with royalty."
I leaned forward in my seat, trying to catch the girl's attention without being too obvious.
She was settling into the desk ahead of me, carefully adjusting her books and pencil case while her companion chattered away beside her.
The flower crown still sat slightly askew on her head, and I noticed how her fingers kept reaching up to touch it nervously.
When she finally turned around to borrow an eraser from Ana Laura, I seized my chance.
My heart beat a little faster as I met her eyes for the first time - they were a striking shade of green I hadn't noticed before.
During math class, I tried to focus on the equations Mr. Silva wrote on the board, but my gaze kept drifting back to Princess.
Her flower crown kept slipping down her forehead, and every few minutes she would reach up to adjust it, her fingers brushing against the delicate petals.
Occasionally, she would catch me looking at her and quickly turn away, but not before I saw a hint of a smile on her lips.
The sunlight streaming through the classroom window illuminated her profile, making her green eyes sparkle.
Ana Laura noticed my distraction and slid me her notes, but I barely registered them.
I was too busy stealing glances at Princess, who was intently solving the math problems in her notebook.
At one point, she dropped her pencil, and it rolled backwards towards my desk.
Without thinking, I picked it up and leaned forward to hand it back to her.
My heart raced as I saw her profile up close - the soft curve of her cheek, the delicate line of her jaw.
During lunch break, I noticed Princess lingering near the cafeteria entrance, her flower crown slightly askew as usual.
She caught my eye and gestured for me to follow her.
My sandwich forgotten on the table where Ana Laura was discussing homework with our classmates, I stood up and followed Princess through the corridor.
She walked ahead, occasionally glancing back to make sure I was still following.
We passed by groups of students chatting and laughing, but Princess seemed oblivious to the commotion around us.
She led me towards the small soccer field behind the school, which was empty during lunch hours.
When we reached the edge of the field where the concrete met the grass, Princess stopped and turned to face me.
Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her uniform skirt as she waited for me to approach.
I stop a few feet away from her, my hands shoved in my pockets to hide their trembling.
The afternoon sun beats down on the empty soccer field, casting long shadows across the grass.
We stand there in awkward silence for a moment, the only sound being the distant chatter of students in the cafeteria.
Princess keeps adjusting her flower crown, which has tilted to one side again.
Finally, I break the silence.
"Why did you bring me here?"
I ask, my voice a little softer than I intended.
She takes a small step closer to me, her green eyes darting around nervously before finally settling on mine.
She opens her mouth to speak but hesitates, her fingers now twisting the hem of her uniform skirt.
Behind us, the distant sounds of students in the cafeteria drift across the field, making this moment feel strangely isolated.
She takes a deep breath and pulls a folded piece of paper from the pocket of her uniform.
Her hands shake slightly as she unfolds it, revealing neat handwriting.
I notice she's drawn tiny hearts in the margins.
Before she can speak, a gust of wind catches her flower crown, sending it tumbling to the ground.
Without thinking, I lunge forward to catch it, and at the same time, Princess bends down to pick it up.
We both grab the crown at the same time, our fingers touching.
She doesn't let go.
Instead, she looks directly into my eyes and whispers, "Luccas, will you be my boyfriend?"
My voice comes out shaky as I nod, still holding the flower crown with her.
"Yes, I would love to," I whisper.
Her eyes light up, and she releases a breath she seems to have been holding.
She smiles, her fingers tightening around mine on the crown.
Together we lift it, and I carefully place it back on her head, adjusting it until it sits perfectly.
She unfolds the note again and shows me the hearts she drew around our names.
A group of students walks past us, making Princess step closer to me.
I walk Princess back toward the cafeteria, our hands still linked, when she suddenly stops at the entrance to a stairwell I've never seen before.
The blue concrete steps lead down into darkness, a stark contrast to the beige walls that dominate the rest of the school.
Princess releases my hand and steps backward, her face showing a fear I've never seen before.
When I move toward the first step to investigate, she grabs my uniform sleeve, shaking her head frantically.
Through the doorway of the stairwell, I notice strange markings carved into the walls, partially hidden by peeling paint.
"Luccas, you can't go down there," she says, her voice trembling with urgency.
"Why not?" I ask, glancing back at the mysterious markings.
She hesitates, then whispers, "Because that's where they keep the secrets of the school."
I stand frozen at the top of the stairwell, staring at the strange markings while Princess grips my sleeve.
Suddenly, Mrs. Oliveira, our literature teacher, appears behind us.
She's carrying a stack of old textbooks and raises her eyebrows at our frightened expressions.
"This is just the old storage area," she explains casually.
"We keep outdated school supplies here."
She moves past us and unlocks the heavy door at the bottom of the stairwell.
Princess's grip on my arm tightens.
Mrs. Oliveira flicks on a light, revealing dusty shelves filled with forgotten books and broken chairs.
"It's nothing to be afraid of," she assures us, but despite her words, Princess trembles beside me.
