Tulio and Miguel decided to play dice together and earn money that way, becoming partners. They formed an unlikely bond and became best friends. At the same time, Tulio's feelings for Rosa were growing even more as the months passed. He was in love with her, but didn't know if she felt the same way. Tulio knew he had to win Rosa over. He talked to Miguel for advice.

"I guess just impress her," Miguel said.

"How do I do that?" asked Tulio.

"I dunno, get into a fight and win?" Miguel suggested.

"Fight? That sounds kinda risky, Miguel. You sure about that?"

"Well, it's worth a try."

Tulio sighed. "Fine. This better work, Miguel. Who do I start a fight with?"

"Ummm... not sure. Just pick a fight with some random bully."

Tulio nodded and headed off into the streets. He saw a bully harassing a younger kid and walked up to him.

"Uh... y-you stop picking on that kid!" Tulio told the bully. The bully scoffed.

"Or else what? You'll tell your mommy?"

"Or else I'll have to fight you!"

The bully laughed out loud. "Alright, twerp! Let's go, then." The bully punched Tulio in the face, knocking him to the ground. Tulio spat out blood. A crowd soon gathered, Rosa among them.

"Tulio?" Rosa looked surprised. "He's fighting that kid?"

Tulio got back up and tackled the bully, pulling at the other kid's hair. The kid screamed out of pain and started to twist Tulio's arm. Tulio groaned and tried to break free from the grasp.

"You're such a wuss," The kid said, smirking. Finally, Tulio freed his arm. He got up and punched the bully as hard as he could in the nose. The bully cried out; Tulio had broken his nose. The kid covered up his nose.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry," Tulio started to say. But the other kid cut him off.

"Screw off! I'll leave the kid alone, okay? Just stop hurting me!" The bully ran away. Some of the crowd cheered for Tulio. Tulio went up to the bullied child.

"Hey, kid, are you okay?" The child nodded, sniffling.

"He won't give you any more trouble, kid. I promise." Suddenly, Tulio saw Rosa and stiffened. Rosa walked up to him.

"Tulio, why did you get into a fight? You could've been hurt!"

"I... I just wanted to impress you."

"Why would you want to impress me?"

"Because I lo... I mean, you're my friend, that's why."

"You were going to say 'I love you'."

Tulio blushed. "No, not at all! Y-you misheard!"

"I'm not stupid, Tulio."

Tulio sighed. "Okay, okay! I love you, Rosa! But I know that you don't love me! There, I said it."

"Actually... I do love you, Tulio. You're cute, smart, funny, clever..." She blushed, stopping herself. Tulio blushed as well.

"Y-you really mean those things?" Tulio asked. Rosa nodded.

"Well, uh... thanks. nobody ever called me cute before. Or funny." Rosa giggled and kissed Tulio on the lips. His whole face turned red. Rosa broke the kiss, concerned about Tulio.

"Um, Tuli? Are you doing alright?" Tulio nodded, though he was clearly sweating.

"D-do you want do go on a d-date sometime?" Tulio stuttered. Rosa again giggled.

"I'd love to. See you then, cutie." Rosa walked off.

"She called me cutie..." Tulio said to himself. He walked to the alley, flustered. Butterflies were in his stomach; he was nervous about the date. He tried his best to sleep it off.