...bird.

The other day, I woke up earlier and prepared breakfast. The day seemed more beautiful, more colorful, and warmer. My parents had already left for work, and Mom had left a note for me, as she always did, wishing me a good day, which made me even happier. I decided to set up a colonial breakfast, a large, traditional spread, with everything included. I put a cuca ,type of regional cake in the center, jellies, bread, coffee, milk, cheeses, and even fruits. I made everything look beautiful, like a hotel table. Just then, Baskiah arrived and caught me happily humming while setting the breakfast table.

"Did you dream of the green little bird?" he inquired, curious.

"What?" It took me a second to understand what he meant. The green little bird, which is actually a parakeet, was used to carry messages between lovers, making the sight of one a sign of good news and happiness. "Oh! I think I did," I laughed. "Good morning, Bas! Want some coffee?"

"I do! It looks like hotel coffee," he said, sitting down at the table. "Tell me the reason for all this joy so early in the morning. Usually, you wake up just downloading life, groggy and unenthusiastic."

"Let's just say I discovered I can be happy from now on."

"Bah! And you weren't happy with me, Ellie?"

"Of course I was! But now I'm happier."

"If you're happy, then I am too," he said sincerely. "And I like this happiness because it makes you put effort into breakfast. Where did this cuca come from?"

"Malcon's mom brought it. She made it herself."

Baskiah was surprised. "What? Don't tell me that jerk was here with his mom?"

I told him about Malcon's family's visit the day before. I didn't mention the kiss or anything else; I just said that Malcon wasn't what he seemed to be, that he was a nice guy. I wanted to tell him about what happened between us, but I was hesitant; I didn't know how Bas would react. He was already a little jealous about our friendship. I thought about telling him later.

Malcon appeared at the kitchen door. "Excuse me. Can I come in?"

I was surprised and happy to see him. Baskiah jumped, nearly spitting out his coffee.

"You're wearing the same uniform as us!" Baskiah said, surprised.

"Malcon! Come in! Have you had breakfast yet?"

"I have, but since you invited me... I won't be rude. I'll eat some more."

"Malcon is going to study at the same school as us. Isn't that great?"

"I noticed..." he said with a tone of disapproval. He wasn't willing to share our friendship with a stranger who came out of nowhere.

The uniform looked great on Malcon; he looked even sexier. And that day would be his first day of class. I wanted him to be in the same class as me. However, it didn't happen; he was going to be in the classroom next door, just as he was our next-door neighbor in the condo.

"Your mom really outdid herself with this cuca," I said.

"She always makes great cakes," Malcon said. "I have to control myself so I don't get fat."

He ran his hand through his hair in a way that drove me crazy. And every time our eyes met, my heart pounded. I was truly, madly in love with Malcon. It was like being trapped by the shackles of love. Shackles with no keys available to free me. Because once the turnstiles close, there's nothing to be done. And the truth was, I was willingly captive at that moment. I extended my wrists for the handcuffs and was happy about it. To make matters worse, I thought that love could be forever.

We finished breakfast, grabbed our backpacks, and headed out for school. From that moment on, our mornings would be like this. It felt like everything was in its right place.

As soon as we arrived at the school, in front of the entrance gate, Malcon caught the attention of the students who were there. There was no way he couldn't be noticed. Tall, handsome, and sexy. This caused a stir.

"Ugh! They're looking at us..." Baskiah complained, uncomfortable.

"Don't mind them, Bas. It's just the first time Malcon's shown up."

"I do attract attention. I'm used to it," he boasted, leaving Baskiah perplexed by his arrogance.

"What a huge ego..." Bas let slip.

Malcon laughed mockingly. "Just kidding, shorty."

"Shorty?! I am not short!" Baskiah fumed.

"Relax!" Malcon said, hitting Baskiah on the back, who was propelled about a meter forward by the force of the blow.

"Ops! Sorry," Malcon said, laughing at the same time. "He's such a shrimp. I'll teach him how to work out."

"What?" Baskiah was getting more and more irritated. "I am not going to work out!"

"Do you want to stay weak like that forever?"

"Baskiah has had a lot of health problems, that's why he's skinny," I said. "It's not a matter of working out; he won't gain weight easily."

"But that's exactly why he needs to exercise. A matter of health."

"And you need a brain," Baskiah retorted ironically.

Malcon stared at him. The two were sizing each other up for a moment until the bell rang and interrupted what could have become a fight. I was starting to get worried about the two of them. I had to find a way to fix the situation.

…