I guide Princess away from the stairwell, keeping my arm around her shoulders as she shakes.
We find an empty bench in a quiet corner of the courtyard, hidden from view of the other students.
Princess leans against me, her flower crown brushing my cheek.
She tells me about strange noises she's heard coming from those stairs late after classes, when everyone else has gone home.
Her voice quivers as she describes shadows moving behind the storage room door.
As she speaks, tears start to fall down her cheeks.
I wipe them away with my sleeve, and then I make my decision.
Taking her hand firmly in mine, I tell her we'll investigate the stairwell together after school tomorrow.
I hold Princess close on the bench, her head against my chest as she finishes her stories about the stairwell.
Footsteps echo through the courtyard, growing louder with each passing second.
Princess tenses against me, her flower crown brushing my neck as she ducks her head lower.
Through the bushes that hide our spot, I see a figure walking purposefully between the benches.
Ana Laura's dark hair swings with each step as she scans each area.
She hasn't noticed us yet, hidden behind the flowering shrubs, but she's methodically checking every corner of the courtyard.
Princess whispers against my chest that her sister is probably looking for her too.
I feel torn between staying hidden with Princess and calling out to my best friend.
"Luccas, if Ana Laura finds us, she'll want to know everything," Princess murmurs, her voice barely audible.
"And what if she can help us?" I suggest, glancing through the leaves at Ana Laura's determined figure.
Princess shakes her head slightly, whispering, "No, she can't know about the secrets... not yet."
I raise my hand to wave at Ana Laura, and Princess jerks away from me in surprise.
The sudden movement knocks her flower crown askew, and she quickly readjusts it.
Ana Laura sees the movement and walks over to our bench, her expression unreadable.
Princess shifts uncomfortably on the bench, creating a small space between us.
I clear my throat, trying to sound casual.
"Ana Laura, have you ever noticed anything strange about that storage stairwell near the cafeteria?"
She frowns, glancing between Princess and me.
Before she can answer, Princess stands abruptly and smooths her uniform.
Without looking back, she hurries away, disappearing around the corner.
Ana Laura sits down beside me, her eyes following Princess's hasty departure.
Then she turns to me with an expression I've never seen before—stern and almost angry.
"Luccas, dating Princess is a mistake," she says, her voice low and serious.
I try to defend my new relationship, but she cuts me off.
"I've been in love with you since we were kids," she confesses, her hands gripping the edge of the bench until her knuckles turn white.
I sit there stunned, unable to process this revelation from my best friend, especially after just becoming Princess's boyfriend minutes ago.
Ana Laura takes a deep breath, her eyes searching mine for any sign of understanding.
"Luccas, I know this is a lot, but you need to hear me out," she insists, her voice softening.
I nod slowly, still reeling, and manage to whisper, "Okay, tell me everything."
I lean back on the bench, trying to process everything Ana Laura just confessed.
She pulls out her phone with trembling hands and opens a news article from two years ago.
The photo shows a girl I recognize, but she's not wearing her flower crown, and her name is different.
Ana Laura scrolls through the article, which talks about how this girl disappeared from her previous school after a series of strange incidents involving other students.
Then she shows me more photos of the same girl, but each time she's at a different school, always wearing that signature crown.
Ana Laura explains that this girl has been doing the same thing at different schools for years—approaching boys and then disappearing.
I try to defend Princess, but Ana Laura grabs my arm and shows me security footage from our school's entrance.
I stare at the screen as she pulls up more evidence.
A police report shows that Princess's real name is Sofia Mendes, and she's wanted for questioning about vandalism and theft at three different schools.
My throat tightens as Ana Laura scrolls through social media posts from other students warning about "the girl with the flower crown."
Then a message appears on her phone from Princess, asking to meet me at the storage stairwell after school.
Ana Laura grabs my wrist, her eyes pleading.
"Luccas, please end this now before she disappears again," she begs.
I hesitate, glancing at the message, my mind racing.
"But what if she's in trouble and needs help?" I ask, torn between loyalty and doubt.
Ana Laura shakes her head, her voice firm. "You can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved, Luccas."
I pace back and forth outside the storage stairwell, clutching Ana Laura's phone with all the evidence against Princess.
When I hear footsteps approaching, I turn to see Princess walking towards me, her flower crown slightly askew.
She looks up at me with those green eyes, and for a moment, I hesitate.
But then I remember everything Ana Laura showed me, and my resolve hardens.
"Princess, we need to talk," I say, my voice firm but shaking slightly.
She stops in her tracks, her eyes widening.
"What's wrong?" she asks, her voice trembling.
I take a deep breath and pull out Ana Laura's phone, showing her the article with her real name—Sofia Mendes.
Her eyes widen even more as she stares at the screen.
Then she looks up at me, her face pale.
"Luccas, I can explain," she says, reaching out to grab my hand.
But I step back, holding up my own hand to stop her.
"No more lies," I say firmly.
She takes a deep breath and nods slowly.
