Unspoken

Intersected

The sun cast a warm golden glow over the peaceful day as Selena walked into a nearby store, her steps light but her mind preoccupied.

She was wearing a pair of oversized sweats and a cozy hoodie—perfect for a relaxed day but far from the stylish image she preferred to show. As she browsed the shelves for snacks, the gentle chime of the entrance bell made her glance toward the door.

There, walking in, were Rafael and Mateo, chatting animatedly.

Selena's breath hitched as her eyes landed on Rafael. Of all the times, why now? she thought, instinctively ducking behind a display of cereal boxes. She fumbled nervously, trying to stay out of sight.

"Did I forget something?" she muttered to herself, her cheeks flushing.

But her plan to avoid being noticed backfired spectacularly when she accidentally bumped into a customer reaching for a carton of milk.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Selena stammered, bowing her head apologetically before hurriedly grabbing her items. Her heart pounded as she made a beeline for the counter, quickly paid for her groceries, and practically sprinted out of the store, clutching the bag like her life depended on it.

As she stepped out into the sunlight, she whispered to herself, "Please don't tell me he saw me... please!" But deep down, she knew it was too late.

Inside the store, Rafael stood frozen for a moment, watching her rush out. His lips curved into a soft smile, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Dude, what's with you? You've been staring at the door for, like, thirty seconds," Mateo teased, waving a hand in front of Rafael's face. "Where's your head at?"

Rafael shook his head, the smile lingering. "Nowhere," he said simply, though his tone betrayed him. His thoughts remained on Selena's flustered exit and how effortlessly cute she looked—even in her oversized, mismatched outfit.

Selena walked briskly down the quiet street, her grocery bag swinging at her side. She muttered to herself under her breath, still embarrassed by her encounter at the store.

"Why does this stuff always happen to me? Why now? And why him, of all people?" she sighed, pulling her hoodie closer around her face. Her mind was so consumed by her thoughts that she didn't notice the two figures leaning against the lamppost ahead.

"Hey there, pretty girl!" one of them called out, his voice slurring slightly. Selena's head snapped up, and her heart sank. They were older boys—probably seniors from her school—reeking of alcohol and trouble.

"Where are you rushing off to?" the second one asked, stepping into her path. His grin was anything but friendly.

Selena froze. "Excuse me," she said firmly, trying to walk past them, but the first boy blocked her way.

"Aw, come on, don't be like that," he said, leaning closer. "You don't need to be in such a hurry."

Her grip on the grocery bag tightened as panic bubbled in her chest. She glanced around the street, hoping for someone—anyone—to appear, but it was deserted.

"Please leave me alone," Selena said, her voice trembling.

"Why so shy? We just want to talk," the second boy said, reaching out as if to grab her arm.

Before he could touch her, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the tense air.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?"

Selena turned, relief flooding her as she saw Rafael and Mateo approaching quickly. Rafael's expression was fierce, his jaw tight, while Mateo's normally playful demeanor had turned deadly serious.

"Oh, look who it is," one of the boys sneered, though his bravado faltered slightly. "This isn't your business, man."

"It is now," Rafael said coldly, stepping in front of Selena like a shield. "Leave her alone."

Mateo crossed his arms, his broad frame making him look even more intimidating. "You heard him. Get lost before we make you regret it."

The boys exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence wavering under Rafael and Mateo's unrelenting glares.

"Whatever, man," one of them muttered, backing away. "We were just messing around."

"Messing around?" Rafael snapped, taking a step forward. "Touch her again, and you'll see what messing around really looks like."

The boys muttered a few curses under their breath before stumbling off, disappearing down the street.

Selena let out a shaky breath, her legs feeling like jelly. "Thank you," she whispered, clutching her grocery bag.

"Are you okay?" Rafael asked gently, his tone softening as he turned to face her.

"I... I think so," Selena stammered.

Mateo gave her a reassuring smile. "Good thing we decided to take this way home, huh?"

Selena nodded, her voice caught in her throat. Rafael looked at her closely, noticing her trembling hands.

"Let me walk you home," he said firmly.

"I—no, it's okay, really," Selena tried to protest, but Rafael shook his head.

"No arguments. Let's go."

Selena couldn't help but feel a sense of safety walking between the two boys, their presence a protective barrier as they escorted her home.

As they reached Selena's home, she hesitated for a moment before turning to Rafael and Mateo. "Would you like to come in? Maybe for some water or something?"

Mateo grinned, nudging Rafael. "See, I told you she'd thank us properly."

Rafael rolled his eyes but smiled softly. "Not today. It's getting late, and we've got things to take care of. But..." He paused, tilting his head slightly. "You owe us now."

Selena blinked, confused. "Owe you?"

Mateo jumped in, smirking. "Yeah! Maybe a treat someday. You know, pizza or churros. We're not picky."

Selena laughed nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Alright, fine. I'll treat you guys. Just let me know when."

Rafael's smile widened, his eyes sparkling in the soft glow of the streetlights. "Deal. But don't think we'll forget."

"Goodnight, Selena," Mateo said cheerfully, giving her a small wave.

"Take care," Rafael added, his voice low and steady.

"Goodnight," Selena replied, her voice softer than she intended.

She stood at her doorway, watching as the two boys walked down the street. Mateo's lively chatter echoed faintly, and Rafael occasionally nodded, his posture relaxed yet confident.

As their figures disappeared into the night, Selena remained rooted in place, her heart feeling oddly full. She smiled to herself before finally stepping inside, closing the door behind her.