#alejandro lopez | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

pdriesta · 1 month ago

Text

"thinking is all wrong, love will happen when it wants”

genre — fluff, suggestive, a tiny bit of angst

word count — 20k

summary — y/n has always been close with her brother gavi's best friend, fermín lópez. what began as a childhood crush is now a dynamic filled with tension and playful teasing. after y/n's relationship with her toxic boyfriend ends, fermín sees his chance and steps up, turning his flirty banter into something real. as emotions rise, their undeniable chemistry leads them to confront the feelings they've hidden for years, realizing that their connection has always been deeper than they thought.

an — based on honesty by pink sweat$. i had so much fun writing this <3

masterlist

the day gavi left for la masia was one of the hardest days of y/n’s life. her little brother, who’d always been so shy and reserved, was suddenly thrust into a world much bigger than their small home in los palacios. she had always been the protective older sister, the one who made sure gavi didn’t get lost in his own thoughts or overwhelmed by the world around him. but now, she couldn’t protect him from the unknowns that awaited him at la masia.

the house felt quieter, emptier, without gavi’s presence. even aurora, who was usually the lively one, seemed subdued. y/n couldn’t help but worry—would gavi make friends? would he be able to handle the pressure? would he miss home too much?

her worries didn’t fully ease until gavi came home for the first time after joining the academy. but when he did return, she was surprised to see how much he had grown—not just physically, but in confidence. her shy little brother was still there, but there was a new light in his eyes, a spark of something stronger. and he wasn’t alone.

“this is fermín,” gavi said proudly, his arm slung casually around the other boy’s shoulders. “he’s my best friend.”

fermín looked a little uncertain, his eyes flickering to y/n before quickly looking away, as if he was trying to figure out how to act. there was something endearing about the way he shifted on his feet, his hands stuffed into his pockets like he didn’t quite know what to do with them. he was taller than gavi, lean and lanky, but his posture was relaxed in a way that hinted at the quiet confidence he’d grow into later.

“nice to meet you, fermín,” y/n said softly, offering him a smile. she felt a strange warmth bloom in her chest as their eyes met—something unfamiliar and a little unsettling. she was used to boys looking at her, but there was something different about the way fermín’s gaze lingered, hesitant but curious, like he didn’t quite know what to make of her.

“nice to meet you too,” he mumbled, his cheeks flushing pink as he quickly glanced away again, the tips of his ears turning red. gavi, oblivious to the sudden tension in the air, continued talking, but y/n found it hard to focus on anything other than the quiet, almost shy presence of fermín standing in her home.

he wasn’t like the other boys y/n had met. fermín didn’t try to impress her or put on airs—he was just... himself. awkward, a little unsure, but with a kindness in his eyes that made her heart skip a beat. she wasn’t used to feeling so flustered, especially not around someone like him. it wasn’t love, not yet, but it was something—something that settled in her chest and made her cheeks heat up every time fermín happened to look her way.

and fermín—he felt it too. he had never been good with girls, especially not ones like y/n, who seemed so effortlessly beautiful and composed. but there was something about her that made his heart race, something about the way she smiled at him that made his palms sweat and his words stumble. he didn’t know what it was, exactly, but he knew that he wanted to spend more time with her, to figure out why being around her made him feel like he was standing on the edge of something big, something he couldn’t quite name.

from that moment on, fermín became a regular fixture in their home. their parents took an immediate liking to him, treating him like another son. fermín had moved to la masia young, away from his family, and y/n’s parents took it upon themselves to welcome him with open arms. there was always a seat for him at the dinner table, and y/n noticed how quickly he became a part of their everyday life. he was always there—laughing with gavi, helping around the house, or simply sitting quietly, his presence a comforting one.

and every time fermín was around, y/n couldn’t help but feel a little flustered. she found herself stealing glances at him when she thought he wasn’t looking, her heart fluttering in a way that was completely unfamiliar to her. it was ridiculous, really—he was just gavi’s best friend, just a boy. but there was something about him that made her cheeks flush and her thoughts scatter, and it drove her crazy that she couldn’t figure out why.

they never spoke about it. neither of them dared to mention the way their eyes lingered a little too long on each other, or the way their faces heated up when their hands brushed by accident. it was just a crush, something simple and innocent, the kind of feeling that made them both a little shy, a little awkward, but not brave enough to admit it to each other. and so, they stayed in that strange limbo—two teenagers tiptoeing around their feelings, both too scared to say what was really on their minds.

but those quiet moments, those unspoken glances—they were the beginning of something neither of them could have predicted.

the late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting warm, golden light across the living room as gavi and fermín sat on the couch, their eyes glued to the tv screen as they battled it out in a heated game of fifa. the sound of buttons clicking filled the room, along with the occasional groan of frustration or triumphant shout from gavi, who was clearly winning.

“how’s your sister?” fermín asked casually, though his focus remained on the game. his tone was light, but gavi didn’t miss the way his friend’s voice softened ever so slightly at the mention of y/n.

gavi chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced over at fermín. “still not single, if that’s what you’re asking. i don’t know why you keep waiting around, hermano. she’s got that guy from uni—what’s his name?—the one everyone hates.”

fermín shrugged, his fingers moving deftly over the controller as he tried to stage a comeback in the game. “doesn’t matter. i’ve waited this long; i can wait a little longer. besides, i’m not giving up that easily.”

gavi laughed again, more amused than anything else. he didn’t take fermín’s flirting seriously—he just thought his friend liked to mess with y/n because she was pretty and because it got under her skin. “you’re insane, you know that? you could have any girl you want. they throw themselves at you, and you’re still hung up on my sister?”

fermín’s eyes flicked to gavi, his expression suddenly serious, though the corners of his mouth twitched with a smile. “yeah, but none of them are her.”

before gavi could respond, the sound of soft footsteps reached their ears, and they both turned just as y/n appeared at the bottom of the stairs. she was wearing her usual comfy shorts and an oversized shirt, her hair a little mussed from sleep. she froze when she saw them, her eyes widening slightly as she realized she wasn’t alone.

“didn’t know you two were here,” she muttered, her cheeks flushing as she crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly self-conscious about her appearance.

fermín’s eyes lit up at the sight of her, a slow smile spreading across his face as he leaned back against the couch, his gaze raking over her in a way that made her heart race. “you look good, hermosa. you don’t need to hide from me.”

her blush deepened, and she rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at her lips. “you’re impossible, fermín.”

“you love it,” fermín shot back, his voice teasing but with an underlying warmth that made her stomach flutter.

gavi, oblivious to the tension between them, just laughed, shaking his head. “hermana, don’t let him bother you. he’s harmless. besides, i’m sure you’re used to his nonsense by now.”

“oh, she’s definitely used to me,” fermín said with a wink, his eyes never leaving y/n’s face. “but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like it.”

“don't you have anything else to do?” y/n asked, trying to keep her voice steady as she made her way to the kitchen, grabbing a glass from the cupboard. “you have plenty of girls who throw themselves at you. go bother one of them.”

“i told you,” fermín said, his voice dropping slightly as he followed her into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she filled her glass with water. “none of them are you, mi vida.”

she took a sip of water, trying to ignore the way her heart raced at the sound of his voice, the way his presence seemed to fill the entire room. “you’re just saying that,” she muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.

fermín stepped closer, his eyes darkening as he lowered his voice to a whisper. “you know i’m not. i’ve waited this long, and i’ll keep waiting until you see it too.”

her breath caught in her throat as his words sent a shiver down her spine, goosebumps rising on her skin. she hated how easily he could get under her skin, how his words made her feel things she wasn’t ready to admit, even to herself.

“you’re wasting your time,” she whispered back, though even as she said it, she knew it wasn’t true. fermín had always been different—he wasn’t like the other guys who flirted with her, who saw her as just another girl. there was something about him that made her want to believe him, to trust that he really did mean what he said.

“maybe,” fermín said with a shrug, his tone lightening as he stepped back, giving her space. “but i don’t mind. some things are worth waiting for.”

she rolled her eyes again, but there was no hiding the small smile that tugged at her lips as she turned away, trying to ignore the way her heart still raced. “you’re impossible,” she repeated, though this time, there was a hint of affection in her voice.

“and you love it,” fermín said with a grin, his eyes twinkling as he leaned against the counter, watching her with that same soft, almost reverent gaze that had made her heart flutter the first time they’d met.

gavi finally looked up from the game, his expression amused as he watched the two of them. “seriously, hermana, don’t let him get to you. he’s just messing around.”

fermín’s eyes flicked to gavi, his smile widening as he replied, “oh, i’m not messing around. not when it comes to her.”

y/n felt her cheeks flush again, and she quickly turned back to her glass of water, trying to hide her reaction. but even as she did, she couldn’t help but feel a small thrill at fermín’s words, a sense of anticipation that she couldn’t quite shake.

because no matter how much she tried to deny it, there was a part of her that was starting to believe him.

y/n was in her room, completely absorbed in her music, the soft hum of her headphones drowning out the world. she bent over to pick up something from the floor, unaware of anything beyond the lyrics swirling in her mind. her back was turned to the door, oblivious to the fact that someone had appeared at her doorway, watching her with a wicked grin.

fermín stood leaning against the frame, his arms crossed, eyes unapologetically lingering on her. he didn’t even bother hiding the way his gaze trailed over her form, taking in every curve, every detail. the corner of his mouth tugged upward in amusement—he loved how unaware she was of the effect she had on him. moments like this, when she wasn’t guarded, made him want her even more.

she finally sensed something, turning her head slightly and spotting fermín out of the corner of her eye. startled, y/n straightened up quickly, her heart jumping in her chest. her headphones slipped off her ears, the music abruptly fading as she whipped around to face him.

"oh my goodness, fermín," she gasped, placing a hand over her chest. “you scared the hell out of me. what are you doing here?”

he just shrugged, a lazy grin plastered on his face. “i was just enjoying the view,” he said, his voice slow and deliberate, his eyes flicking down her body before locking with hers again. “you really shouldn’t leave the door open when you’re bent over like that. it’s dangerous.”

y/n’s eyes narrowed, heat rushing to her cheeks as she processed his words. “god, you’re such a—”

“what?” fermín interrupted, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation, his movements smooth, calculated. “i’m just saying, baby, you have nothing to hide.” his voice dropped lower, more sensual, as he stood closer now, his presence overwhelming in the small space of her room. “in fact, you should show off a little more. it’s a crime to keep all of that to yourself.”

y/n rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defensively as she backed up slightly, her back brushing against the edge of her desk. “you’re disgusting.”

fermín chuckled, unfazed by her deflection. “and yet, you haven’t kicked me out.” he stepped closer, his voice lowering even more, laced with a teasing edge that made her stomach flip. “i know you like it when i flirt with you. i give you all my attention, hmm? ”

“i think you’ve confused liking it with tolerating it,” y/n shot back, though her voice wavered slightly. it was hard to keep her composure when he was this close, his presence making the air feel thicker, heavier.

fermín leaned in, his lips dangerously close to her ear. “i don’t think marco flirts with you like this, does he?” he murmured, his breath hot against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. “he doesn’t make you feel the way i do.”

y/n’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of marco, the guy she’d been seeing casually on and off in uni. their relationship was complicated, messy, but it was nothing like this—nothing like the tension she felt with fermín.

“you don’t know anything about marco,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper as she tried to steady herself. she was determined not to let him see how much he affected her.

fermín’s smile widened, his eyes glinting with mischief as he leaned even closer, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “i know enough. i know he doesn’t know how to touch you like i would,” he whispered, his voice dripping with suggestion, each word a deliberate tease. “he doesn’t know how to please you like i can. you feel that, don’t you?”

goosebumps erupted along y/n’s skin, her breath hitching as his words sank in. the worst part was, he was right. there was something about fermín that got under her skin in a way no one else could. but she wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of knowing that.