"You're right. My name is Sofia Mendes. And everything Ana Laura told you is true."
I feel my heart sink as she confirms all the evidence against her.
"Why?" is all I can manage to ask. She sighs and runs a hand through her hair, messing up the flower crown even more.
"I don't know," she admits.
"I just get bored easily. And when I get bored, I move on."
I stare at her in disbelief.
"So you just disappear and leave everyone behind?"
She shrugs again.
"It's not that big of a deal."
I shake my head, feeling a mix of anger and sadness.
"It is a big deal," I insist.
"You hurt people. And you stole from them."
She looks down at the ground, avoiding my eyes.
"I know," she whispers.
"But I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down.
"Princess...Sofia...whatever your name is," I say slowly, "you need help. You can't keep doing this."
She looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
"I know," she says again, her voice barely above a whisper.
"But I don't know how to stop."
I sigh and rub my temples, trying to think of what to do next.
"Look...I can't be with someone who lies to me and steals from others," I say finally.
"I deserve better than that."
I turn away from her and walk back through the empty hallway, hearing her quiet sobs behind me.
Her footsteps fade into the distance as I keep moving forward.
When I reach the cafeteria, I know Ana Laura will be there waiting for me at our usual table.
And even though I'm not hungry anymore, I need to see her face to remind myself of what's real.
When I push open the cafeteria doors, I spot her immediately, sitting with her back to me.
Her dark hair falls forward as she studies something in front of her.
She must sense my presence because she looks up, our eyes meeting across the room.
Concern etches itself on her features as she takes in my expression.
Without saying a word, I slide into the seat beside her, our shoulders touching like they always do.
Ana Laura turns to me, her voice soft but steady.
"Did you talk to her?" she asks, searching my face for answers.
I nod, feeling the weight of the conversation still heavy on my shoulders.
"I did," I say, slumping back in my chair.
Ana Laura leans forward, her eyes fixed on mine as she waits for me to continue.
I take a deep breath and start explaining everything that happened with Princess.
As I talk, my hands begin to shake slightly on the table.
Ana Laura notices and reaches out, placing her hand over mine.
Her touch is warm and steady, calming my nerves enough to keep going.
"She admitted everything," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"She told me her real name is Sofia Mendes. And that she does this all the time—disappears and moves on."
Ana Laura nods, her grip on my hand tightening in support.
"And then...she started crying," I admit, feeling a mix of emotions still swirling inside me.
Ana Laura's eyes widen slightly at this revelation, but she remains silent, letting me finish my story.
"I stood firm," I assure her, trying to sound stronger than I feel.
"I told her I couldn't be with someone who lies and steals."
As more students file into the cafeteria for afternoon classes, Ana Laura keeps holding my hand, her touch a steady reminder that she's there for me no matter what.
I squeeze her hand back, grateful for her unwavering presence, and realize that sometimes the hardest choices are the ones that set you free.
I sit with Ana Laura in our usual cafeteria spot, the afternoon light streaming through the windows.
The emotional weight of confronting Princess still lingers, but having Ana Laura beside me feels different now.
When she starts gathering her things to leave, I grab her hand to stop her.
My heart pounds as I fumble through the words, telling her how much her friendship has meant to me and how I've been blind to what was in front of me all along.
Her eyes widen as I ask if she would be my girlfriend.
She looks at me, surprise mingling with something else in her eyes.
"Luccas, are you sure?" she asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nod, feeling more certain than I have in a long time.
My heart soars as her smile lights up her entire face.
She squeezes my hand tighter across the cafeteria table, her dark hair falling forward as she nods.
The familiar cafeteria buzz fades into background noise as she speaks those words I never knew I wanted to hear.
Other students mill around us, but I focus only on her warm brown eyes meeting mine.
When she starts to say something else, the lunch bell rings harshly.
She stands up, still holding my hand, and pulls me along with her toward our next class.
"Luccas, I can't believe you finally said it," she laughs, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"I've been waiting for you to realize it too," she admits, her cheeks flushed.
As we walk together, hand in hand, I feel the weight of the past lift, replaced by a hopeful new beginning.
I browse through the jewelry displays at the mall after school, my fingers trailing over various pieces as I search for the perfect ring.
The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, watches me from behind the counter.
My hands begin to sweat as I point to a delicate silver band with a small heart design.
She smiles knowingly as she takes it out of the display case and wraps it in a velvet box.
I count out the money I've saved from my allowance, hoping Ana Laura will understand the meaning behind this gift.
As I walk home, the box feels heavy in my pocket.
I pace my bedroom, clutching the velvet box while practicing what to say to Ana Laura.
The silver ring catches the light from my desk lamp as I open and close the box repeatedly.
Standing before my mirror, I fumble through different versions of the speech - each attempt making me cringe.
My hands shake as I try on the ring myself, imagining how it will look on Ana Laura's finger.
When my sister knocks on my door asking about dinner, I quickly hide the box under my pillow.
