... *This story begins long before, in two distinct times* ...

...The imposing facade of the prestigious school stood majestically on a hill, surrounded by a sea of green that stretched as far as the eye could see. Daniel Souza felt his heart pounding in his chest, a mixture of nervousness and excitement at the new journey he was about to begin....

...The young man, with his lively eyes and backpack full of expectations, walked through the gates of that institution that looked more like a castle. The impeccably lined uniform, consisting of a blazer and tie, indicated the standard of excellence that reigned there....

...— "Man, I'm so late!"...

...The first day was not being as smooth as Daniel imagined. While trying to follow the instructions to get to the classroom, he got lost in the labyrinthine corridors of the immense school, where the walls seemed silent witnesses to centuries of learning....

...—"Damn bus, it left late..." ...

...The sun was already beginning to bathe the corridor with a golden light when Daniel finally found the room. The teacher, with a stern look, observed each student who entered with a mixture of authority and expectation. Daniel was the last to arrive, and he felt the eyes of his new colleagues on him....

...— "It looks like there's something on my face." — He murmured to himself....

...Only one vacant seat remained at the back of the room, next to a young man who shared the same expression as someone who had run to arrive on time. It was Guilherme Alves, a tall young man with a sharp look. As soon as their eyes met, a brief exchange of knowing smiles sealed an instant connection between the two....

...—"At least someone is receptive here." — thought Daniel....

...The mutual apology was said with a mixture of nervous laughter, and they soon realized that they shared more than just a delay. They were classmates, destined to tread this new chapter together....

...With a respectful bow to the teacher, the two of them went to the last seats in the room. The way there seemed short, but fate had reserved an encounter that would change the course of their lives....

...Sitting side by side, Daniel and Guilherme exchanged glances again, as if the universe conspired to unite them in that school exclusively for boys. From that moment on, they were united not only by delay, but by a destiny that promised something more between them....

...— "Nice to meet you, I'm Daniel," he whispered, the words flowing smoothly....

...— "Guilherme," he replied in the same tone, creating an instant bond....

...They laughed together, the complicit laughter as if they were old friends....

...Hours passed, and the final bell of classes announced the end of the school day. As they walked side by side, a surprising discovery awaited them: they shared the same dormitory. There, in each room, two beds awaited occupants. Not just classmates, but now roommates too....

...—"We're in trouble if we depend on each other not to be late again," Daniel commented, with a bright smile....

...Guilherme agreed, affectionately putting his arm around Daniel's shoulder, as if the friendship between them had already spanned decades....

...Upon entering the dormitory, admiration shone in Daniel's eyes. The environment was an oasis of comfort and elegance, with polished wooden furniture and finely crafted details. The curtains, softly illuminated by the afternoon sun, danced gracefully with the breeze that entered through the window....

...Daniel felt as if he were in a new and dazzling world, and could hardly contain his excitement at that space, as he observed the refined details....

...— "Amazing, isn't it? It looks like a royal bedroom!" — Daniel commented, his eyes scanning every corner....

...Guilherme laughed in agreement....

...—"Yes, they are fancy here. But what about you, where are you from?"...

...Sitting on the edge of the bed, Daniel looked at Guilherme....

...— "I'm a scholarship student who came from a small town. My family doesn't have many resources, but I always dreamed of studying here."...

...Guilherme, intrigued, raised his eyebrows....

...—"A scholarship student? Impressive. The entrance exams here are very difficult!"...

...Daniel smiled....

...—"What about you? Where are you from?"...

...Guilherme sighed, looking at the horizon beyond the window....

...—"I come from a wealthy family, owners of several companies across the country. Studying here is almost a tradition, but the pressure is great, you know?"...

...Daniel nodded empathetically....

...—"It must be difficult. But I believe you are here for"...

...your own merits....

...Before Guilherme could answer, a moment of silence fell over the room. It was then that he spoke more about his family....

...—"My parents are the Alves, owners of a telecommunications network. Maybe you've heard of it"...

...Daniel's eyes widened in surprise....

...—"Wait, you're the Alves' son? My parents work for your family!"...

...Guilherme was surprised. — "Really? Well, it seems the world really is small, isn't it?"...

...The two laughed, realizing that life had thrown them together in a way they could never have predicted. There, in that majestic room, began a friendship that would transcend the barriers of backgrounds and social classes, uniting Daniel Souza and Guilherme Alves in that renowned school....