“you think too highly of yourself,” she said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.

fermín pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his dark eyes burning into hers. “no, y/n.” he murmured, his lips curling into a slow, confident smile. “i think just the right amount. you’ll see that eventually.”

the tension in the air was thick, electric, and for a moment, y/n almost faltered. the way fermín looked at her, like he was daring her to give in, was tempting—too tempting. but she wasn’t going to let him win this easily.

with a quick smirk, y/n pushed herself off the desk, brushing past him as she made her way toward the door. “keep dreaming, fermín,” she tossed over her shoulder, her tone light but teasing, leaving him standing there, high and dry.

fermín’s eyes followed her, a frustrated yet amused chuckle escaping his lips as he watched her leave. “oh, hermosa” he called after her, his voice low and smooth. “i know you want me too. i am a patient man; i can wait for you to come around.”

y/n didn’t bother responding, though her heart was still racing as she left the room, leaving fermín wanting more, just as she intended.

it was another friday night at the gavira household, but the air felt different tonight, thick with an unspoken tension. fermín sat on the couch, his fingers tapping restlessly against his thigh as aurora, her boyfriend, and gavi settled in for movie night. aurora was nestled under a blanket, her head resting on her boyfriend’s shoulder, while gavi stretched out beside them, lazily flipping through the channels to pick something to watch.

but fermín? fermín wasn’t paying attention. he couldn’t. his mind was elsewhere.

"where's y/n?" he asked again, his voice tight with frustration, though he tried to sound casual. he’d asked the same question earlier, but now it felt more like a demand than idle curiosity.

gavi sighed, rolling his eyes as if to say, not this again. "she’s out with marco. they’ve got some uni thing or whatever."

at the mention of marco, fermín’s jaw clenched, a wave of jealousy crashing over him. he tried to ignore the bitterness in his throat, but it was useless. marco. it was always marco. how many times had he watched y/n leave to go see him, always with that same hopeful look in her eyes?

“marco?” fermín spat the name out like it left a bad taste in his mouth. “why do you guys let her be with him? you know he’s no good for her.”

aurora glanced at him from where she was curled up, raising an eyebrow at his sudden outburst. “she’s a grown woman, fermín. we’re not her keepers.”

gavi nodded, his voice filled with amusement. “yeah, man. y/n can take care of herself. besides, why are you so worked up? you’re always flirting with her, but we all know you’re not serious.”

aurora snickered, clearly entertained by the whole situation. "come on, fermín, you’ve had a crush on her since forever. but we all know you’re just... you."

gavi laughed at his sister’s words, oblivious to the depth of fermín’s feelings. "yeah, besides, all those girls at the club basically throw themselves at you. don’t act like you’re some lovesick puppy."

fermín felt the sharp sting of frustration. they don’t get it. gavi didn’t get it. none of them knew how long he’d been waiting, how much he actually cared. but he didn’t argue. he couldn’t. he didn’t want to seem vulnerable, not with them teasing him like this.

but his mind kept wandering to y/n—and marco. she deserves so much better than him.

the rest of the night dragged on, the movie playing in the background as fermín’s thoughts spiraled. gavi and aurora were oblivious to the internal war going on inside him. every second that y/n spent with marco felt like it was chipping away at him.

as the movie ended and everyone started getting ready to head to bed, fermín slipped into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, his mood still dark. just as he was about to leave, the door creaked open, and y/n walked in, her face pale, her expression a mix of anger and hurt.

she froze when she saw him, visibly taken aback by his presence. "oh, great," she muttered under her breath. “i’m not in the mood for this.”

fermín didn’t bother hiding his concern. “for what?” he asked, stepping closer to her. “for me?”

y/n crossed her arms over her chest, trying to appear composed, but fermín could see through it. “yes, for you. i’m really not in the mood for your flirting, fermín. not tonight.”

his gaze softened as he looked at her, catching the way her eyes flickered with something deeper—something more vulnerable. “i’m not just your flirt,” he said gently. “i’m your friend, too. remember?” he leaned in slightly, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “and don’t forget who gave you your first kiss.”

her eyes widened, the memory hitting her like a wave. “ugh,” she groaned, wrinkling her nose. “that was disgusting.”

they were twelve, sitting under the tree in her backyard, a warm summer day. it had been an innocent dare—something childish, something silly, but the second their lips met, fermín felt something he couldn’t quite name at the time. the kiss was awkward, clumsy, and over in an instant, both of them laughing nervously afterward, neither realizing the weight of what it meant.

“disgusting?” fermín feigned offense, though a mischievous smile danced on his lips. “you didn’t seem to think so back then.”

y/n rolled her eyes, but there was a trace of a smile on her face despite the hurt lingering in her expression. “what do you want, fermín?”

he ignored her question, stepping closer and gently grabbing her hand. “sit down with me,” he urged softly, his voice lower now, more serious. “tell me what happened.”

she hesitated, but something in his tone made her comply, and she let him pull her to the kitchen counter where they both sat. she sighed, looking down at their hands for a moment before speaking.

“marco,” she started, bitterness creeping into her voice. “he embarrassed me tonight. we were at the club, and he—” her voice wavered, and she clenched her fists. “he kissed someone else. in front of everyone. like i didn’t even matter.”

fermín’s grip on her hand tightened, his jaw clenching as anger bubbled up inside him. “he did what?” his voice was low, dangerous.

“yeah,” she scoffed bitterly. “i guess he figured he could get away with it because we’ve been so on and off. like it didn’t matter.” her eyes met fermín’s, and she forced a weak smile. “it’s over between us. for good this time.”

fermín’s heart raced, his mind flashing through all the times he had to watch her with marco, pretending he was okay with it. but now—now she was single, and he finally had an opening. his fingers brushed hers softly, their closeness suddenly thick with tension.

“he’s an idiot, you know that, right?” fermín said softly, his eyes boring into hers. “you deserve so much more than him.”

y/n’s gaze flickered to his lips for a split second before she caught herself, pulling back slightly. “fermín, don’t—”

he didn’t let her finish. instead, he leaned in, his face inches from hers, his breath warm on her skin. “let me kiss you,” he whispered, his voice low and full of desire. “just this once.”

for a moment, the world seemed to stop, their gazes locked, the weight of his words hanging between them. y/n hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest, and then, before she could think it through, she nodded.

fermín’s lips were on hers in an instant, soft but insistent, a mixture of pent-up desire and tenderness. his hands found her waist, pulling her closer as she melted into the kiss, years of tension between them finally snapping. the kiss deepened, his hands sliding up her back as her fingers tangled in his hair.

y/n’s chest rose and fell rapidly, her breath still mingling with fermín’s as they both turned toward the sound of the creaking stairs. but there was no one—just the empty space of the dark hallway leading up to the bedrooms. for a heartbeat, they stayed frozen, staring, listening for any sign of life. but when no one appeared, fermín’s gaze slowly slid back to y/n, a slow, dangerous smile curving his lips.

“you scared?” he murmured, his voice low and husky, the heat between them flaring up again as if it had never been interrupted. “because i’m not.”

y/n swallowed, her throat dry, but she refused to look away from him, her pulse thrumming in her ears. “you’re crazy, you know that?” she whispered, her voice breathy, her body still thrumming from the intensity of their kiss.

“only when it comes to you,” he said softly, taking a step forward, closing the gap once more. his hands found her waist again, his touch firm and possessive. “every time i’m around you, i feel like i’m losing my mind.”

her heart pounded wildly as his words sank in, and the fire in his eyes made it impossible to pretend she wasn’t affected. every inch of her felt like it was burning, aching for his touch. she knew she should stop this, knew they were treading on dangerous ground. but the way he was looking at her—the way he was holding her, like she was something precious, something he’d waited so long to have—made it impossible to think straight.

“fermín,” she whispered, his name a soft plea on her lips.

“say it again,” he murmured, his forehead brushing against hers. his voice was rough, edged with need. “say my name like that again.”

“fermín,” she breathed, her fingers gripping his shoulders, pulling him closer. he groaned softly, the sound reverberating through her, and then his mouth was on hers again, hot and demanding, his kiss full of raw, unrestrained passion.

this time, there was no hesitation, no holding back. his hands slid up her sides, skimming over her curves as if he couldn’t get enough, as if he needed to touch every part of her. y/n’s hands fisted in his shirt, tugging him closer, her own body arching into his. she’d never felt like this before—never felt this desperate, this alive.

“you have no idea what you do to me,” fermín murmured against her lips, his voice strained, his hands wandering down to grip her hips, pulling her flush against him. “you think he could ever make you feel like this?” his tone was dark, possessive, filled with a kind of jealousy that made her heart race even faster.

“no,” she gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders as he trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck. “fermín, I—”

“then say it,” he growled softly, his teeth grazing her skin in a way that sent shivers down her spine. “tell me i’m the only one.”

“you’re the only one,” she whispered, her voice breaking as his mouth found that sensitive spot just below her ear, his tongue flicking against her skin. “you—oh god, fermín—”

“that’s right,” he murmured, his hands sliding down to cup her ass, lifting her up onto the counter with ease. “just me, y/n. no one else.” his words were like a promise, a vow, each syllable laced with heat and desire. “you’re mine.”

the way he said it—so certain, so absolute—sent a thrill through her, making her pulse race. she should’ve stopped him, should’ve reminded him of all the reasons this was a terrible idea. but instead, she found herself wrapping her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him.

“prove it,” she whispered breathlessly, her lips brushing against his in a teasing, almost taunting kiss. “prove that you’re better.”

his eyes darkened, and for a moment, y/n thought she’d pushed him too far. but then fermín’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile, his gaze searing into hers.

“oh, i will,” he murmured, his voice a low, seductive rumble that sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. “but you already know that, don’t you?”

before she could respond, his lips were on hers again, his kiss deep and consuming, his hands sliding up to cradle her face. he kissed her like he was trying to memorize her, like he wanted to burn himself into her memory, his touch leaving a trail of fire wherever it landed.

“you think he could ever do this?” fermín whispered against her lips, his hands sliding down to her thighs, squeezing gently. “think he could make you feel like you’re burning from the inside out?”

“no,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, her breath hitching as his hands moved higher, teasing the sensitive skin just below the hem of her shorts. “only you, fermín. only you.”

“good,” he growled softly, his mouth trailing down her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. “because i’m not letting anyone else have you.”

their kiss deepened, the world around them disappearing until there was nothing but the two of them, the heat between them, the way his hands gripped her like he never wanted to let go. y/n’s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, her body arching into his, her heart racing in her chest.

“fermín,” she gasped, her voice breaking as his mouth moved lower, his lips trailing fire down her throat. “we—we shouldn’t—”

“do you really want me to stop?” he murmured, his breath hot against her skin, his hands sliding up to cup her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. “tell me, y/n. tell me you don’t want this.”

her resolve crumbled under the intensity of his stare, the way his hands framed her face so gently, like she was something fragile, something precious. “i—i can’t,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “because i do want it. i want you.”

fermín’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening. “then don’t say no,” he murmured softly, his lips brushing against hers in the barest of kisses. “don’t push me away.”

“i won’t,” she breathed, her heart pounding wildly. “not anymore.”

the relief, the raw emotion in his gaze nearly undid her, and then fermín was kissing her again, his lips claiming hers in a kiss so deep, so intense, it left her breathless. he kissed her like he was afraid she’d disappear, like he was trying to pour every unspoken feeling, every ounce of desire into her, and y/n found herself responding just as fiercely, matching his passion with her own.

“you’re mine,” fermín whispered against her lips, his hands gripping her hips tightly, possessively. “and i’m yours.”

fermín’s hands gripped her waist, lifting her effortlessly onto the counter, her legs instinctively wrapping around his hips. the cool marble beneath her was a stark contrast to the heat simmering between them, his body pressed firmly against hers. his mouth claimed hers with an urgency that made her head spin, his lips searing against her own as his hands trailed up her sides, fingers splayed against her back as he pulled her closer.

“you’re driving me crazy,” he murmured between kisses, his breath hot against her skin. “do you know that?”