I sit on my bed staring at Ana Laura's contact photo on my phone, the velvet ring box heavy in my other hand.
My thumb hovers over the call button as doubts flood my mind about the perfect way to ask her to meet.
Through my window, I see the park where we used to play as kids - the empty swings swaying in the evening breeze.
After three failed attempts to press call, I finally connect.
The phone rings twice before her voice answers cheerfully.
My rehearsed words tumble out jumbled as I ask her to meet me at the park tomorrow afternoon.
"Luccas, is everything okay?" she asks, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yeah, I just... there's something important I want to give you," I reply, trying to steady my nerves.
Her laughter dances through the phone, "You always know how to keep me curious; I'll be there."
I pace my room late into the night, the velvet box clutched in my hand as I practice the speech for Ana Laura.
My footsteps move between my desk and bed, each step punctuated by adjustments to the words I've scribbled on index cards.
The silver ring catches the lamplight as I open the box again, imagining her reaction.
When I check my phone, it's past midnight, but sleep eludes me.
Instead, I write and crumple the index cards repeatedly.
Finally, I set the cards aside and let the silence speak for itself.
I stand at our usual meeting spot in the park, the velvet box burning a hole in my jacket pocket.
The morning mist curls around my ankles as I watch the sun rise through the trees.
When Ana Laura comes into view, her dark hair swaying with each step, my rehearsed words vanish into thin air.
She approaches with that familiar warm smile, and I fumble to retrieve the box with trembling fingers.
Drawing a deep breath, I pull out the silver ring.
Her eyes widen as I take her hand, my voice cracking while I explain how she's always been there for me.
"Luccas, are you... proposing?" she asks, her voice a mix of surprise and disbelief.
"No, no, it's not like that," I stammer, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me.
She tilts her head, curiosity piqued, "Then what is it?"
I pull the silver ring from its velvet box with trembling fingers, holding it up in the misty morning light.
Ana Laura watches intently as I explain that this ring represents our years of friendship and my hope for something more.
My rehearsed speech falls apart, replaced by stumbling words about how she's always been there for me.
When I try slipping the ring onto her finger, I fumble and nearly drop it.
Ana Laura steadies my shaking hands with hers, but stays silent, her eyes fixed on the heart design catching the sunlight.
I watch as she examines the ring in her palm, my heart pounding against my ribs.
She traces the heart design with her fingertip, and I shift my weight between feet, waiting for more of a response.
The morning mist clings to her dark hair, and when she looks up at me, those warm brown eyes hold a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Let us see where this journey takes us," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
She slips the ring onto her finger, the silver glinting in the early sunlight.
Her gentle words calm my racing nerves, though questions still linger in her eyes.
She intertwines her fingers with mine, the new ring cool against my skin.
"Luccas, I didn't expect this," she admits, her voice tinged with a vulnerability I've rarely seen.
"I didn't either," I confess, feeling the truth settle between us like the morning mist.
"But maybe that's what makes it special," she muses, a soft smile playing on her lips as she squeezes my hand.
We stand there, hands still joined, the ring glinting on her finger.
The morning mist creates a private bubble around us, and the other park visitors fade into the background.
Ana Laura takes a step closer, her brown eyes fixed on mine with a newfound confidence.
My breath catches as she releases my hand to touch my face, her fingers tracing my jawline.
"My love," she whispers, the words sending shivers down my spine.
Before I can respond, she leans in and presses her lips against mine.
The silver ring feels cool against my neck where her hand rests.
I pull away from our first kiss, my heart still racing from the intimate contact.
Ana Laura's brown eyes shine with emotion as she adjusts the ring on her finger.
The morning mist creates a private cocoon around us in the empty park.
My voice comes out soft but steady as I suggest making this moment special.
I take her ringed hand and guide her toward the old oak tree where we used to play as children.
I lead her to sit with me beneath its sprawling branches, which create a natural canopy above us.
My hands shake slightly as I pull out my phone and load the lyrics to "Evidências" by Chitãozinho & Xororó.
Ana Laura's eyes widen in recognition as I start singing softly, my voice trembling at first but growing stronger.
She plays with her new silver ring while I continue the familiar melody, remembering how we used to laugh at this song during family gatherings.
Now, singing about love and certainty, the lyrics hold new meaning.
Ana Laura laughs softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Luccas, you know this song always made me cry," she teases, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
"But now, it feels like our anthem," I reply, my voice filled with a newfound conviction.
I lean against the rough bark of the oak tree, and Ana Laura settles beside me, our fingers intertwined.
The silver ring catches the morning light as she shifts closer, her familiar vanilla scent enveloping me.
My heart skips a beat when she turns to face me, her brown eyes intense and searching.
The distant sounds of park visitors fade into the background as she moves her hand to my cheek.
Her whispered words hang in the air between us: "What if this moment never ends?"
Before I can respond, she leans in slowly, deliberately, her lips meeting mine with gentle certainty.
