Saints of Sin

Best Food, Best Friends, Best Nights

Andrés bounded into school that morning with his usual chaotic energy, practically bouncing off the walls as he made his way through the crowded hallways. He was a blur of movement, laughter, and boundless energy, high-fiving everyone in his path, cracking jokes, and sending grins left and right. A fresh bruise colored his left cheek in deep purples and greens, but he barely seemed to notice it, brushing off concerned glances with a laugh and a shrug.

As soon as he spotted Auggie by his locker, a grin spread across Andrés's face. He shot forward, leaping toward his friend with a loud shout, "Auggieeee!" He collided into him, pulling him into a tight, over-the-top hug that nearly sent them both crashing into the lockers.

"Dude, seriously?" Auggie muttered, trying to hide his smile as he nudged Andrés back. His eyes lingered on the bruise, though, his brow furrowing. "What happened to your face?"

"Oh, this?" Andrés reached up, prodding at the bruise with a casual grin. "Got into a fight with a skateboard. Don't worry, I won!" He winked, brushing it off with a laugh before quickly steering the conversation in a different direction. "Anyway, what kind of best friend would I be if I didn't say good morning and cause a scene?"

Auggie gave him a look, but Andrés's laughter was infectious. They fell into step together, with Andrés's arm slung loosely over Auggie's shoulder as they moved through the hallway. Auggie noticed him still wince every so often when he moved his face, but Andrés kept up his usual antics, as if the bruise were nothing more than a joke.

Classes blurred by in a mix of whispered jokes, scribbled doodles, and the steady rhythm of Andrés's mischief. At one point, Auggie passed Andrés a note in math, glancing worriedly at his cheek, and Andrés responded with a playful sketch of a skateboard winning a boxing match against his own face. Auggie couldn't help but stifle a laugh, though his worry lingered in his gaze.

By lunch, the two of them had accepted a dare to see how many packets of seaweed they could eat in five minutes. Andrés joked and made exaggerated faces as he scarfed down each bite, making Auggie laugh so hard he had to clutch his stomach. The bruise on Andrés's cheek was a constant reminder of something deeper—something Auggie wanted to ask about but held back, knowing that Andrés would only laugh it off.

As the final bell rang, Andrés leaned over Auggie's desk, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Sleepover at yours tonight?"

Auggie's face lit up. "At mine?"

Andrés grinned, already knowing the answer but asking anyway. "Of course at yours! Your parents love me. Honestly, I think they like me better than you."

Auggie rolled his eyes, though the amusement in his gaze softened his response. "Yeah, they probably do. Let me text my mom." He pulled out his phone, typing a quick message to his mom, who replied within seconds with an enthusiastic yes. Andrés punched the air triumphantly, and they grabbed their bags, hurrying out of the school together, chatting excitedly about the night ahead.

Auggie's house was a warm and welcoming place that Andrés had come to think of as a second home. The minute they stepped inside, they were enveloped in the comforting aromas of home-cooked food. Mrs. Kim appeared in the hallway, her face lighting up when she saw Andrés.

"Andrés! It's always so nice to have you here," she said in Korean, pulling him into a gentle hug, patting his back. She looked at him closely, her eyes lingering on his bruise. Her expression softened, but she said nothing, giving him a warm smile instead.

Andrés greeted her back in perfect Korean, his words flowing naturally. "Mrs. Kim! I swear, the best days are the ones I get to spend here." His Korean was fluid, and he spoke with a confidence and ease that Auggie secretly envied, especially since his parents rarely spoke the language at home. They'd taught him a few phrases here and there, but nothing close to the fluency Andrés showed.