“good,” she whispered back, voice breathless as her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him even closer. “because you make me feel the same.”

his response was a low growl of approval, his lips trailing down her jaw, nipping gently at the sensitive skin of her neck. she gasped softly, her body arching into his, every nerve alight with a fire that only he seemed capable of igniting. the feel of him nestled between her legs, the solid weight of his body against hers—it was intoxicating.

“fermín,” she breathed, his name a soft plea on her lips, her nails raking lightly down his back. “don’t stop.”

but just as he leaned in to capture her lips once more, the sound of footsteps creaking on the stairs made them freeze. they pulled apart abruptly, eyes wide as they turned to see aurora standing at the base of the stairs, rubbing her eyes sleepily. y/n’s breath came in quick, shallow bursts, her face flushed as she tried to smooth down her hair, pretending like they hadn’t just been seconds away from losing themselves completely.

“what are you two doing?” aurora asked suspiciously, her gaze flicking between them, her brow furrowed in confusion. she looked far too alert for someone who’d just woken up.

“just… getting water,” fermín answered, his voice a little too casual, his hands still resting on y/n’s waist as if he couldn’t quite bring himself to let go. y/n nodded quickly, biting her lip to keep from laughing at how ridiculous they must’ve looked, flushed and breathless in the middle of the kitchen at midnight.

aurora raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “right,” she muttered, glancing between them one last time before turning back to the cabinet and grabbing a glass. she filled it slowly, her eyes lingering on them for just a moment too long before she finally turned and padded back up the stairs.

the second she was gone, fermín turned back to y/n, a wicked grin tugging at his lips. “we’re not very good at sneaking around, are we?” he murmured, his fingers brushing lightly over her bare thigh, the touch sending sparks of electricity dancing across her skin.

“maybe we should practice more,” she suggested, her voice low, teasing as she leaned forward, her lips grazing his ear. “you know… when no one else is around.”

the suggestion hung between them, thickening the air with anticipation. fermín groaned softly, his hands tightening on her hips, his resolve wavering as she looked up at him through her lashes, eyes dark and full of promise.

“don’t tempt me, hermosa,” he warned, his voice a low growl, his hands sliding up to cup her face gently, his thumbs brushing over her cheekbones. “because if I take you to bed now, I won’t be able to stop.”

“who says i want you to?” she whispered back, her breath warm against his lips, her fingers trailing lightly down his chest. the way she looked at him—full of mischief and desire—made it nearly impossible to think, every rational thought disappearing in the haze of want that clouded his mind.

“y/n,” he murmured, his voice strained as he rested his forehead against hers, trying to keep himself in check. “go upstairs. now.”

“but—”

“now,” he repeated firmly, though his gaze betrayed just how close he was to giving in. “before i change my mind.”

she pouted, her lips forming into a soft, teasing smile as she slowly slid off the counter, making a show of it, her body brushing against his as she moved. she felt his hands grip her waist briefly, like he was fighting the urge to pull her back against him, his eyes glued to her every movement as she took a step back, then another.

“goodnight, fermín,” she purred, her voice laced with amusement as she turned, giving her hips an exaggerated sway as she walked towards the stairs.

and then she felt it—a light, playful tap against her bottom, making her squeal softly, more from surprise than anything else. she turned back to see him smirking, his eyes dark with hunger, his fingers lingering where he’d touched her, as if he couldn’t quite bring himself to let her go.

“go,” he murmured, his voice a low rasp. “before i change my mind and take you right here.”

her stomach flipped at the raw desire in his voice, her pulse racing as she took another step, her eyes never leaving his. “sweet dreams, fermín,” she teased, a wicked smile pulling at her lips as she started up the stairs. “dream of me.”

“i already do,” he shot back, his gaze burning into hers. “and tonight will be no different.”

she shook her head, laughing softly as she made her way up the stairs, feeling the weight of his gaze on her the entire time. and just before she disappeared around the corner, she glanced back, giving him one last, playful smile.

“goodnight, fermín,” she murmured softly, the words almost a promise.

“goodnight, hermosa,” he whispered back, his voice filled with a longing that made her heart ache.

and with that, she turned and disappeared up the stairs, leaving him standing alone in the kitchen, his heart racing and his hands still tingling from the feel of her skin.

“dios mío,” he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair as he tried to calm himself. “she’s going to be the death of me.”

but even as he turned away, heading for the sink to splash some cold water on his face, a slow smile spread across his lips.

because tonight—tonight, she’d chosen him.

and that was all he needed.

the next morning, the atmosphere in the kitchen was light and lively as y/n’s family gathered for breakfast. the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of scrambled eggs and toast as her mom hummed along to a tune on the radio. gavi and their dad were already engaged in a spirited debate about last night’s game, while aurora and her boyfriend, adrián, whispered quietly, still looking half-asleep.

but y/n’s attention wasn’t on any of them. it was on fermín, seated right across the table from her, his eyes lingering on her lips whenever he thought no one was looking, like he couldn’t stop replaying every stolen moment from last night.

she bit back a smile, determined to make him squirm for the way he’d left her breathless and aching before sending her to bed alone. “such a gentleman,” she’d teased softly before slipping up the stairs, knowing he’d been one wrong look away from following her up and finishing what they’d started.

“so, y/n,” gavi suddenly spoke up, snapping her out of her thoughts. “what’s going on with marco? are you two… back together again?”

the entire table fell silent, every gaze turning to her, and y/n froze, her heart hammering. she opened her mouth to respond, but fermín beat her to it.

“they’re not together,” he said smoothly, his voice calm but firm as he set his coffee cup down, his eyes locked on gavi’s. “in fact, they’re completely done. forever.”

every head at the table turned toward him, eyes wide with surprise.

“what?” her dad blinked, clearly thrown. “since when?”

“since last night,” fermín replied, a slight smirk tugging at his lips as his gaze flicked to y/n. “she told me herself.”

aurora narrowed her eyes, her gaze darting between the two of them. “she told you?” she repeated slowly, suspicion creeping into her tone.

“yes,” fermín said lightly, leaning back in his chair, looking completely at ease despite the tension crackling in the air. “we had a little… chat.”

y/n’s heart was pounding, heat creeping up her neck. she could practically feel her family’s curious stares burning into her, but she couldn’t look away from fermín, who was watching her with that infuriatingly smug smile, his eyes gleaming with something dark and triumphant.

“well, that’s wonderful news,” their mom said brightly, clearly choosing to ignore the tension between them. “i never liked that boy anyway.”

“neither did i,” gavi muttered darkly, his gaze still fixed on fermín like he was trying to figure out what the hell was going on. “but wait, why didn’t you tell us?”

y/n opened her mouth to answer, but fermín spoke first again, his voice soft but firm. “because she was still processing it,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “breaking things off for good isn’t easy, especially when there’s history.”

her heart skipped a beat. the way he said it—the way he looked at her—it was like he was talking about more than just marco. like he was talking about them.

“well, good for you, y/n,” aurora said firmly, snapping everyone out of the tense moment. she raised her glass of orange juice, a fierce look on her face. “to cutting out toxic boys and moving on to better things.”

“to better things,” the rest of the family echoed, lifting their glasses in a toast.

y/n forced a smile, clinking her glass with gavi’s, her heart still racing. “thanks, guys,” she murmured softly, feeling a rush of warmth at their support.

but even as the conversation shifted to other topics, she couldn’t stop sneaking glances at fermín. couldn’t stop thinking about the way he’d stepped in, the way he’d spoken up for her like it was his job to protect her, defend her.

and then, just as everyone started getting up to clear their plates, fermín moved. he slipped behind her, his body brushing hers for just a moment, sending a shiver down her spine as he leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.

“you didn’t think i’d let you handle that alone, did you?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.

she sucked in a breath, her pulse racing. “why did you do that?” she whispered back, her voice barely audible over the clatter of dishes.

he pulled back slightly, just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes dark, intense. “because i don’t like sharing what’s mine,” he murmured softly, his hand skimming lightly over her lower back, making her shiver. “and you, hermosa… you’re mine.”

her heart stuttered, the air between them crackling with tension.

“oh?” she whispered breathlessly, her voice trembling despite herself. “since when?”

fermín’s lips curved into a slow, wicked smile, his gaze dropping to her lips, then lower. “since the second i kissed you,” he murmured, his voice a low growl that made her knees weak. “and from now on, no one else gets to touch you. no one.”

her breath caught, her entire body tingling at the possessive note in his voice. “do you understand?” he murmured, his eyes burning into hers.

“yes,” she breathed, barely able to form the word. “yes.”

“good girl,” he murmured, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her temple before stepping back, his gaze still smoldering. “now go upstairs, y/n.”

her heart jumped, her pulse racing. “why?” she whispered, fighting to keep her voice steady.

fermín’s eyes darkened, his gaze dropping to her lips, then lower. “because if you don’t, i’m going to forget where we are and make you scream my name right here in this kitchen.”

heat flooded her cheeks, her breath hitching. but before she could respond, he stepped back, giving her a wicked grin. “go,” he murmured softly.

she swallowed hard, forcing herself to turn, to move towards the stairs. but just as she reached the first step, she glanced back over her shoulder, arching her back slightly, giving him a slow, deliberate smile.

“you know,” she murmured softly, her voice a low, teasing purr. “you’re not the only one who likes to tease, fermín.”

his gaze darkened, his jaw clenching. “watch it, hermosa,” he growled softly, his voice rough. “or you’re going to regret it.”

she smirked, giving her hips a slow, deliberate sway as she ascended the stairs, her heart pounding.

“we’ll see,” she called softly over her shoulder, just loud enough for him to hear.

but even as she disappeared down the hall, she could still feel his gaze burning into her, still hear his words echoing in her ears.

you’re mine.

and god help her, but she liked the sound of that more than she should.

the house was quieter than usual, the muffled sounds of the tv drifting in from the living room where gavi and their dad were engrossed in some match commentary. aurora and adrián were in the backyard, talking softly, their laughter drifting through the open windows. it was a rare, peaceful afternoon — a break from the chaos of training schedules and back-to-back matches.

fermín had been wandering down the hallway, headed towards the kitchen to grab a drink, when a soft hand grabbed the back of his shirt and yanked him sideways, right through the door he had looked at for what felt like hours.

y/n’s room.

“hermosa—”

the door clicked shut behind them, and before he could even register what was happening, she was on him, her mouth hot and insistent against his. fermín froze for a split second, eyes wide, hands hovering uncertainly above her hips. but then she kissed him harder, her fingers tangling in his hair, and he melted against her, a low growl rumbling in his chest as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against him.

“well, hello to you, too,” he murmured breathlessly when she finally pulled back for air, his lips already chasing hers again.

“shut up,” she whispered, and then her mouth was on his again, all soft heat and urgency. she kissed him like she couldn’t get enough, like he was something she needed to breathe. fermín’s head spun, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

“miss me, did you?” he teased between kisses, his voice a low rasp.

y/n’s only response was to nip at his lower lip, tugging him closer until his back hit the door. “maybe,” she muttered, her hands trailing down his chest, slipping under the hem of his shirt to splay against the warm skin of his stomach. “you’re insufferable, you know that?”

he chuckled, the sound low and rough as he cupped the back of her neck, tilting her head up so he could deepen the kiss. “and yet you’re the one who couldn’t wait to get me alone,” he murmured against her lips, his smile widening when he felt her shudder.

“shut up,” she repeated, but there was no bite to her words. only want.

they stumbled back, fumbling towards the bed as they kissed, their hands roaming, pulling, grasping at each other. every nerve in fermín’s body was on fire, his senses overwhelmed by the feel of her, the taste of her, the intoxicating reality of having her pressed so close.

they broke apart just long enough for her to push him onto the bed, climbing up to straddle his lap, her thighs bracketing his hips. fermín’s breath hitched, his hands flying to her waist as he stared up at her, his gaze dark and hungry.