I sit with Ana Laura under the oak tree, our fingers intertwined as the afternoon light filters through the leaves.
Her new silver ring catches the sun when she adjusts her position closer to me.
The familiar vanilla scent of her shampoo fills my senses as I study her face - the same features I've known since childhood now appearing different, more precious.
My hand trembles slightly as I reach out to brush away a strand of dark hair that has fallen across her cheek.
"Ana Laura, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
She looks at me with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, her eyes searching mine.
"Would you consider making this our forever?"
I watch her face intently as she processes my words, her brown eyes shining with a mix of emotions.
She plays with the silver ring, turning it on her finger as the morning light filtering through the oak leaves casts dancing shadows across her features.
After what feels like an eternal moment, she reaches for my trembling hand.
Her fingers intertwine with mine, warm and familiar.
The gentle pressure of her squeeze speaks volumes before she even nods.
In that silent agreement, the world around us fades away, leaving only the promise of what lies ahead.
I sit with Ana Laura under the oak tree, our fingers still intertwined after her acceptance.
She pulls out her phone from her pocket and opens the calendar app, tapping on today's date and adding a small heart emoji.
"What are you doing?" I ask, curiosity piqued.
She smiles, her eyes sparkling.
"I want to mark the beginning of our forever. Every moment from now on is a new chapter."
Her fingers dance across the screen as she creates new events for the future - movie nights, study sessions, and weekend picnics.
The silver ring catches sunlight each time she moves her hand.
I lean closer, adding my own suggestions to her plans.
She pauses at next Friday, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
"What do you say? Our first official date?"
I grin, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.
"Absolutely, I've been waiting for this moment."
She laughs softly, her voice like music. "Then it's a date, and the first of many more to come."
I sit with Ana Laura during lunch break, the excitement of our morning under the oak tree still buzzing in my veins.
She pulls out a piece of paper from her bag, a tournament schedule printed on it.
Her silver ring catches the cafeteria lights as she unfolds it.
"Look at this," she says, her voice filled with excitement.
"The interclass futsal games are coming up."
I glance at the schedule, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.
"I don't know if I'll play this year," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ana Laura's eyes widen in surprise.
"What? You're one of the best players. You have to sign up."
She grabs my hand, her touch warm and reassuring.
"Besides, I already picked out your jersey number. Number 10 is yours."
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.
"You really think I should play?"
She nods enthusiastically, her dark hair swaying with the motion.
"Of course. And I'll be at every match, right there courtside cheering you on."
The thought of her support fills me with a surge of confidence.
"I'll paint a banner with your number on it," she continues, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"You'll be the star player."
I hesitate, glancing at the schedule again.
"But what if I let everyone down?" I voice my lingering doubt.
Ana Laura squeezes my hand tighter, her expression firm and unwavering.
"Never. You're amazing on the field. Trust me, I've seen you play."
I take a deep breath, reaching for the tournament sign-up sheet on the cafeteria bulletin board.
Ana Laura stands beside me, her silver ring catching the fluorescent light as she hands me a pen.
My hand trembles slightly as I write my name, memories of past failures on the field threatening to surface.
When I hesitate on choosing jersey number 10, Ana Laura gently touches my arm, her voice a soft whisper in my ear.
"I believe in you."
Other students gather around, watching with curiosity as I fill out the form.
After I finish signing, Ana Laura pulls me into a tight hug, her pride radiating through her embrace.
I sit with Ana Laura in her bedroom, the soft glow of the desk lamp illuminating her face as she sketches designs for our matching tournament jerseys.
Her silver ring taps against the desk as she draws, adding feminine details to her version of my number 10 shirt.
"Maybe we should keep them identical," I suggest, watching her work intently.
She shakes her head, a smile playing on her lips.
"No, I want mine to be special."
She holds up her sketch, showing me a fitted cut with subtle pink accents.
"I'll make it so it fits me perfectly."
She stands up and walks over to her closet, pulling out an old jersey from the back.
She holds it against herself, measuring the length and width with a critical eye.
"I'll use this as a base and modify it to fit me better."
I watch her work, touched by how much she wants to show that we're a couple even during the tournament.
I watch her hold the old jersey against herself in front of her mirror, measuring and adjusting the fabric.
When she catches my gaze in the reflection, she pauses mid-motion.
The desk lamp casts a warm glow across her face as our eyes lock.
Neither of us speaks, but something unspoken passes between us in this quiet moment.
Her silver ring glints as her hands still grip the jersey.
My heart pounds as she slowly turns to face me, the measuring tape dangling forgotten from her fingers.
"Ana Laura," I say softly, breaking the silence, "are you sure you want everyone to know about us?"
Her eyes meet mine, steady and unwavering.
"Absolutely," she replies with a gentle smile, "I want the world to see how proud I am of you."
I enter the classroom early, settling into my usual spot near the window.
The morning light streams in, casting a warm glow across the room as other students filter through the door.
Their chatter fills the air, punctuated by the occasional clanging of lockers and rustling of backpacks.