...Currently......

...Daniel was already thirty-seven years old, on the verge of forty, when he decided to return to Brazil after many years in Australia. The family had abruptly moved to the other side of the world due to his mother's illness, which required treatment in a country whose climate resembled that of her homeland. Leaving behind his school, friends and a youthful love had been a remarkable and challenging experience. However, love and responsibility for his family spoke louder, leading him to cross oceans in search of treatment for his mother....

...Since the hasty departure from his former school, he had to complete high school in a foreign country. Fortunately, his proficiency in English made it easier for him to adapt, and his ability to make new friends helped him overcome challenges. He finished high school, entered a renowned Australian university, and fulfilled his dream of becoming a journalist, working in front of the cameras....

...Meanwhile, his parents separated after the move, and Daniel, upon discovering family secrets, chose to leave home early and live independently. His intelligence and sagacity opened doors and he made valuable contacts that boosted his career and goals....

...However, time passed and, since the age of sixteen, he had not returned to Brazil. One day, feeling tired of life in Australia, he decided to end his career in that country and dedicate himself to building his name in Brazil, his homeland. It was time to try to reconnect with relatives and possibly reconnect with old friends he had lost over the years....

...Daniel landed at the Sao Paulo airport and immediately felt at home, as if he were returning to a place he should never have left. However, he pondered that if he had not taken that step, he might not have achieved the growth and experiences he had gained abroad....

..."Sometimes it takes a little craziness to pursue something new, even if it means leaving behind what we already know." He reflected to himself....

...He remembered the times before his departure for Australia. His family lived with difficulties in a two-room house, sharing space with two older brothers. However, when they moved, his parents and siblings got better opportunities. Daniel, in turn, chose to go his own way, facing adversity and deprivation until he reached his desired position. Not that he was rich now, but he had managed his money wisely over the years, valuing every penny earned and demonstrating responsibility in his spending....

..."Now, Brazil... Ah... Taxi...."

...Settling into the back seat, anxious, Daniel gave instructions to the taxi driver, and was soon on his way to the old house where he had spent his childhood....

...Before his return, Daniel took care of all the details. He felt a strong longing for that place, simple but cozy, in a quiet area full of trees. When researching the location, he realized that little had changed since he left. The house had been in the care of a distant cousin who no longer resided there, remaining closed for a while....

...His plans involved renovating the place or eventually buying an apartment, as soon as he got a job as a journalist in a company. It was the fresh start he craved....

...Upon arriving at the desired address, Daniel was overcome by a wave of nostalgia....

..."Some things never change, do they?" He murmured to himself, contemplating the place....

...His cousin had prepared everything as agreed, and Daniel, exhausted from the trip, did not hesitate to throw himself on the bed and fall asleep, still whispering....

..."I have a job interview tomorrow, I need to get my energy back...."

...At the thriving "CRN" Clareza News Network, a company that had been created almost five years ago and was very successful, the clock was already ticking late into the night. The CEO, Guilherme Alves, a thirty-seven-year-old man, exuded an aura of elegance, displaying a neat appearance, a muscular physique, and impeccable attire. He was leading the meeting with his team to discuss the ongoing transformations in the company, planned improvements, and new hires needed for the midday news....

...While Monica, a dedicated employee who also served as his secretary, presented the resumes of potential candidates through slides, Guilherme listened carefully and analyzed each profile....

..."Now, our next candidate is a bit surprising. He is a native of Brazil but has lived in Australia for many years. He speaks both languages fluently and has an impressive track record as an anchor at various times. His name is Daniel Martins." Monica introduced the candidate....

...Upon hearing the name Daniel, a wave of memories from the past flooded Guilherme's mind. Although it had been a while since they last saw each other at the age of sixteen, he wondered if it was the same person. After all, recognizing him on the street now would be a challenge....

..."Include him on the interview list for tomorrow as well..." Determined Guilherme....

...Monica, upon receiving approval, moved on to the next candidate....

..."This is Viviane Monteiro. She has been working in the media since childhood, has a degree in journalism, and has experience in several telecommunications companies in Brazil. In addition, her name is already well known in the industry...."

...Guilherme identified a very promising profile and gave the go-ahead for her to be interviewed the next day as well....

..."Great, that's all for today. See you tomorrow...."

...Standing up gracefully, adjusting his clothes, Guilherme left the room before the others, leaving behind an aura of confidence and sophistication. The interns, somewhat breathless, watched the CEO with admiration, impacted by the striking and attractive presence of the man before them....