“getting used to this view,” he murmured, his voice low and strained, his fingers flexing against her hips. “could watch you like this all day, hermosa.”

y/n rolled her eyes, her lips twitching in a reluctant smile. “god, you’re such a—”

but whatever insult she was about to throw at him melted into a gasp as fermín’s hands slid up her sides, his thumbs brushing teasingly against the underside of her breasts. she leaned down, capturing his lips in a fierce, breathless kiss, her hands framing his face as she poured every ounce of longing and frustration and pent-up desire into it.

“fermín,” she whispered against his lips, her voice trembling. “i don’t want to wait. i need you.”

his heart lurched, a rush of heat and affection and pure, unadulterated want flooding through him. he kissed her back just as fiercely, his hands roaming down to grip her thighs, pulling her closer until she was pressed tight against him.

“hermosa...” he groaned, his voice rough, torn between need and restraint.

she kissed him again, harder, her hands sliding up into his hair, tugging just the way she knew drove him crazy. “please,” she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. “fermín, please—”

but just as things started to spiral, just as his control began to slip, fermín broke the kiss, his hands coming up to gently cup her face.

“no,” he breathed, his chest heaving as he forced himself to pull back, his gaze soft but firm as he looked up at her.

y/n blinked down at him, her brow furrowed, her eyes dark and dazed. “what?”

he swallowed hard, his fingers trembling slightly as he stroked her cheek. “we’re not gonna have sex, y/n.”

her face fell, her confusion quickly morphing into frustration. “why not?” she demanded, her voice sharp with disbelief. “you know i’m not a virgin.”

fermín flinched, his jaw clenching tight. “not that,” he muttered, his gaze flicking away. “even though... dios, i wish i never had to see you and him together.”

y/n’s heart stuttered, a pang of guilt and something else — something raw and painful and achingly tender — twisting in her chest. “fermín,” she whispered, her voice softening. “what are you talking about?”

he took a deep breath, forcing himself to meet her gaze again. “i’m talking about wanting more than that,” he said quietly, his eyes searching hers. “i want to... to court you, y/n.”

she stared at him, her mouth dropping open. “court me?”

“yeah.” fermín’s lips twitched in a wry smile, his hands sliding down to rest gently on her hips. “i want to wine and dine you, hermosa. i want to treat you like you deserve to be treated. i want to take you out on dates, hold your hand, show you off to everyone. because you’re more than just sex to me, y/n. you’re...”

he trailed off, his gaze softening, turning almost shy.

“you’re everything.”

y/n’s heart stopped, her breath catching painfully in her throat. she stared down at him, her chest tight, her mind whirling as she tried to process his words.

“fermín...” she whispered, her voice trembling. “you... you really want that?”

“of course i do,” he murmured, his gaze never wavering. “you think i’d spend all these years watching you from the sidelines, wanting you, only to rush things now?” he shook his head, his hands squeezing gently at her hips. “you’re worth more than that. we’re worth more than that.”

y/n felt a lump form in her throat, her vision blurring. she blinked rapidly, trying to force back the sudden rush of emotion. “but i thought—”

“i don’t care what you thought,” fermín interrupted softly, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. “all i care about is you. i want to do this right, y/n. i want to show you how much you mean to me. because you deserve that. more than anyone.”

her heart swelled, a rush of warmth and affection and something terrifyingly close to love flooding through her. she stared down at him, at the boy she’d had a crush on for so long, the boy who had always been just out of reach, the boy who was now looking up at her like she was his entire world.

“fermín,” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. “i...”

“shh,” he murmured, his gaze soft and warm and achingly tender. “you don’t have to say anything, hermosa. just... let me show you.”

y/n swallowed hard, nodding shakily as she leaned down, pressing her forehead against his. “okay,” she whispered. “okay, fermín.”

he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, his hands gently cradling her face as he kissed her — slow and sweet and heartbreakingly gentle.

“te prometo,” (i promise) he whispered softly against her lips, his voice low and rough. “i’m gonna make you forget every single moment with him. i’m gonna make you feel like the only girl in the world, hermosa. just you and me.”

y/n’s eyes fluttered shut, a single tear slipping down her cheek as she kissed him back, her heart aching with the force of everything she felt for him.

“okay,” she whispered again, her voice choked. “okay.”

and for the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay. because she had fermín. and he was more than enough.

the moonlight draped over them like a silk blanket, casting gentle shadows that swayed with the breeze as fermín led her through the secluded garden path. tiny lanterns lined the cobblestone walkway, illuminating the darkened flora and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. the night felt almost surreal, like stepping into a scene straight out of a romantic movie. and when he finally stopped at the small, private terrace overlooking the city below, y/n’s breath caught in her throat.

“fermín,” she whispered, eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sight before her.

a single round table sat in the center, draped in an elegant white cloth, adorned with a modest bouquet of fresh roses. candlelight flickered softly, casting a warm glow over the delicate china and crystal glasses set meticulously for two. it was simple, understated, yet breathtakingly beautiful. beyond the terrace railing, the city lights twinkled like a sea of stars, stretching out as far as the eye could see.

“do you like it?” fermín asked softly, his voice low and uncertain for the first time that evening.

“like it?” y/n turned to look at him, her gaze brimming with emotion. “it’s perfect, fermín. i—i didn’t expect this.”

he ducked his head, a bashful smile tugging at his lips. “well, i had some time to plan,” he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “i’ve... wanted to take you out for a long time, y/n.”

the sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. stepping forward, she reached out and took his hand, squeezing gently. “thank you,” she said softly. “for making tonight so special.”

fermín’s eyes softened as he gazed down at her, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “you’re special,” he replied simply. “so, it’s only fair.”

y/n’s heart fluttered at his words, a shy smile spreading across her face. “you’re such a sap,” she teased lightly, her eyes sparkling with affection.

“only for you,” fermín shot back with a grin, tugging her hand gently as he led her to the table. he pulled out her chair with a flourish, earning an amused roll of her eyes as she took a seat.

“a gentleman, too,” y/n mused, glancing up at him as he settled across from her.

“only for you,” he repeated softly, his gaze lingering on her with a look so intense it sent a shiver down her spine.

they fell into easy conversation as the night unfolded, laughter and teasing exchanges filling the space between them. fermín had thought of everything — from the food (her favorite dishes prepared exactly the way she liked) to the wine, to the soft music playing in the background. he had paid attention, remembered every little detail she’d ever mentioned in passing, and y/n couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by how thoughtful it all was.

but more than that, it was the way he looked at her — like she was the only thing that mattered in the entire world — that made her realize just how deeply he felt for her.

“you know,” y/n murmured, her voice soft as she leaned back in her chair, twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers, “i used to have the biggest crush on you.”

fermín’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “used to?”

she laughed, shaking her head. “okay, maybe i still do.”

"maybe?” he echoed, leaning forward, his lips twitching with amusement. “so, what happened to that certainty, hermosa? you just fell out of love with me over the years?”

y/n bit her lip, her cheeks warming under his gaze. “not exactly,” she admitted. “but... i never knew if you felt the same.”

he blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “what?” fermín spluttered, staring at her in disbelief. “are you serious?”

“well, yeah,” y/n replied, a bit defensive now. “you never— i mean, you flirted, but you flirt with everyone, fermín. how was i supposed to know?”

he groaned, burying his face in his hands dramatically. “dios mío, you’re killing me here, preciosa.” (oh my god, you're killing me here gorgeous)

“what?” she laughed, reaching out to nudge his arm. “what’s so funny?”

fermín lifted his head, his expression a mixture of exasperation and amusement. “y/n,” he said slowly, enunciating every syllable, “i have practically flirted with you every single day since i first met you.”

y/n’s smile faltered, her eyes widening. “you have?"

“of course” he emphasized, leaning closer, his gaze boring into hers. “every. single. day. how could you not know?”

“i just— i thought you were being... friendly,” she stammered, still reeling from the revelation. “and besides, you never made a move—”

“because i was terrified,” fermín cut in, shaking his head. “do you know how long i’ve wanted to do this?” he leaned across the table, capturing her hand in his once more.

“do what?” she whispered, her heart pounding.

“this,” he repeated softly, raising her hand to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “take you out, tell you how much you mean to me... show you that i’m serious.”

y/n stared at him, her breath catching in her throat. “serious?”

“yes,” fermín murmured, his gaze unwavering. “i’m serious about you, y/n. i have been for a long time.”

silence fell between them, the weight of his words sinking in. y/n’s heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest, her emotions swirling in a dizzying whirlwind.

“i— i don’t know what to say,” she whispered finally.

“you don’t have to say anything,” fermín murmured, his thumb stroking softly over her hand. “just... let me show you. let me— let me be what you need.”

y/n swallowed hard, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “you already are, fermín,” she whispered. “you’ve always been.”

his smile was soft, almost reverent. “then let me do this right, baby. let me... let me take my time with you.”

y/n’s brow furrowed slightly. “what do you mean?”

“i mean... maybe we shouldn’t tell anyone just yet,” he said hesitantly, his gaze searching hers. “not until we’re sure.”

she blinked. “sure?”

“that this is it,” fermín murmured. “that it’s real.”

y/n stared at him, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his eyes. then, slowly, she nodded. “okay,” she whispered. “i respect that.”

he exhaled softly, relief flooding his expression. “thank you.”

“besides,” she added, a small smile tugging at her lips, “i really don’t want my family in my business right now.”

fermín chuckled. “understandable.”

“but,” y/n continued, her gaze turning serious, “if we’re serious about this, fermín, we’ll have to tell pablo eventually.”

he winced slightly at the mention of her brother’s name but nodded. “i am serious about you, baby. but... let’s enjoy this for now. just us.”

y/n smiled softly, squeezing his hand gently. “just us,” she agreed.

fermín leaned closer, his gaze warm and tender as he whispered, “does that mean i can kiss you now?”

“you don’t have to ask,” y/n murmured back, her smile widening.

he didn’t need any more encouragement. with a soft sigh, fermín closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a slow, sweet kiss that spoke of all the feelings he’d kept hidden for so long.

it was perfect. just like everything else that night.

the house was unusually quiet when y/n pushed open the front door, her shoulders aching from a long day at uni. she let out a tired sigh, tossing her backpack to the floor before kicking off her shoes. she barely had time to register the silence when her mom’s sharp voice pierced through the quiet.

"nena! come to the living room, now."

y/n’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "uh… okay?" she called back, her tone unsure as she padded down the hall. the second she stepped into the living room, she froze.

her entire family was there—her mom, dad, gavi, aurora, adrián… and fermín, lounging casually on the couch, a smug smile already playing on his lips. he had the audacity to look entirely too comfortable in her family’s living room, and y/n's suspicion grew tenfold when she saw the gleam in his eyes. trouble.

"what’s going on?" she asked slowly, eyeing her family warily before her gaze landed on fermín, who looked far too pleased with himself. "why is everyone staring at me?"

"sit down, nena," her dad said, his voice uncharacteristically serious as he pointed to the armchair across from him. "we need to have a talk."

her frown deepened, but she did as told, gingerly sitting on the edge of the chair like a deer caught in headlights. "did i do something wrong?" she asked cautiously, glancing nervously between her family members.

"we’re worried about you, nena," her mom finally spoke, her tone laced with concern, though her expression bordered on disappointed. "you’ve been acting strange."

"strange?" y/n echoed, her brow furrowed.

"it’s marco," gavi spat, his voice brimming with frustration. "we know you're still seeing him."

y/n’s eyes widened in disbelief. "what? no, i’m not!" she protested, shaking her head.

"nena, don’t lie to us," her mom said, shaking her head, her voice tinged with that familiar disappointment.

"yeah, we know you’re hiding something," aurora chimed in, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes. "you’re sneaking around, hiding your phone."

"leaving the house at weird times," adrián added, piling on.

"and you’ve been smiling at your phone like an idiot," gavi muttered, shooting her an accusing look.

before y/n could defend herself, fermín, sitting back with a smug grin, decided it was time to chime in. "and you haven’t been eating your mom’s cooking, hermosa," he said, his voice dripping with mock concern. "that’s very suspicious behavior."

y/n’s jaw dropped as she shot him a look. "why are you even here, fermín?!"

he shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back against the cushions. "just a concerned friend," he replied, the smirk on his lips betraying his faux innocence. "looking out for your well-being. you know me, always so thoughtful."