I take a deep breath, feeling the familiar scent of freshly sharpened pencils and worn textbooks.
The room buzzes with anticipation as everyone waits for Mrs. Santos to arrive.
Suddenly, my heart skips a beat as I catch sight of Ana Laura in the doorway.
Her silver ring catches the sunlight, glinting like a beacon as she scans the room.
When her eyes land on me, a smile spreads across her face, illuminating her entire being.
She makes her way directly to our shared desk, ignoring greetings from classmates along the way.
As she approaches, my pulse quickens, and I can't help but feel a flutter in my chest.
She sits down beside me, her shoulder brushing against mine in a gentle touch that sends shivers down my spine.
Without a word, she pulls out a carefully folded paper from her bag and places it on our desk.
Before she can show me what's inside, Mrs. Santos enters the room, signaling the start of class.
I glance at the paper, knowing that whatever it holds, we're in this together.
I sit with Ana Laura in our secluded corner of the courtyard during lunch break.
She unfolds the note from earlier, revealing a hand-drawn map of the school.
Tiny hearts mark every spot we've shared - the oak tree, the cafeteria table, and even the storage stairwell.
Her silver ring catches the sunlight as she traces each location with her finger.
"Why are there hearts everywhere?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.
She looks at me with an intensity that makes my chest tighten.
"Wherever you go," she says, her voice filled with determination, "I'll follow you."
I blink, taken aback by the weight of her words.
"Even if it means getting caught sneaking into the art room again?" I tease, trying to lighten the moment.
She laughs softly, but her eyes remain serious. "Especially then."
I follow Ana Laura down her street after school, our hands linked as she guides me past familiar houses.
Her silver ring feels cool against my palm as she talks excitedly about showing me her room for the first time.
At her front gate, she pauses to dig through her backpack for keys.
The afternoon sun makes her ring sparkle as she unlocks the white metal gate.
Before entering, she turns to me with a shy smile and admits she's nervous about letting me into her private space.
I step inside for the first time, stunned by the overwhelming green.
Real Betis soccer jerseys cover every wall, their white stripes creating patterns against the forest-colored paint.
Ana Laura watches my reaction nervously, her silver ring tapping against the doorframe.
When I move closer to examine a framed jersey, she explains it belonged to her father, who played for the Spanish team.
The room feels like a shrine to the club - green bedding, curtains, and even a Real Betis clock ticking above her desk.
I stand awkwardly in the middle of her bedroom as she sits on the edge of her green and white striped bed, patting the space beside her.
The afternoon sunlight streaming through the window catches her silver ring, sending a tiny beam of light dancing across the wall.
My heart pounds in my chest as I hesitate, remembering my parents' warnings about being alone in someone's room.
"Come here," she says softly, her voice trembling slightly.
I shuffle my feet, torn between wanting to join her and feeling nervous about crossing this boundary.
I hesitate at the edge of her bed, my pulse racing as she pats the comforter again.
The Real Betis jerseys on her walls seem to watch us while afternoon sunlight streams through her window.
After taking a deep breath, I slowly lower myself beside her, careful to leave space between us.
The mattress dips slightly, bringing us closer.
Ana Laura's silver ring catches the light as she fidgets with her hands in her lap.
Neither of us speaks, both aware of this new intimacy in her personal space.
I sit beside her on the bed, surrounded by Real Betis memorabilia.
The green and white stripes of the jerseys on her walls seem to dance in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Finally, I break the silence, asking a question that has been on my mind since I first saw her room.
"Ana Laura, why are you so obsessed with Real Betis?"
She twists her silver ring, her eyes fixed on the framed jersey above her desk.
Her voice softens as she begins to explain.
"My father played for Real Betis before his accident. The green and white stripes remind me of watching matches with him before he was confined to a wheelchair."
Tears form in her eyes as she speaks.
I take her hand, feeling the cool metal of her ring against my skin.
I hold her hand tighter as she wipes away the tears.
We sit in silence for a moment, both of us staring at the framed jersey above her desk.
The afternoon light filters through the green and white curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.
I look at the jersey, then back at Ana Laura.
She turns to me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I take a deep breath and ask, "Would you like to watch a match with me someday?"
Her eyes widen in surprise, but she nods slowly.
I continue, "Maybe your father could join us."
Her breath catches in her throat, and she squeezes my hand harder.
I sit with her on her Real Betis bedspread, still holding her hand as she wipes away tears with her free hand.
The silver ring catches the light when she reaches for her phone to check the upcoming match schedule.
Finding a game for Saturday afternoon, she texts her father about watching it together.
While waiting for his response, she leans against my shoulder, whispering how much this means to her.
I watch her face fall as she reads his reply on her phone.
The silver ring catches the light as her hand trembles holding the device.
She tries to keep her composure, explaining that her father isn't feeling well enough for visitors - his pain levels are too high today.
When I squeeze her hand, she crumples against me, finally letting her tears flow freely.
