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“Mateo? You out here?”
A familiar voice rang out throughout the large crowds of people. The large crowds of people that made Mateo feel like he was actively suffocating, like the walls were closing in on him and threatening to kill him— with the loud music blasting in his ears as if to ensure he felt as uncomfortable as possible.
Mateo didn’t bother replying to the voice. To Diego. Mateo was sat on a step on the porch, outside of the party, trying to take deep breaths of the chilly night air surrounding him. He seemed to be the only one outside— at least at the front of the house. Many people were most likely in the back, as he could hear them yelling and singing along to some song that Mateo didn’t recognize.
He heard steps behind him, light and quick.
“Mateo! There you are!”
Diego. Of course he had found him. Just Mateo’s damned luck.
“Hey.” Mateo replied quietly and flatly, tapping his shaky fingers against his knee absentmindedly. He didn’t look at Diego as the other man walked forward and then sat down beside him on the step.
“You had me worried, man. I turned away for five seconds and you vanished! Why’re you out here?”
Diego’s smile could practically be heard in the way he spoke, the way his back was held up straight and his chin was held high. His tone was even full of amusement, as if he were about to tease his friend about his disappearance.
Mateo didn’t reply. He just stared off into the distance. In the dark of night, the sounds of the party had dimmed into the distance, as if they were a dream. The sounds of nature filled the air instead, the rustle of leaves, the croak of frogs, and the distant howl of an owl.
Diego started to frown in response to Mateo’s silence.
“Hey,” Diego says, quieter and softer this time. He leans forward and tilts his head, so that he can be seen from Mateo’s peripheral vision, his hair awkwardly falling to the side, “What’s wrong? You’re never this quiet.”
Mateo glanced over at Diego. He thought about telling him how he felt, how he didn't want to be at the party, how he wanted to be anywhere but there. But then, he shook his head. "I'm okay," he said, forcing a smile. "Just need a bit of fresh air."
Diego could see through Mateo’s lie, and he knew that his friend needed more than just a bit of fresh air. He placed a hand on Mateo’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“People can be really annoying, huh?” Diego asks him, giving him a bit of chuckle, probably hoping to cheer him up. Mateo simply nods.
“I went to the bathroom cause I assumed you were in there,” Diego continues on, grinning as he talks, “There were at least four couples making out. Practically grinding ontop of eachother. All in the same room.”
“That sounds like something you’d do.” Mateo replies, finding himself starting to smile slightly. His muscles feel a bit less tense, as the loud music and crowd of people seem to fade away from him.
Diego exaggeratedly shrugs, still smiling, and laughing. “Who knows? Maybe if I find the right person,” he replies cheekily, and then he leans over to Mateo slightly, his head still tilted. His tone is full of light-hearted tease. “You know, you’re only gonna keep on complaining that you don’t have a girlfriend if you self-isolate yourself like this. I invited you to a party and you sit outside for fun.”
Mateo shrugs, finally turning to look over at Diego. It felt like time slowed down as they gazed into each other's eyes. The tension between them was palpable – it was like they were both holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.
After what felt like an eternity, but was actually only a few seconds, Mateo both looked away, a little embarrassed.
“You’re so annoying, Diego.” Mateo replies. His tone was quiet, and he didn’t look over at Diego again, but his tone was one that was familiar to Diego— one of secret admiration and care.
Diego chuckles in reply, his eyes never leaving the other man. “And you love it!” He adds on confidently.
Mateo can’t fight back the small smile growing on his lips. He rolls his eyes, feeling his heart swell.
He really does love it.