"you’re not helping!" y/n snapped, her eyes narrowing at him.

"i’m not supposed to help," fermín quipped, giving her a slow, lazy grin that screamed smugness. "i’m here to make sure this intervention goes smoothly. moral support and all that."

"we’re serious, nena," her dad interrupted, his tone deep and authoritative. "marco is no good for you."

"he’s trash," aurora stated matter-of-factly, her arms still crossed. "absolute trash."

"garbage," adrián agreed, nodding seriously.

"toxic waste," fermín added with exaggerated thoughtfulness, leaning forward like he was imparting some great wisdom. "you know, the kind they bury underground because it’s too dangerous to deal with."

y/n’s head whipped around to glare at him again, her frustration mounting. "shut up, fermín!"

he simply raised his hands in surrender, his smirk never fading. "hey, i’m just saying what we’re all thinking, preciosa."

"he made you cry all the time, y/n," adrián said, bringing the conversation back to seriousness. "you deserve better."

"yeah, like someone who actually respects you," aurora added, her tone softening as she reached over to give y/n’s hand a squeeze.

"or someone who doesn’t insult your thesis project," gavi muttered darkly. "the guy’s a total jerk."

"total jerk," fermín echoed with a nod, his smugness practically radiating off of him. "i would never call your thesis stupid, hermosa. in fact, i’d love to hear all about it sometime. bet it’s brilliant."

y/n shot him another death glare. "you’re making it worse!" she growled.

"i’m making it better," fermín countered smoothly, his grin widening. "trust me, you’ll thank me later."

y/n groaned in exasperation, burying her face in her hands. "you’re all insane," she muttered. "i told you, i’m not seeing marco."

"we don’t believe you," gavi said bluntly, folding his arms over his chest. "you’re hiding something."

"it’s so obvious," aurora added. "you’re distracted, always sneaking off somewhere."

"and don’t think we haven’t noticed you acting all dreamy," adrián pointed out. "like you’re in love or something."

"you’re practically glowing," fermín added cheerfully, his voice full of teasing amusement. "very suspicious, indeed."

y/n let out an incredulous laugh. "you—"

"see?!" her mom interrupted, her voice tinged with worry. "he’s already making you upset again, nena. we just want to help."

"we can’t let you fall back into his trap," her dad said firmly, giving her a pointed look.

"we want what’s best for you," aurora chimed in softly, her hand still resting on y/n’s arm.

"someone who treats you like the queen you are," adrián added, his voice gentle.

"someone who appreciates your cooking," fermín said with a serious nod, his expression mockingly sincere. "your macarrons? out of this world."

y/n made a strangled noise of frustration. "why are you even here, fermín?!"

"because i care about you, preciosa," fermín replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand. "your family just wants to make sure you’re okay. and so do i."

y/n threw her hands up in disbelief. "i hate you so much right now."

"you love me," fermín corrected easily, his smug grin practically daring her to argue. "we can discuss that later."

"per l’amor de déu," y/n groaned, burying her face in her hands again as the entire room erupted into more accusations, chaos, and… smug fermín grins.

she was never going to survive this family.

“i’m still mad at you.”

fermín barely had a chance to cross the threshold of her room before y/n’s cool voice cut through the air. she sat on her bed, arms crossed over her chest, her gaze fixed firmly on some point past his shoulder. despite her words, he caught the slight upward quirk of her lips and knew she was putting on a show. but for now, he’d play along.

“oh?” fermín’s eyes narrowed, a smirk already tugging at his lips as he stepped forward, kicking the door shut behind him. “and what, hermosa, did i do to deserve such harsh punishment?”

“you know exactly what you did,” y/n shot back, turning her head away as if to dismiss him completely. “don’t act all innocent.”

“innocent?” he repeated, feigning offense. “i was just concerned for your wellbeing, nena (little girl). it’s not my fault if your family’s got a point.”

y/n’s jaw dropped. “excuse me?”

“well, they did bring up some solid arguments,” fermín continued nonchalantly, leaning back against the wall with a casual shrug. “marco’s a total idiot—”

“okay, enough,” she snapped, throwing her pillow at him, which he easily dodged. “you know that’s not what i’m mad about.”

“oh, really?” he drawled, his smirk widening. “then enlighten me, preciosa.”

y/n glared at him, but he could see the faintest glimmer of amusement in her eyes. she was holding back — pretending. trying to get a reaction out of him. well, two could play that game.

“i’m mad,” she said slowly, “because you took their side.”

fermín let out a low laugh. “baby, i didn’t take anyone’s side.”

“oh, no?” she raised an eyebrow. “so you didn’t chime in with all the ‘marco’s no good for her’ and ‘she deserves better’ nonsense?”

"all vaild points” he murmured, his voice softening slightly as he moved closer, his gaze locked on hers. “you do deserve better, y/n.”

“that’s not the point!” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “the point is...”

“the point is you’re mad because i got a few good laughs in while your family cornered you,” fermín finished, his smirk returning. “don’t lie.”

“i’m not lying!” y/n huffed, turning her back to him.

fermín’s eyes gleamed mischievously as he stepped closer, his hands gently sliding around her waist from behind. “you’re so cute when you’re angry, preciosa,” he murmured, pressing his chest against her back.

she stiffened, refusing to lean into him, even when his fingers traced soft patterns along her sides. “i’m mad at you,” she repeated stubbornly.

“mmm, so you’ve said,” he replied, undeterred. he leaned down, his lips brushing against the curve of her neck in the lightest of kisses.

y/n sucked in a sharp breath, but still, she didn’t move. “i told you, fermín,” she muttered. “i’m mad.”

“and i told you,” he murmured against her skin, his lips trailing up to the spot just below her ear, “you’re adorable when you’re mad.”

“stop that,” she grumbled, but her voice lacked its usual bite.

“no,” fermín whispered, his lips pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her neck. “not until you forgive me.”

“maybe i won’t,” she shot back, tilting her chin up defiantly. “maybe i’ll stay mad forever.”

“forever’s a long time,” fermín murmured, tightening his grip around her waist. “i don’t think you can last that long.”

“watch me,” y/n retorted, refusing to turn around even as he held her close.

he chuckled softly, his breath warm against her skin. “i guess i’ll just have to spend the rest of forever convincing you otherwise, then.”

“good luck with that,” she muttered, finally pulling away from his embrace and stepping out of his reach. “i’m not that easy.”

“baby,” fermín sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “you’re killing me here.”

“good,” she replied stubbornly, sitting back down on the edge of her bed and crossing her arms again. “maybe next time you’ll think twice before ganging up on me.”

“i wasn’t ganging up on you,” he protested, taking a step closer. “i was... supporting the cause.”

“what cause?” y/n shot him a dark look. “the ‘let’s drive y/n crazy with baseless accusations’ cause?”

fermín grinned. “i wouldn’t say baseless.”

“ugh!” she threw her hands up in frustration. “stop speaking to me.”

“you’re beautiful,” he murmured softly, his gaze softening as he watched her fume. “even when you’re mad.”

“flattery won’t get you anywhere,” y/n grumbled, turning her back on him again.

“then how about this,” he said quietly, stepping forward until he was right behind her once more. he wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her shoulder as he whispered, “you’re mine, hermosa. no one else’s.”

y/n’s heart skipped a beat, her resolve wavering for a split second. but then she straightened, lifting her chin stubbornly. “and what if i call that doctor guy back? the one my mom mentioned today” she asked, her voice a little too casual. “mateu seemed nice enough. maybe i should give him a chance.”

fermín stiffened behind her, his grip tightening. “don’t.”

“why not?” she challenged, turning her head slightly to look at him over her shoulder.

“because you’re mine,” he repeated, his voice low and possessive. “and i don’t share.”

“hmph,” y/n sniffed, trying to ignore the way her heart fluttered at his words. “you seemed perfectly fine with the idea back there.”

“i was not,” fermín growled, spinning her around to face him. “do you know how hard it was not to—” he stopped abruptly, his jaw clenched, his eyes burning into hers.

“not to what?” she whispered, staring up at him, suddenly breathless.

“not to do this,” he murmured, cupping her face gently and pressing his lips against hers in a fierce, desperate kiss.

y/n gasped softly, her resolve crumbling as she melted against him, her arms winding around his neck almost instinctively. he kissed her deeply, thoroughly, pouring every ounce of his frustration, his jealousy, and his need into the kiss until she was left trembling in his arms.

but then, just as quickly, he pulled back, his breathing ragged, his eyes wild. “don’t,” he repeated, his voice a harsh whisper. “don’t play around like that.”

“i—I wasn’t—” she stammered, still dazed.

“you were,” he growled, his grip tightening on her waist. “and it’s driving me crazy, baby.”

“good,” y/n whispered, narrowing her eyes slightly. “now you know how i felt.”

fermín blinked, taken aback. then, slowly, a grin spread across his face. “oh, so this is payback, is it?”

“maybe,” she replied, lifting her chin defiantly.

“you’re evil,” he murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. “an actual demon.”

“takes one to know one,” y/n shot back, a small smile tugging at her lips.

fermín’s grin widened. “well, then,” he whispered, leaning down until his lips were just a breath away from hers, “looks like we’re a perfect match, preciosa.”

“hmm, i suppose so,” she murmured back, her heart racing as he closed the distance between them once more.

and this time, she didn’t pull away.

the club was alive with neon lights and thumping bass, the energy of the night wrapping around everyone in its grip. y/n sat back in the booth, legs crossed, pretending to be unaffected as fermín sat beside her, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a subtle tension. she could feel the heat from his body and noticed the way his fingers tapped against his knee, betraying the restlessness inside him. he hadn’t stopped fidgeting since gavi had grinned and mentioned he was setting fermín up with the friend of the girl he liked. it was meant to be harmless, but for y/n, every word had only added to her growing frustration.

gavi, completely unaware of the charged atmosphere between them, shot fermín a playful wink before getting up. "i’ll be back in a sec. gonna grab the girls. fermín, you’re gonna thank me for this one, bro. she’s perfect for you."

the second gavi walked away, y/n leaned in close to fermín, her lips brushing against the shell of his ear, her voice soft but laced with challenge. "if you so much as touch her tonight, or let her touch you," she whispered, her breath hot against his skin, "you won’t be touching me."

fermín’s breath caught in his throat, his body stiffening at her words. the heat in her voice sent a surge of desire through him, but before he could respond, she leaned back, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischievous victory.

she knew she had him. fermín had always been the one teasing her, playing with her until she couldn’t take it anymore, but tonight—tonight the tables had turned. now he was the one squirming in his seat, trapped by her challenge.

"you don’t play fair," he muttered, his voice low, barely audible above the music.

y/n shrugged, taking a slow sip of her drink, eyes flicking toward the entrance where gavi was returning, two girls in tow. "i play to win," she murmured back, her gaze sliding to the girl beside gavi—the one meant for fermín.

the girl was pretty, y/n admitted that much. tall, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, dressed to kill. she flashed fermín a dazzling smile as gavi introduced them, and y/n’s chest tightened with irritation. it didn’t matter that fermín barely responded. it didn’t matter that his body was tense and his eyes kept flicking toward y/n. the girl’s touch on his arm was enough to light a fire inside her.

aurora, sitting next to her, leaned in, voice curious. "what’s going on with you two?"

