Forbidden, Unrequited ( C. Madrigal )

Most days

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The morning air was filled with a wonderfully homey ambiance, paired with the melodious singing of the birds and the chilly breeze that fluttered the leaves. It was cloudy compared to any other sunny day.

Camilo woke up earlier than usual since Y/n arrives at the studio two hours earlier to start practicing. He decided to join her and be the first to kiss her good morning. Though he was worried that she might have overworked herself and had less sleep after their little date last night, he shrugged it off as long as she gets enough rest after.

" Woah, cloudy. " He muttered to himself as he gazed out the window, having grabbed an extra ruana from his closet, knowing that Y/n will be cold. He headed to his parent's room to check on his mami first before leaving. She was sleeping soundly and happily in Felix's arms, Camilo's eyes softened. He's glad that this cloudy day was natural and not from his mami. He doesn't want to see Pepa with a frown.

He ruffled his hair before walking out with a wide smile on his face. Ria's house wasn't far from the Casita, so he went to pick a flower from Isabela's garden then to the market for a few minutes to get a hot pack. He is conscious of how cold her hands get, and his princesa needs warmth.

" Are you that cold mijo? I have tea. " Since he bought approximately three hot packs, the old lady grew worried. Camilo shook his head immediately. " Lo Siento señora, it's for mi novia. She gets cold easily. " he smiled awkwardly and she didn't seem to be convinced.

" Novia? Which one of them did you finally pick? " he joked and Camilo just crossed his arms, waiting for her to finish wrapping it. As soon as she did, he paid for it and walked away before she could say anything else. Those kinds of jokes were actually getting a little too offensive and overused, that's why he's irritated.

The frown on his face disappeared and his mood lightened when he spotted her walking towards the studio. " Amor! " he called out and ran towards her. She turned around and was soon in his arms, melting almost immediately.

" Good morning pretty boy. " loosened his grip on her waist as he handed her a flower. He handed her the hot packs that she immediately used making him chuckle. " Pretty boy? Well, that's new. " he nudged her shoulder, earning a scowl from her.

" Pft, you haven't given me a good morning kiss yet. " she scoffed and walked away. Camilo smiled to himself, running towards her and hugging her from the waist behind. " Good morning amor. " he whispered and kissed her neck then her cheek.

" May I carry your bag, grumpy? " he let go of her waist and she turned around, tossing the bags to his arms. " Gracias bonita. " he teased smiled cheekily, her frown still not leaving her face. He wrapped his other arm around her shoulder as they walked, making her melt and bite her lower lip to contain herself from smiling.

■

" Oi, Cabrona! " Carlos approached Y/n as she was on her way back to the studio, their break time just ended. A smile spread over her lips, brightening his day. " Well hello, stranger. I don't know you. " she joked. For the past weeks, it was like he'd completely disappeared. He wasn't around anymore. She didn't want to voice it out but she missed him, her best friend.

A lot has happened that he had missed. Over the past few weeks, it felt like he'd disappeared for a lifetime.

Because of his knowledge and open mind when it comes to designs and furniture, he is second only to Luisa in regards to having difficult and heavy chores. The Encanto had been split and broken for a long time, and it needed to be rebuilt. With the town's fiesta approaching, the plan for the town's restoration is finally launched. He also designed the majority of their establishments that's why he is one of the most needed people to help.

" Oh please, be thankful that I'm spending my free time to see you. " and he handed her a plastic bag that contained water and sweets. She rolled her eyes and took it, starting to eat the chocolates he had given her.

" I heard training has been heavy lately, I'll come to watch. I'm free for the rest of the afternoon " he says proudly. Before she could say anything she pulled her away, running towards the studio. She cast a quick glance at Camilo who gave her a small wave before going with the kids.

" Well hello there! I see another Madigal came to watch you today. " Perez greeted them as they entered. Carlos furrowed his brows, Another Madrigal? he thought to himself. Y/n bit her lip, feeling uneasy.

" Oh, Sí! My sisters and primas love Y/n. " he says, shrugging. Y/n sighed with relief, for a split second, she thought she'd been caught." I'm glad I could make time for her though. " he adds and reaches for her hand, intertwining their fingers.

" I'm glad you're here with us, mijo. Get ready Y/n, we're starting in a bit. " she left the both of them. she motioned for him to sit as she went to join her classmates in the middle to start their practice for the day. She felt happy and motivated, Carlos finally had time to see her improvements in dancing.

She wanted to hear him say he was proud of her, or else he'd congratulate her in a sarcastic tone. He was the one who encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a ballerina, and it would make her extremely happy if he was proud of her.

Now it was her turn to do the dance. A smile crept over her lips as she saw him clap. But as soon as she began to spin, he stood up and walked away without looking back. It wasn't even halfway through the dance. She was upset, but she kept going, managing to keep her facial expressions under control as she finished the dance.

" That's a wrap for the day. " Perez cheered.

" I love how charismatic you get! Splendid as always, Y/n! " their dance instructor commended her. A rush of confidence surged throughout her chest. She gave her a slight bow before going to the restroom where she met the rest of her classmates. Y/n is used to their shady stares. But this time was different. Their eyes were filled with rage and envy.

It was undoubted that she became more open when it came to dancing once Camilo began to help her in breaking out of the shell she'd been trying to break out of for years. Her drive, determination, and self-confidence had increased.

Their murmurs were veiled in her ears. She had no idea that progress would also lead to this. Some claim she's a snake who has been taking secret lessons, while others claim she improved after being a rat of the Madrigals and that she's been given a gift for sucking up to them.

It's typical for teenage girls like her to gossip and spread gossip. But it upset her that they regard her development as a fad or a blunder. The fact that she is working on herself and growing, yet, people think of her that way.

She remained silent, listening to whatever they had to say. After breathing deeply, she turned on the water and looked at them in the mirror before beginning to wash the sweat from her forehead. Audition. Next Friday next week. She reminded herself as she wiped her face with a towel. Her body began to tense up again. The longer she stared at herself in the mirror, the more she began to doubt herself.

Heart pounding, breath unsteady, hands shaking

" 1...2...3... " She began counting in an attempt to calm down. Their whispers were just too loud, and one by one, their stares punctured her. She felt dizzy and her knees began to wobble. " 4...5...6... " She looked around the white-tiled restroom as her chest heaved forward and forth. Her knees went numb, and her entire body ached. Her mind was racing with thoughts, those thoughts.

" 7...8... 9..."

...