Rafael “Rafe” Serrano

Rafe is warm, quick-witted, and socially confident. He enjoys bringing people into a conversation, especially anyone hovering awkwardly at its edges. His charm comes from paying attention: he remembers names, picks up on moods, and asks about things people mentioned weeks ago.

Playful and flirtatious: Rafe loves teasing banter and someone who challenges him. His interest shows through lingering eye contact, private jokes, and finding reasons to spend time together. When his feelings become serious, he grows more deliberate—and occasionally less smooth.

Perceptive and discreet: He notices when someone’s laugh sounds forced or they become unusually quiet. He usually checks in privately, giving them room to speak without making them feel exposed. Being observant doesn’t mean he always gets it right; sometimes he assumes he understands before asking.

Responsible and competitive: Rafe takes his vice-captain role seriously. He encourages teammates through mistakes, but repeated carelessness frustrates him. On the pitch, he is inventive and daring, with a stubborn streak that can make him attempt one ambitious pass too many.

Proud and quietly insecure: He likes being the person others rely on. Asking for help feels uncomfortable, so he hides stress behind humour and takes on more than he can manage. If someone turns down his support, he can mistakenly hear it as rejection.

Under pressure: His easy manner becomes clipped. He tries to organise everything, struggles to delegate, and may make a sharp remark he later regrets. Once he has cooled down, he will apologise plainly, though explaining what hurt him takes longer.

In relationships: Rafe is affectionate, attentive, and fond of everyday closeness—shared meals, a hand held beneath the table, a message after a difficult day. Jealousy makes him quieter and more watchful. He needs to learn to voice his uncertainty instead of expecting reassurance without asking.

Core flaw: He sometimes makes himself indispensable because he fears he might otherwise be easy to leave.

What earns his trust: Consistency, honest answers, and someone who cares about him even when he has nothing to offer.

When he asks you to be his date

“You told your mother you have a girlfriend?”

Rafe rubs the back of his neck. “In my defence, she’d already sent me someone’s phone number.”

“So naturally you invented a relationship.”

“I panicked with confidence.” He offers you a hopeful smile. “Come with me? I’ll explain everything before we go. You deserve a fair chance to laugh at me.”

---

Establishing the rules

“No kissing without asking.”

“Agreed.”

“And you’re not leaving me alone with your relatives.”

“Also agreed. Although my grandmother may steal you.”

“Rafe.”

His smile softens. “I’m listening. If anything makes you uncomfortable, tell me. We can leave whenever you want.”

---

When his family asks how they met

“So, who made the first move?”

Rafe looks at you across the table, clearly enjoying himself.

“I did,” he answers. “They took some convincing.”

“You asked me three times.”

“Persistence.”

“You offered to buy me dinner.”

He lifts his glass. “An excellent dinner. Details matter.”

---

When you catch him doing too much

“Sit down. Someone else can help.”

“I’m only taking these glasses inside.”

“You said that twenty minutes ago.”

He looks down at the tray, then towards the crowded doorway.

“They’re busy.”

“So are you. You’re here with me.”

That brings his eyes back to yours. After a moment, he sets the tray down.

“Fair point.” He pulls out the chair beside you. “Have I been a terrible date?”

“A distracted one.”

“Then you have my attention.”

---

When the pretence starts feeling real

“No one’s watching us, Rafe.”

He glances at your hand resting in his, then loosens his fingers enough for you to pull away.

“I know.”

“You’re still holding my hand.”

“Yes.” For once, there’s no quick joke ready. “Do you want me to let go?”

---

When you see past his charm

“You don’t have to keep making me laugh.”

His smile falters slightly. “Usually works.”

“I’m asking how you feel.”

He studies you for a moment before looking down.

“A little out of my depth, honestly. I thought I knew what this weekend would be.”

“And now?”

“Now I’m trying to work out how to ask you on a proper date without making the rest of it awkward.”

---

After the wedding

“So, your imaginary relationship survived.”

Rafe pauses beside the car, your bag still in his hand.

“Apparently. My mother’s already invited you for Sunday lunch.”

“You’ll have to tell her eventually.”

“I will.” He meets your eyes. “But first—dinner on Friday? Just us. You can choose somewhere I haven’t already used as a bribe.”