"nothing," y/n lied, though her tone was clipped. she crossed her arms, glaring at the girl who was practically throwing herself at fermín. aurora didn’t miss the way y/n’s jaw clenched as fermín awkwardly shifted away from the girl’s advances, but didn’t push for more details.

time dragged on painfully as y/n sat in their section, doing everything she could to not let her irritation show. the brunette was persistent, touching fermín’s arm every few seconds, leaning in close, laughing too loudly at everything he said—or didn’t say. y/n was simmering, her eyes narrowing more with each passing minute.

the final straw came when the girl stood, tugging fermín’s hand and leading him to the dance floor. fermín shot y/n a glance, one that said he wasn’t enjoying this, but y/n was already seeing red.

without thinking, she grabbed the nearest guy sitting at the table next to them, pulling him up from his seat. her eyes never left fermín’s as she led the stranger to the dance floor, her chest heaving with a mix of anger and adrenaline.

the music thumped around them, the beat heavy as she moved against the guy she’d pulled, her back pressed firmly against his chest. she swayed to the rhythm, but her eyes stayed locked on fermín, watching as the brunette pressed herself against him. she could see the frustration in fermín’s stance, the stiffness in his shoulders, the way his eyes darkened as he watched her.

oh, she had him right where she wanted him now.

fermín didn’t last long. within minutes, he disentangled himself from the brunette and crossed the dance floor with purposeful strides, his gaze locked on y/n. the second he reached her, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her away from the guy without even looking back.

"we’re done here," fermín growled, his voice rough, the tension between them palpable.

he didn’t stop until they were in a secluded corner of the club, hidden from prying eyes. y/n’s back hit the wall with a soft thud, fermín’s body crowding hers, caging her in. his hands were on her waist, firm but gentle, his leg nudging between her thighs as he towered over her, his breath hot against her neck.

"you think you can play games with me, hermosa?" he murmured, his voice dark and husky, sending a shiver down her spine.

y/n’s lips curled into a defiant smile, her heart racing from both the intensity of his presence and the thrill of the night. "you started it," she shot back, her eyes locked on his. "you let her touch what’s mine."

fermín’s eyes darkened even further, his lips tugging into a smirk. "oh yeah? and what’s that?" he asked, his voice dangerously low as he leaned in, his mouth hovering just over hers, the air between them crackling with tension.

y/n’s breath hitched, but she didn’t back down. "you," she whispered, her voice soft but full of possession. "you’re mine."

fermín let out a low growl at her words, his grip on her waist tightening as he crashed his lips against hers. the kiss was searing, full of pent-up frustration, desire, and everything they’d both been holding back. his body pressed against hers, his hands roaming her sides, pulling her even closer as their kiss deepened.

y/n’s hands found their way into his hair, tugging gently as she lost herself in the heat of the moment. she could feel his leg nudged between her thighs, the sensation driving her wild, and she couldn’t help the soft moan that escaped her lips.

fermín pulled back just enough to catch his breath, his forehead resting against hers as he panted slightly. "you’re playing a dangerous game, hermosa," he murmured, his voice thick with lust and warning.

y/n smirked, her eyes still blazing with challenge. "you love it," she teased, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw before pulling him back into another heated kiss.

the music around them faded into the background as they got lost in each other, completely consumed by the intensity of their connection. every kiss, every touch, every whispered word between them was electric, and neither of them wanted the moment to end.

but they both knew this wasn’t just a game anymore. it was something deeper, something real, and tonight had only proved how much they were willing to fight for it.

and as they stood there, hidden away in the corner of the club, their bodies tangled together, they both realized one thing: neither of them was backing down. not tonight. not ever.

keeping their relationship hidden was harder than either of them anticipated. there were too many close calls, too many moments when they nearly let something slip, but somehow, they managed to keep it under wraps. though y/n’s family was still completely oblivious, gavi, being as perceptive as he was, had come dangerously close to figuring it out more than once.

like the time y/n had forgotten to silence her phone during a family dinner, and a text from fermín — “miss you, hermosa” — had nearly given her away. her brother had narrowed his eyes at her when she’d quickly flipped her phone over, cheeks flushed, and mumbled something about a friend checking in. gavi hadn’t looked convinced, but before he could press any further, y/n had started peppering him with questions about training, effectively steering the conversation away from herself.

or the time fermín had lingered a little too long at the house, his gaze following y/n around the living room like he couldn’t bear to be apart from her for even a second. gavi had caught on, staring between them with furrowed brows, his expression suspicious. y/n had panicked, elbowing fermín sharply in the ribs to get him to focus. he’d only grinned at her, eyes sparkling with mischief as he purposefully brushed his fingers against hers when no one was looking, enjoying the thrill of almost getting caught.

but perhaps the closest call had been when gavi had barged into her room one evening without knocking. fermín had been there, leaning against the far wall, his hand intertwined with y/n’s as they talked in low, hushed voices. they’d barely managed to pull away from each other in time, y/n hastily shoving her hands behind her back and fermín adopting a casual stance, but the look gavi gave them — suspicious, probing — had lingered long after he’d left.

“he knows something’s up,” fermín had whispered once the door had closed behind gavi.

“no, he doesn’t,” y/n had insisted, though the words sounded weak even to her ears.

“he’s not stupid, baby” fermín had sighed, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “we have to be more careful.”

and they had been, skirting around the edges of suspicion, finding solace in stolen moments at his apartment instead.

his place was small, modest compared to the vibrant warmth of her family home, but it felt more like theirs. it was where they could drop the act, where y/n didn’t have to worry about her brother bursting in unexpectedly or her parents glancing at them suspiciously. here, it was just them — no pretense, no hiding. only whispers and soft laughter, kisses that lingered, and conversations that went on long into the night.

it was after one such evening, when they were sprawled lazily in his bed, her head resting on his chest, that fermín let out a soft sigh, the sound laced with something wistful.

“what’s wrong?” y/n murmured, shifting slightly to look up at him.

“nothing,” he replied quickly, a small smile playing on his lips. but the distant look in his eyes gave him away.

“tell me,” y/n pressed gently, reaching up to cup his cheek, her thumb brushing softly over his skin. “what’s bothering you?”

fermín hesitated, then sighed again, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. “it’s just... it gets lonely here sometimes,” he admitted quietly. “that’s why i’m always at your place.”

y/n’s heart ached at the admission. “i didn’t know,” she whispered, guilt curling in her chest.

he shrugged lightly, his arm tightening around her. “it’s fine. i just... i like being around family. around you.”

“i’m sorry,” y/n said softly, “for all the times i complained about you being at my house.”

his smile widened slightly, turning playful. “oh, i know why you did it.”

“yeah?” she challenged, raising an eyebrow.

“of course,” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips. “you just wanted me to obsess over you more, hermosa. i'll tell you though, it definitely worked.”

“oh, please,” y/n scoffed, rolling her eyes even as a smile tugged at her lips. “don't be ridiculous.”

“maybe,” he conceded, his tone light. but then his expression softened, turning serious. “but... i mean it, y/n. your family... they welcomed me when i had no one here in barcelona. taught me the culture, the language... they made me feel like i belonged.”

y/n’s chest tightened at the sincerity in his voice, her fingers curling slightly against his chest. “they love you,” she murmured. “we all do.”

“i know,” fermín whispered, his gaze turning distant again. “but there was also... a little girl i fell for in the process.” his eyes met hers, filled with a tenderness that made her breath catch. “and she still has my heart.”

y/n stared at him, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. “fermín...”

“shh” he murmured softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “don’t say anything. i just... i needed you to know.”

a soft, trembling smile spread across y/n’s lips as she leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. “you’re such a sap,” she whispered, echoing her words from their first date.

“only for you,” he repeated, his voice low and warm, wrapping around her like a promise.

they stayed like that for a long time, the quiet hum of the city outside the only sound in the room. eventually, y/n shifted, turning slightly so she could look up at him again.

“thank you,” she whispered softly.

fermín blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. “for what?”

“for... loving me,” y/n murmured, her gaze searching his. “for being patient. for... everything.”

his expression softened, a slow, affectionate smile spreading across his lips. “always, baby," he murmured. “always.”

and when he leaned down to kiss her again, it was slow and sweet, filled with all the words he couldn’t say, all the feelings he’d kept buried for so long. and in that moment, y/n knew — without a doubt — that she loved him too.

the night of aurora’s birthday party was electric, the music pulsing in time with the heartbeats of those dancing inside. y/n and fermín mingled with their friends, but every glance shared between them was charged with an undeniable energy that set them apart from the rest. as the hours passed, their desire for each other grew, and it became harder to resist sneaking away to a more private place.

“let’s go to the rooftop,” y/n suggested, her voice barely audible over the booming bass. fermín nodded, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and they slipped away from the crowd.

the rooftop was a breath of fresh air, a sanctuary away from the noise of the club. y/n leaned against the railing, taking in the sprawling city below, the distant lights twinkling like stars. fermín stepped in close, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into him. the moment felt perfect, but just as their lips were about to touch, the rooftop door swung open.

“what the hell?” gavi’s voice boomed, his expression a mixture of shock and anger. he stood frozen, taking in the scene before him. y/n and fermín quickly stepped apart, but the damage was done.

“gavi, it’s not what it looks like,” y/n stammered, but gavi cut her off.

“don’t lie to me. it looks exactly like what it is! get off my sister!” he shouted, his protective instincts flaring.

“we’re dating,” fermín replied calmly, stepping forward to defend y/n. “it’s been over a month now.”

gavi’s eyes widened, disbelief flashing across his face. “you’re dating? are you serious? since when? how could you keep this from me?”

“it wasn’t like that,” y/n said quickly, feeling the tension rising. “we wanted to tell you—”

“clearly not,” gavi interjected, his voice tight with frustration. “you think this is okay? you think he’s just going to treat you right?”

“gavi, that’s not fair,” fermín said, standing his ground. “I’ve only been with y/n. I’m not like marco.”

“you think that matters?” gavi spat, shaking his head. “you’re just some womanizer, and I’m supposed to believe this is real? how can I trust that you’re not going to hurt her?”

“don’t act like I haven’t been in love with y/n for half my life,” fermín shot back, his voice rising. “you know me better than that!”

“you know what this looks like, fermín,” gavi continued, his face reddening with anger. “you’re saying you love her, but you don’t think this can actually work. otherwise, you wouldn’t have hidden it from me!"

“we didn’t want to make it harder for you!” y/n yelled, frustration bubbling over. “we lied because we thought it would be easier, not because we’re ashamed of what we have!”

“this isn’t some high school fling, gavi,” fermín said, his tone steady but firm. “this is real for us. y/n means everything to me, and I won’t let you push her away.”

“you think you can just come in and make these decisions for her?” gavi shot back, voice trembling with anger. “what if you hurt her? what if this ends badly?”

“that’s not your call to make!” y/n shouted, her patience wearing thin. “I’m tired of you treating me like a child. I can handle my own life!”

gavi’s face softened, but the hurt was still evident. “I just want to protect you, y/n. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

“you’re suffocating me!” she replied, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. “I’m not marco. I’m not making the same mistakes! I’m making my own choices!”

“you really think you can trust him?” gavi pressed, desperation in his voice.

“yes, I do!” y/n yelled, tears now streaming down her face. “you need to trust me!”

gavi stepped back, visibly shaken, as y/n turned away, her anger boiling over. “I can’t believe you!” she spat, storming off toward the staircase.

“y/n, wait!” fermín called after her, but gavi stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

“you shouldn’t have put her in this position,” gavi said, his voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and hurt.

“I’m in love with her,” fermín said calmly, meeting gavi’s gaze head-on. “and you or anyone else can’t keep me apart from her. I don’t care what you think.”

with that, he turned and rushed after y/n, leaving gavi standing on the rooftop, fists clenched at his sides, filled with a mix of anger and concern for his sister.

the drive to fermín’s apartment was quiet. too quiet. y/n had been silent since the club, her eyes staring out of the passenger window, blinking away the tears that kept threatening to fall. she had tried to keep it together back there—tried to brush off the sting of pablo’s words, but the second they got into the car, her walls had crumbled.

fermín didn’t press her. he didn’t ask her to explain or push her to talk. instead, he placed his hand on her knee, a comforting weight that silently said i’m here when you’re ready. and that was enough. it had always been enough with him.

when they reached his place, fermín led her inside without a word, his hand gripping hers as if to reassure her that she wasn’t alone. the second they stepped into the apartment, she felt the dam break. hot, angry tears spilled down her cheeks, and before she knew it, she was collapsing onto his couch, burying her face in her hands as the sobs shook her shoulders.

fermín was beside her in an instant, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his chest. “shh, preciosa,” he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm against the raw ache in her chest. “i’ve got you. let it out.”

y/n clung to him, her tears soaking his shirt as the weight of everything—the night, pablo, the overwhelming emotions she’d been holding back—finally crashed down on her. “he hates me,” she choked out, her voice muffled against his chest. “he hates me for this.”

fermín shook his head, his hand gently stroking her back in slow, comforting circles. “he doesn’t hate you, hermosa. he’s just… stubborn. and protective. you know how he is.”