..."In fact, why hasn't Mr. Alves gotten married yet? He's so charming. He's never been involved in scandals and has an impeccable reputation. How is it possible that no woman has won him over yet?" Inquired one of them, perplexed....

...Monica was still watching the CEO's silhouette disappear down the halls. Then she replied thoughtfully:...

..."That man is like a wall of ice. At many of the business parties I've accompanied him to, several women have tried to approach him, but he's always treated them with indifference, as if they were invisible...."

...The interns exchanged intrigued glances, and one of them, driven by curiosity, dared to ask something that took everyone by surprise:...

..."Could the CEO be gay?..."

^^^This question would hang in the air, hovering through the halls to be discussed later.^^^

...After...

...The next day, Guilherme woke up before Daniel and called him an hour earlier than agreed....

...“Come on, lazy, get up,” he said.

...Daniel mumbled sleepily, “Are we so close now that we use nicknames?”

...Guilherme chuckled softly. “Get ready, because nicknames are just the beginning. I'll take a shower first.”

...Daniel stayed in bed, covered by the duvet, waiting for his friend to finish the shower. When Guilherme came out of the shower, Daniel noticed that, despite being the same age, his friend had a more muscular body than him. For some reason, seeing him only in a towel wrapped around his waist while drying his hair made Daniel unexpectedly uncomfortable, so he quickly turned to face the wall....

...He questioned himself, “Why did I feel embarrassed when seeing him like that, when I'm used to seeing my brothers half-naked?”

...Suddenly, he jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom, leaving Guilherme confused with his sudden haste. Did he need to use the bathroom urgently? Guilherme wondered, laughing at the situation.

...Minutes later, Daniel shouted from the bathroom asking for the towel, as he had forgotten to grab it before entering the shower and would end up soaking everything, something he hated.

...Guilherme opened the bathroom door abruptly and found Daniel naked, pushing open the shower door. Initially, he stood still, watching his friend in that unusual situation. Daniel, embarrassed, also stood still, until he turned around and snatched the towel from Guilherme's hands.

...Seeing the embarrassment that Daniel was feeling, Guilherme couldn't resist teasing him.

...“Mine is bigger,” he said.

...Daniel wrapped himself in the towel while listening to his friend's teasing, unable to resist the banter.

...“Oh really... Lying is ugly,” he replied.

...He leaned against the wall, with his arms crossed and legs crossed, closed his eyes, and jokingly said, “Want to see and compare?”

...Daniel stepped out of the shower and pushed Guilherme out of the bathroom, locking the door immediately.

...“Don't bother,” he said.

...Being pushed out of the bathroom and seeing his friend's serious expression, Guilherme couldn't help but laugh.

...Minutes later, Daniel came out of the bathroom and found Guilherme already dressed, waiting for him.

...“At this pace, we'll only make it to class by Christmas,” Guilherme said.

...He looked at the clock on the wall and realized that if he didn't hurry, he would be late again. He quickly got dressed, put on his sneakers, combed his hair, grabbed his backpack, and ran to the door. As he touched the doorknob, Guilherme started laughing at him.

...“What's so funny? Don't you see that we're late?”

...Guilherme got out of bed and went to his friend.

...“You're very funny, it's very easy to make fun of you,” he said.

...Daniel was confused.

...“What?”

...Guilherme noticed that the blazer buttons and tie were poorly placed. He pulled Daniel into the middle of the room and unexpectedly started fixing the buttons. Then, he turned Daniel to the mirror and stood behind him, teaching him how to tie the tie.

...As Guilherme fixed him up, Daniel felt a warmth that seemed to run through his skin. He wondered why he felt this way and why it didn't happen when he was with his brothers or other people. It was a different, unfamiliar sensation, and the discomfort that accompanied it surprisingly had a touch of pleasure.

...His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Guilherme's deep, gentle voice. “I'll call you 'Mr. Late.' Also, I moved the clock ahead to see how you would react.”

...Daniel pushed Guilherme and rushed to check the time on his phone. Indeed, his friend had played a trick on him.

...“Gee, Guilherme, I almost had a heart attack.”

...As he laughed discreetly, he grabbed his backpack and headed towards the door.

...“Come on, or we'll get lost at school again.”

Still grumbling about his friend, Daniel grabbed his things and followed Guilherme to another day of class.