"Yo, Kekel! You ready to lose your mind tonight?" his friend Betao shouted over the roar of the engine.
He realized that "Why date?" wasn't about being cold-hearted—it was about rediscovering who he was when he wasn't half of a "we."
The neon lights of the Vila Ede neighborhood pulsed in time with the heavy bass rattling the windows of a customized silver hatchback. Inside, Ricardo—known to everyone as —was adjusting his cap in the rearview mirror.
The lyrics hit him like a mantra. Why tie yourself down when the world is this big? Why settle for one heart when you can share the vibe with the whole neighborhood?
As they pulled up to the venue, the smell of street food and expensive cologne filled the air. The crowd was a sea of designer glasses, vibrant jerseys, and energy that felt like a lightning strike.
As the sun began to peek over the horizon, painting the brick houses in shades of orange and gold, Kekel walked home alone. He wasn't lonely, though. He felt light. His phone stayed in his pocket, silent and peaceful.
Kekel grinned, flashing a gold tooth. "The only thing I’m losing tonight is my contact list. I'm starting fresh."
He opened his window, looked out at the waking city, and whispered to the morning air: "Passei de fase." I've passed the level.