“but why did he say that?” y/n sobbed, pulling back just enough to look up at him, her tear-streaked face twisted in confusion and hurt. “why would he keep this from me if he knew how i felt? it’s like he doesn’t even trust me.”

fermín sighed, his thumb brushing away the tears from her cheek as he cupped her face, his touch soft and grounding. “pablo’s scared, that’s all,” he said gently. “scared of losing you, scared of something changing between you two. but it’s not about trust, baby. he just… doesn’t get it yet.”

“and what if he never does?” y/n whispered, her voice trembling. “what if he never accepts us?”

fermín’s eyes softened as he looked at her, his hand gently tilting her chin so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “i don’t need his approval, y/n,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “i don’t need anyone’s approval. i finally have the girl of my dreams, and i’m never letting her go.”

y/n’s heart clenched at his words, a fresh wave of tears welling up in her eyes. “but what if this is all a mistake?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “what if… what if i’m not ready for this? for us?”

fermín’s expression softened even further, and he pulled her closer, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “i love you, y/n,” he whispered against her skin, his voice steady and sure. “i told you that, and i’ll spend every day telling you that until it sticks in that beautiful head of yours.”

her breath hitched at his words, and she looked up at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. “but—”

“i know in the past you weren’t dealt the best hand when it comes to guys,” fermín cut her off gently, his thumb tracing soothing patterns on her cheek. “and maybe you’re scared. maybe you think i’m going to be like them. but i promise you, mi amor, your heart is safe with me.”

y/n’s lip trembled, her walls starting to crumble again. “fermín…”

“no, listen to me,” fermín said firmly, his eyes locked on hers, full of sincerity and love. “i have wanted everything with you since i was 13 years old. i am completely, absolutely gone for you, y/n. consorto, you know that? i don’t need anything else. just you.”

her breath caught in her throat, and the last of her doubts began to fade under the weight of his words. “fermín…” she whispered again, her voice thick with emotion.

“i’m all in for you, hermosa,” he continued softly, his forehead resting against hers. “pablo, your family—they’ll come around. but even if they don’t, i’m not going anywhere. i finally have you, and i’m never letting go.”

y/n’s heart swelled, the warmth of his words filling the cracks in her soul that she hadn’t even realized were there. and before she could stop herself, the words slipped out, soft and shaky but filled with all the love she’d been too scared to admit until now. “i love you, fermín.”

the look on his face was pure bliss. his eyes lit up, his lips curling into the most joyful smile she’d ever seen. “what did you just say?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, like he couldn’t believe his ears.

“i love you,” y/n repeated, her voice more steady this time, her heart racing in her chest as she finally let the words sink in.

“say it again,” fermín whispered, his voice breathless as his hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer.

y/n smiled through her tears, leaning in until their noses brushed. “i love you, fermín.”

“again,” he demanded playfully, his lips hovering over hers, his breath hot against her skin.

“i love you,” she whispered for the third time, her heart pounding in her chest.

fermín let out a low laugh, his hands sliding up her sides as he gently laid her back against the cushions of the couch. “i want to engrain this moment into my memory forever,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple before trailing soft, playful kisses across her cheeks, her forehead, her nose. “i love you, mi amor. i love you so much.”

y/n giggled as his kisses continued to cover every inch of her face, his touch light and teasing. “i love you too,” she whispered again, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.

“i’m never going to get tired of hearing that,” fermín whispered against her skin, his voice full of awe and adoration.

“good,” y/n replied with a soft laugh, her heart swelling as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down into a tender kiss. “because i’m never going to stop saying it.”

as they held each other, wrapped up in the warmth of each other’s arms, y/n finally felt the weight of her doubts lift. fermín was hers, and she was his. nothing else mattered.

y/n had spent the last few days in a blissful haze, tucked away in fermín’s apartment like they were in their own little world. it was as if the outside didn’t exist—no pablo, no family drama, just them. she felt safe here, wrapped up in his arms, their conversations flowing effortlessly as they stayed in bed for hours on end, only moving when absolutely necessary. she knew she should probably reach out to her family sooner rather than later, but the thought of facing pablo again made her stomach twist. instead, she settled for a few casual texts to her parents, confirming that, yes, she was alive and no, she wasn’t ready to come home just yet. her mom had replied with a suspiciously knowing “take your time,” and aurora had sent a string of heart-eyed emojis.

“they knew,” y/n had muttered, showing fermín the messages as they lay tangled in bed, his bare chest warm beneath her cheek. “my mom and aurora—they totally saw this coming.”

fermín chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “of course they did. everyone saw it but us.”

now, as the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, y/n found herself cuddled up to him once more, her arms wrapped around his waist as he lazily stroked her back, his body warm and familiar beneath the sheets. she could feel the soft rise and fall of his chest, his heartbeat a steady rhythm under her ear.

“you know we’ll have to go over sometime,” fermín murmured, his voice low and a little groggy with sleep. “i love having you all to myself, but your family might die without you.”

y/n let out a small whine, burrowing her face deeper into his chest in protest. “nooo, i’m not ready yet,” she mumbled, her voice muffled by his skin. “can’t we just stay like this forever?”

fermín laughed softly, his fingers brushing through her hair as he held her closer. “i wish, hermosa. but they’ll start a search party if you don’t show up soon.”

“good, let them search,” she grumbled, nuzzling her nose against his skin, inhaling the faint scent of his cologne that still clung to him. “i’m happy right here.”

“trust me, so am i,” fermín said, his voice full of affection as he pressed another kiss to her hair. “but pablo’s going to show up at the club today, and i don’t think hiding out forever is an option.”

y/n sighed, shifting so that she was lying on her side, her hand still resting on his chest as she looked up at him. “so, you’ll be seeing pablo today?”

fermín smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “that’s typically how it works when you’re on the same team, baby.”

y/n nudged him playfully, rolling her eyes. “you know what i mean, smartass.”

“oh, i know what you mean,” fermín teased, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her arm. “and no, i don’t think he’ll explode again. your brother’s always been temperamental, but he’s matured a lot in the years i’ve known him. he’s not going to risk everything over personal issues.”

“you sure about that?” y/n asked, raising an eyebrow. “pablo’s always been…. temperamental.”

“he’ll come around,” fermín said confidently, his hand sliding up to cup her face, his thumb brushing softly against her cheek. “and even if he’s still upset, that’s on him. you’re stuck with me now.”

before y/n could protest, fermín leaned in and pressed a quick, playful kiss to her lips, the sound of it making a soft smack as he pulled away with a grin.

“mmm,” y/n hummed as she sat up, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “who said that? maybe i have your competition on the way.”

fermín paused mid-movement, raising an eyebrow as he glanced over his shoulder while getting out of bed. “oh, yeah? competition, huh?” his voice was light, playful, but there was a glint in his eyes that made her heart skip a beat.

y/n shrugged, trying to act nonchalant as she stretched out on the bed. “maybe. you never know.”

fermín smirked as he pulled on his training gear, the dark fabric clinging to his muscles in all the right places. “doesn’t change the fact that you’re in love with me,” he said with a confident grin, his eyes flicking to hers as he fastened his belt.

“i don’t know what you’re talking about,” y/n replied, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow as she tried to keep a straight face.

“oh, come on,” fermín teased, stepping closer to the bed as he leaned down, his hands resting on the mattress on either side of her. “don’t play dumb with me, baby. a few days ago you confessed your undying love for me and, now more than ever know you’re head over heels.”

“who, me?” y/n asked innocently, batting her lashes at him as she fought back a smile. “i have no idea what you mean.”

fermín chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before straightening up. “uh-huh, sure. keep pretending, hermosa. we both know the truth.”

y/n watched him with a soft smile as he finished getting ready, her heart swelling with affection for him. he was right, of course. she was completely, hopelessly in love with him—and no amount of teasing or pretending could change that.

“you better go,” she said, her voice soft as she sat up fully, the sheets pooling around her waist. “you’ll be late for training.”

fermín grinned, leaning down for one last kiss. “don’t miss me too much,” he murmured against her lips.

“i’ll try,” y/n whispered back, her heart fluttering as she watched him head out the door, leaving her alone in the warmth of his apartment.

but as the door closed behind him, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, her heart full of the kind of love she’d only ever dreamed of before.

the buzz of chatter filled the training ground as fermín joined the rest of the squad for the day’s session. he could feel the eyes of his teammates on him—especially gavi’s, who had been ignoring him all morning. it wasn’t like gavi to act cold toward him, and it didn’t take long for the others to notice the tension between the two.

“hey, what’s up with you and gavi?” alejandro asked as they gathered near the sideline, his brow furrowed in curiosity. lamine and pedri hovered nearby, clearly interested in the conversation too, while cubarsi raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.

fermín glanced over at gavi, who was standing a few meters away, deliberately avoiding his gaze. he let out a sigh before looking back at the group. “i’m dating y/n.”

there was a collective pause, and then lamine let out a loud whistle. “no way, you finally pulled it off?”

“about time,” pedri added with a grin. “we’ve all known you were obsessed with her for years.”

cubarsi smirked, crossing his arms. “so that’s why gavi’s been giving you the cold shoulder, huh? makes sense. you two are usually attached at the hip.”

“he’s just being protective,” fermín shrugged, though he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “but i’m not worried. gavi has to be fine with it eventually because there’s no way i’m letting her go. i finally got her.”

“hermano, you are in it for life,” alejandro teased, clapping fermín on the back.

the group exchanged knowing glances, their teasing lighthearted but full of admiration. fermín had always been open about his feelings for y/n, and now that he had her, he wasn’t about to hide it.

by the time lunch rolled around, fermín had mostly forgotten about gavi’s silent treatment—until he saw his best friend approaching him across the field. his heart sped up, unsure of what to expect. was gavi still upset? or was this about to turn into another argument?

as gavi stopped in front of him, fermín straightened up, bracing himself for whatever was about to come. but instead of anger, gavi’s expression softened.

“look, man,” gavi started, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable but determined. “i’m sorry… for everything. for what i said, how i acted. i was out of line.” he hesitated before continuing, his eyes meeting fermín’s. “i guess i just… i didn’t realize how serious you were about y/n. and… i was wrong to think you weren’t good enough for her. now that i’ve had time to think about it… there’s no one better suited for my sister.”

fermín’s heart swelled at those words. he hadn’t realized just how much gavi’s approval meant to him until this very moment. hearing it now, after everything, was like a weight being lifted off his shoulders.

“thank you, hermano,” fermín said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “that means more than you know.”

gavi nodded, his expression still serious. “i just… i don’t know how to fix things with her. i know i hurt her, and i hate that. she’s my sister, and i’ve always tried to protect her, but now i feel like i’ve just pushed her away.”

fermín took a deep breath, thinking carefully about what to say. “it’s on you to fix it, hermano,” he said gently. “but i will say this—y/n’s hurting because of how much she loves you. you think you’re the one always protecting her, but she’s the one who’s been protecting you most of the time. she talks about you all the time, how proud she is of you, how much she loves her baby brother.”

gavi’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback. “really? i… i didn’t realize.”

“yeah, man. she’s always looking out for you, even when you don’t see it. so i get why you feel like you need to pay it back, but you’ve got to remember—she’s your older sister, and she loves you. but she can make her own decisions.”

gavi let out a shaky breath, nodding slowly. “i never thought of it like that.”