"I'm sorry, Ana Laura," I whisper, feeling the weight of her disappointment.
She nods, her voice barely audible, "It's okay, I just wish things were different."
I hesitate before suggesting, "Maybe we can record the match and watch it with him when he's feeling better?"
Her eyes light up, and she quickly grabs her phone from the nightstand.
"I can record it with my phone," she says, determination in her voice.
I watch as she navigates through her phone, trying to find the right app to record the match.
The silver ring taps against the screen as she scrolls through the options, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Finally, she finds the Discord app and tries to set it up to record the match.
But error messages keep popping up, and the app crashes twice.
Frustrated, she throws her phone down on the bed.
"I don't understand why it won't work," she mutters, running her hand through her hair.
I pick up the phone carefully and examine it.
After a few moments, I notice that the recording settings are not set correctly.
"Ana Laura, look here," I say, pointing to the screen. She leans in close, her shoulder brushing against mine as we both stare at the phone.
I show her how to adjust the settings, and after a few tries, we finally get it working.
The match recording starts smoothly, and Ana Laura's face lights up with excitement.
She turns to me with a huge smile and hugs me tightly.
"Thank you so much," she whispers in my ear.
"Now we can watch the match with my father when he's feeling better."
"I'm glad we figured it out," I reply, feeling her relief wash over me.
She pulls back slightly, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"You're the best," she says softly, and I can't help but smile back at her.
I watch her hands shake as she pulls out two printed tickets from under her Real Betis bedspread.
The silver ring catches the light as she explains how she found cheap flights and managed to score match tickets against Barcelona.
When I ask her about the cost, she shows me her empty savings account on her phone.
Tears form in her eyes as she confesses selling her mother's old jewelry to afford everything.
"I just wanted to give my father this special moment," she whispers, clutching the tickets tightly.
I'm speechless, unsure of what to say about the secret sale of her mother's belongings.
"Ana Laura, you didn't have to do that," I say gently, trying to convey my concern.
She shakes her head, determination etched on her face, "It was worth it if it means seeing him smile again."
I nod slowly, understanding the depth of her sacrifice, "Let's make sure this is a day he'll never forget."
I sit in the airport shuttle, my backpack wedged between my legs, Ana Laura's beside me.
The silver ring taps against the window as she points out Sugarloaf Mountain appearing through the morning fog.
When the shuttle turns toward the terminal, she grips my hand tightly.
The reality of our secret trip hits me - we're actually in Rio, and our parents have no idea.
Ana Laura's determined face shows no regret about selling her mother's jewelry as she pulls out the Real Betis tickets.
"Do you think he'll be upset when he finds out?" I ask, glancing at her nervously.
She shakes her head with a small smile, "He'll be too busy cheering to care."
"And if he asks about the jewelry?" I press, worried about the consequences.
She shrugs, her eyes fixed on the tickets, "We'll be back before he notices anything's missing."
I sit with Ana Laura at our gate in Rio's airport, watching planes take off through massive windows.
Her silver ring taps nervously against the armrest while we wait for our Barcelona-bound flight.
When boarding begins, she grips my hand tightly, admitting this is her first time flying.
I try calming her by pointing out interesting airport activities, but her eyes stay fixed on arriving passengers.
She whispers about hoping her father won't discover the missing jewelry before we return with his dream Real Betis experience.
I hold her hand, feeling the silver ring against my palm as we wait at the gate.
When she breaks down crying about potentially devastating her mother's trust, I pull her close.
Through tears, she confesses being torn between her father's happiness and her mother's jewelry.
I promise we'll face whatever comes next together - angry parents or disappointed looks.
She grips my shirt tightly as I explain how we'll tell her mother everything: the desperate wish to see her father smile again at a Real Betis match.
As our flight is called, Ana Laura wipes her tears and nods, ready to face whatever awaits us back home.
I help Ana Laura settle into her window seat, noticing how her silver ring trembles against the armrest.
She grips my hand during takeoff, whispering about never flying before.
When the plane levels out, she pulls out the Real Betis tickets and traces her father's favorite player's name.
The flight attendant offers us drinks, but Ana Laura declines, too focused on rehearsing how we'll surprise her father at the stadium.
I squeeze her hand supportively while she practices her speech, though my stomach churns thinking about her mother discovering the missing jewelry.
Ana Laura takes a deep breath, "If she finds out, I'll just have to tell her the truth."
I nod, trying to reassure her, "And maybe she'll understand why we did it."
She smiles faintly, "I hope so, because seeing him happy will be worth everything."
I follow Ana Laura through the crowded stadium entrance, her silver ring glinting as she clutches our tickets.
The noise of Real Betis fans and the smell of food fill the air.
We navigate through concrete corridors, passing by vendors selling team merchandise.
When we reach our section, Ana Laura freezes at the top of the stairs, staring down at the massive green and white crowd below.
I squeeze her trembling hand, guiding her down the steps to our seats.
