“I’m sorry, I reacted like that because I thought you were going to hurt Santiago,” I answer, distressed, while Ryu looks me from where he’s hugging Santiago and hugs him tighter. Santiago, instead, starts to slowly push him off.

“Max, I’m taking Ryu home. I’m sorry, I’ll walk you home some other time. I’ll text you later. Bye!” Santiago says as he picks up the bags Ryu left on the sidewalk. As a last goodbye, he turns around and smiles at me before leaving with Ryu. While they walk away, I feel the neighbors’ curious stares—and my parents too—turning to me, so I hurry to go inside.

During dinner, I have to explain what happened. My dad, though surprised, says it was a good reaction from me, because I tried to protect my friend. A good reaction, but also a dangerous one. You never know what kind of crazy people you’re going to bump into; but, luckily, it was just one of Santiago's friends. My parents keep talking, but I’m starving. I think I end up eating a salad bowl, 2 chicken pieces, and a lot of French fries in 10 minutes or so. Apparently, exercising makes you hungry.

I get a notification on my cell phone and take it out, hiding it under the table so my mom doesn't notice. It's a text from Santiago that says: “I’m sorry, Ryu caused a huge ruckus today. He’s a friend from Japan who's come unannounced. He plans to stay here for a while. For the time being, he’s staying at my house and he's going to our school.” I'm about to reply with a bunch of questions, but since moms always notice everything, mine finds out I’m focusing on my phone and not on the conversation.

After dinner I run to my room and get comfortable in bed to call Santiago. He tells me Ryu is a friend of his, and also his rival. They were always competing for the gold medals and, according to what he’s heard, he wants to stay in Peru to compete here because Santiago is the only worthy rival he has. Luckily, Santiago has a few rooms to spare, and Ryu is taking the one with the biggest bed.

The next day I wake up startled, with the cell phone next to my head and when I take it, there's a text from Santiago that reads: “Don’t worry, I know exercising is tiring. Rest well.” I fell asleep while talking to him on the phone! I'm about to call him to say sorry, but I see the clock and notice I’m already late for class. I decide to apologize in person.

When I get to the classroom, Santiago is already on his desk, and next to him there's Ryu, who stares at me, annoyed.

“Santiago! I’m so sorry...” I say, embarrassed.

“Don’t worry, Max. It’s okay. Sometimes, practicing sports can be very tiring,” he says and starts laughing.

The teacher gets here and, after saying hi, he makes Ryu stand up and introduce himself to the class.

“Hi, my name is Ryu Ito. I come from Japan, and I speak Spanish, Japanese, and English. I love badminton and I've come to convince Santiago to go back to Japan with me... And to make him my boyfriend!” Ryu declares, and we all stare with our mouths wide open. Santiago is blushing and hiding his face behind his hands.