“just talk to her,” fermín urged. “she wants to fix this just as much as you do.”

gavi looked down for a moment, his face softening with the weight of fermín’s words. when he finally looked up, there was a glint of determination in his eyes.

“i’ll talk to her,” gavi said, his voice firm. “i need to make this right.”

fermín clapped him on the shoulder, his heart swelling with pride for his best friend. “you will. she loves you, pablo. just remember that.”

gavi nodded, the tension between them finally easing as they stood there, brothers in more ways than one. for the first time in days, fermín felt like everything was going to be okay. and as they headed back toward the training grounds, side by side, fermín couldn’t help but smile, knowing that his relationship with y/n—and with gavi—was stronger than ever.

as gavi and fermín walked back toward the training grounds, the tension finally lifted between them. the air felt lighter, the weight of their earlier conflict fading as they fell back into their usual rhythm. gavi seemed more at ease now, though his mind was clearly still turning things over.

“you know,” gavi started, his tone casual but thoughtful, “now that i know you and y/n are together… a lot of things make way more sense.”

fermín raised an eyebrow, curious. “oh? like what?”

“well, for starters,” gavi began, scratching his head, “there was that one time last month when i came home early from training, and you two were sitting on the couch, but like… on opposite ends. like way too far apart. i thought you guys had gotten into a fight or something, but now i realize you were probably trying not to make it obvious.”

fermín chuckled, remembering how y/n had practically leaped to the other side of the couch when she heard gavi’s key in the door. “yeah… we were still figuring things out.”

gavi continued, “and then there was that morning i walked into the kitchen, and you were already there, making her coffee. you never make coffee for anyone, man. i remember thinking, ‘what the hell is going on here?’ but y/n just said you were being nice.”

fermín laughed, shaking his head. “being nice, huh? you really bought that?”

“well, i didn’t think too much of it at the time. but now… it’s like all these little things are clicking into place. like that time y/n came into the living room wearing that huge hoodie, and i told her it looked familiar. i thought it was mine, but then she said it was ‘no one’s.’” gavi paused, his eyes narrowing in realization. “that was your hoodie, wasn’t it?”

“yep,” fermín grinned, not even bothering to hide his amusement. “she was practically swimming in it.”

gavi groaned, rubbing his temples as if the flood of past moments was giving him a headache. “and then… the weirdest thing. i walked into y/n’s room one day, and you were in there with her. you looked guilty as hell, and she started blinking like crazy, saying she had something in her eye. i remember thinking, ‘what the hell were you doing in her room?’ but i just shrugged it off. now i get it—you two were probably panicking, trying to play it cool.”

fermín couldn’t contain his laughter this time, doubling over slightly as gavi continued recounting all the little clues he had missed.

“oh, and don’t even get me started on the way she used to look at her phone whenever you texted. i’d be like, ‘what’s so funny?’ and she’d just shrug and say, ‘nothing important.’ but she had this dumb smile on her face every time.”

“you’re really piecing it all together now, huh?” fermín teased, clearly enjoying gavi’s realization.

“i feel like an idiot,” gavi admitted, shaking his head. “it’s like the signs were right in front of me, and i didn’t see any of them. and you know what the worst part is?”

“what’s that?” fermín asked, still chuckling.

gavi sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up in the air. “i live in that house! how did i not see it? you two were right under my nose the whole time!”

fermín shot him a cheeky grin. “we’re just that good.”

“nah, you two are just sneaky as hell,” gavi shot back, but there was no malice in his voice—just pure amusement at how oblivious he had been. “you’ve been in love with my sister for ages, haven’t you?”

fermín nodded, his expression softening. “since we were kids, man. and now… i finally have her.”

gavi looked at him for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. “alright, alright. i get it. you’re both gross and in love. just… keep it down when i’m home, okay?”

fermín laughed, throwing an arm around gavi’s shoulders. “don’t worry, hermano. we’ll try to keep it PG—for your sake.”

gavi rolled his eyes but couldn’t help laughing along. “you two are ridiculous.”

“hey! you have to respect even more now that i’m gonna officially be your brother,” fermín teased, and gavi couldn’t deny it. despite the chaos, despite everything that had happened, they were family. and now that the air had cleared, everything felt just a little bit brighter.

y/n sat cross-legged on the couch in the living room, her arms wrapped around herself for warmth even though the house wasn’t cold. she could hear gavi bustling in the kitchen, the soft clinking of mugs and the hum of the kettle filling the silence. she watched him as he approached, carefully placing a steaming cup of coffee in front of her.

“you’re being suspiciously nice,” she said, her voice tinged with curiosity as she lifted the mug and took a tentative sip.

gavi shifted awkwardly on the other end of the couch, rubbing the back of his neck. “maybe i’m just trying to make up for being an idiot,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

y/n raised an eyebrow. “you? admit you were wrong? this must be serious.”

he shot her a small, sheepish grin before his expression sobered. “it is.” he let out a heavy breath, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “i was out of line. with you, with fermín… with everything.”

her brows knitted together as she placed the mug down on the coffee table. “gavi…” she started, but he held up a hand to stop her.

“let me finish,” he said firmly. he glanced at her, his brown eyes filled with something she didn’t often see—vulnerability. “you’ve always been there for me. my whole life, you’ve put me first, even when you didn’t have to. and what did i do when it was my turn to support you? i acted like a child. i didn’t trust you to make your own decisions, didn’t trust fermín to do right by you. i was selfish, and i’m sorry.”

y/n stared at him, her heart squeezing painfully at the sincerity in his voice. “gavi, i—”

“no, wait,” he interrupted again, leaning back against the couch as he rubbed his hands together nervously. “i thought i was protecting you, but the truth is… you’ve been protecting me this whole time. i just didn’t see it.” he let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “do you know how many times fermín told me i was blind to everything you’ve done for me? he told me last night how much you love me, how proud you are of me. and i’ve never told you that back, have i?”

she felt her eyes sting, but she quickly blinked the tears away, shaking her head. “you don’t have to tell me, pablo. i’ve always known.”

“but i should’ve,” he insisted. “you deserve to hear it. you deserve to be supported, not criticized for every little thing. especially for loving someone like fermín. because… he really loves you, y/n. he always has. i see it now, and i was stupid for not seeing it before.”

she exhaled shakily, the tears she’d been holding back spilling over. “pablo,” she said softly, reaching for his hand. “i understand why you reacted the way you did. you were scared. but it’s not your job to protect me, just like it’s not my job to protect your feelings. we’re siblings. we’re supposed to be there for each other, not hold each other back.”

he nodded, his grip tightening on her hand. “you’re right. and i promise… i’ll do better. i’ll support you, no matter what. i just want you to be happy, and if fermín is the one who makes you happy, then… i’m okay with that.”

she let out a wet laugh, shaking her head. “you’re so dramatic.”

“you’re crying, though,” he teased, a grin tugging at his lips.

“shut up,” she muttered, swiping at her cheeks. but her smile matched his, and when he pulled her into a hug, she didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around him tightly.

“te quiero, hermana,” he murmured against her hair.

“te quiero también, pablito,” she whispered back, her heart full. for the first time in a long while, things felt right between them.

“this is not good,” gavi muttered under his breath, eyeing y/n across the field with a look of exaggerated disgust. his arms were crossed over his chest as he stood among the players’ families, watching her bicker with him playfully like they always did. except, this time, she was wearing fermin’s jersey—tucked just enough to show off her waist, the number ‘16’ bold across her back as if staking a claim.

“what’s not good?” aurora asked, raising an eyebrow as she glanced between her younger brother and y/n.

gavi grimaced. “that,” he gestured toward y/n. “she’s… happy.” he sounded offended, as if his older sister’s contentment was somehow personally wronging him.

“oh, please,” aurora rolled her eyes. “you’re just mad you lost the bet.”

before gavi could retort, y/n turned toward them with a playful glint in her eyes. “what are you two whispering about?”

gavi shook his head, trying to hide his amusement. “nothing. just regretting every decision that led me to this moment.”

“sure, sure.” y/n smirked, adjusting the hem of fermin’s jersey. “you’re just mad I look better in it than you do.”

gavi scoffed, pretending to look horrified as if her wearing fermin’s number was the biggest insult of his life. “i’m going to pretend i didn’t hear that.”

before y/n could fire back, strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her against a warm chest. she hadn’t even heard fermin come up behind her, but the way he pressed a kiss to the side of her neck was all too familiar now.

“you look perfect in it,” fermin murmured against her skin, a smile in his voice as he hugged her tighter.

y/n grinned, leaning back into his embrace, her hand instinctively finding his and giving it a gentle squeeze. “you’re biased.”

“damn right, i am.” fermin’s voice was teasing, but the way he looked down at her was anything but. his eyes were soft, full of adoration, as if the entire world faded when she was in his arms.

gavi, however, gagged dramatically. “oh, come on,” he groaned, throwing his hands in the air as if personally offended by the display of affection. “can you not?”

“mind your business, kid” y/n shot back, laughing as she turned to kiss fermin on the cheek, intentionally making it worse for gavi’s sake.

gavi gave them a withering look, shaking his head in dismay. “i hate it here.”

but despite his protests, there was an undeniable warmth in his eyes as he watched the two of them—his sister and his best friend, finally together, as if it had been inevitable all along.

as the day went on, families milled about the field, chatting and taking pictures while the players showcased the new kits ahead of the preseason. fermin had finished his interviews, but instead of mingling with the rest of the team, he stayed by y/n’s side, their fingers intertwined like they had been since he’d first pulled her close.

they found a quiet corner near the edge of the pitch, away from the hustle and bustle of everyone else. fermin sat down on the grass, pulling y/n down with him until she was settled between his legs, leaning back against his chest. the noise of the world seemed to quiet down around them as they took a moment for themselves.

“you okay?” fermin asked, his voice soft as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

y/n hummed in response, tilting her head up to look at him with a small smile. “more than okay. i still can’t believe we’re here.”

fermin brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers gentle as they traced along her jawline. “well, believe it, amor. because i’m never letting you go.”

her heart swelled at his words, the sincerity in his voice making her feel safe and loved in a way she hadn’t realized she needed. “you know… i never imagined it would be like this,” she admitted quietly, her gaze drifting out to the field, where her family laughed and joked nearby. “with you.”

fermin’s arms tightened around her, his chin resting on her shoulder as he nuzzled closer. “and is that a good thing?”

she turned her head slightly, catching his eye. “it’s the best thing.”

his lips curved into a soft smile, and he leaned in to kiss her again, slow and tender, as if savoring the moment. “i told you i’ve been waiting for you, y/n. since i was thirteen. now that i’ve got you, i’m not going anywhere.”

she felt her cheeks warm, the memory of their earlier conversation running through her mind—the way fermin had declared his love for her with such conviction, as if he had known all along that she was it for him. and now, sitting here in his arms, the world spinning quietly around them, she realized just how deeply she felt the same.

“say it again,” he whispered against her lips, his voice barely audible over the distant chatter. “tell me you love me.”

y/n chuckled softly, her hand coming up to rest on his cheek as she turned to face him fully. “i love you, fermin.”

his eyes closed for a moment, as if he was committing the words to memory. “again.”

she obliged, her voice barely a breath as she leaned in. “i love you.”

fermin’s smile grew wider, a boyish grin spreading across his face as he kissed her again, this time peppering her face with playful kisses. “i’m never getting tired of hearing that.”

“good,” y/n giggled, swatting at him lightly. “because you’ll be hearing it a lot.”

they stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, their laughter mingling with the distant sounds of family and friends around them. despite the chaos of the day, they had carved out their own little bubble of peace, where nothing else mattered but the two of them.

“you know,” fermin murmured, pulling her even closer, “i didn’t think i could be this happy.”

y/n looked up at him, her heart full as she took in the sight of him—his messy hair, the soft smile on his lips, the love in his eyes. “neither did i,” she whispered, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. “but we’re here, and i wouldn’t change a thing.”

and with that, they fell into a comfortable silence, content to just be with each other, knowing that whatever came next, they’d face it together.

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