She grips the armrest tightly, taking in the enormous field and chanting supporters.
I sit beside her, noticing how the other fans in our section are all wearing green and white, their faces painted with the team colors.
Ana Laura turns to check the entrance again, her dark hair catching the sunlight as it spills over her shoulder.
The green jersey she wears seems to glow in the afternoon light, and for a moment, my heart skips a beat as I realize how perfectly she fits into this scene.
Unable to hold back my feelings any longer, I lean toward her ear, fighting against the noise of the crowd to whisper something I've been wanting to say for so long. "You look beautiful."
She smiles, and in that moment, everything feels right.
I watch as her expression changes, her eyes fixed on the massive stadium screen showing messages from fans.
Her silver ring catches the stadium lights as she fidgets with something in her pocket.
The game continues, and during a break in play, she suddenly turns to face me, her eyes intense and determined.
She pulls out a small box, her hands trembling.
Before I can process what's happening, she opens it to reveal a matching silver ring.
The crowd roars around us as Real Betis scores a goal, but all I can hear is Ana Laura's voice, barely audible over the noise of the stadium.
"Will you marry me?"
My heart skips a beat, and I can barely find my voice.
"Yes, of course!" I shout, overwhelmed with emotion.
Ana Laura's eyes glisten with tears of joy, and she slips the ring onto my finger, sealing our promise amidst the roaring celebration.
I walk with Ana Laura through the emptying Real Betis stadium, both our silver rings glinting under the exit signs.
She holds my hand tightly while navigating the concrete corridors filled with departing fans in green and white.
When we reach the stadium gates, she stops to take one final photo of the field before we leave.
Her hands tremble as she checks our return flight details on her phone, reality setting in about facing her parents.
I lead her away from the bright lights of the stadium, toward a quiet corner of the parking lot.
Our matching silver rings glint as we hold hands, both still buzzing from the intense match atmosphere.
When we reach a less crowded spot, Ana Laura stops walking and looks up at the night sky.
The stars shine clearly above the stadium, making her eyes sparkle.
She squeezes my hand and whispers about wanting to spend every moment of our lives together like this.
We stand there in silence, knowing that this is just the beginning of our shared journey.
We stand in the stadium parking lot, our matching rings glinting under the streetlights.
Ana Laura suddenly starts trembling, her thoughts drifting to tomorrow's confrontation with her parents.
I wrap my arms around her tightly, pulling her close.
She buries her face in my chest, confessing her terror about facing her mother and the sold jewelry.
I stroke her hair and promise we'll handle it as a team, just like we've handled everything else.
She nods against my shirt, but her fingers grip my jacket desperately.
We walk to her front door after returning from Barcelona, both our silver rings glinting in the porch light.
She unlocks the door with shaking hands, but before entering, she pauses.
Instead of going inside to face her parents alone, she turns to me with determination in her eyes.
She grabs my hand and whispers that she can't handle the aftermath without me there every day.
My heart races as she asks me to move in with her family.
She explains that she's already cleared out half her closet for me.
I blink in surprise, trying to process her words.
"Are you sure about this, Ana Laura?" I ask, searching her eyes for any hint of doubt.
She nods firmly, a newfound resolve in her voice as she replies, "I've never been more certain of anything."
We sit on the front porch steps, her hand still clasped tightly in mine.
Our matching silver rings glint under the porch light as she outlines her plan.
She pulls out her phone to show me photos of her reorganized closet and the spare mattress she's hidden under her bed.
I listen intently, trying to process the sudden change in our lives.
"What about my parents?"
I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
She squeezes my hand reassuringly and promises we'll face everything together.
After several deep breaths, I nod and tell her I'll pack my essentials tonight.
As the night deepens, we both realize that this is the moment our lives truly intertwine.
I sit at my usual lab station in chemistry class, nervously adjusting the new silver ring on my finger.
Ana Laura is late, and I'm anxious to see her matching ring.
As the minutes tick by, whispers and pointing from other students make me feel like a target.
Suddenly, the door swings open and Ana Laura walks in, her dark hair swaying with each step.
She's wearing the Real Betis jersey under her lab coat, and several students stare as she confidently makes her way to our shared station.
As she sets down her backpack, I catch a glimpse of the matching ring on her finger.
Our rings clink together as she reaches for the safety goggles, drawing more attention from our classmates.
I watch as Maria approaches our station, her notebook filled with detailed diagrams of the experiment.
Ana Laura tenses beside me, our rings brushing against each other as she shifts closer.
Maria sets her notes between us and points to a complex reaction formula.
She explains that she managed to get the reaction right last period and offers to help us.
I'm grateful for the assistance, but I notice Ana Laura's fingers drumming anxiously on the table.
As Maria leans over our workspace, her arm brushes against mine, causing Ana Laura to abruptly grab the beaker from Maria's hands.
The room falls silent as Ana Laura's eyes meet mine, and in that moment, I know we've crossed a line we can't uncross.
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