starter for @chlocz !!
lips pulled into a soft smile, mateo looks the picture perfect boyfriend as the red-haired woman reaches up, slender fingers on his jaw as she pulls his head down to press a kiss against his cheek. they get looks–– mateo’s used to it. people see a young man with an older woman and come to the worst conclusions. in mateo’s case, they’re always right. he leans down as she pulls away, chasing her lips with hers. the woman grins, pleased, and mateo’s barely an inch from kissing her when something catches his eye. or rather, someone. his gaze locks on a familiar brunette, and suddenly he’s acutely aware of the compromising position he’s in. her judgement hurts, but perhaps it is what he deserves after all. still, his lips land off-target on purpose, and a kiss is pressed against the corner of the woman’s mouth instead. “ i had fun, ” he tells her, and the dismissal is clear even as the words are accompanied with a smile. “ i’d walk you home, but i just remembered i have something i need to do. i’ll see you saturday? ” it’s the flimsiest of excuses, but mateo’s got a face that’s hard to say no to. he almost feels bad at the way her face falls, but she kisses him goodbye without any fuss and leaves. mateo falls onto the nearest park bench, running his fingers through his hair before burying his face in his hands. he doesn’t dare look up, afraid to see her again–– that’s a lie; he wants to look at her, to drink her in. he’s just afraid of seeing the disappointment in her eyes all over again. this is why it’s easier not to care, he thinks.