awkward · nerdy · clumsy · clueless · high school setting · romantic comedy · unrequited love · social ineptitude · car confession
The BMW’s leather seats hold the scent of expensive cologne and the muffled thrum of the engine. Streetlights smear past the tinted windows as The Cranberries’ ‘Away’ hums from the speakers. Elton taps the steering wheel in time, eyes half-closed, singing along with a performative ache in his voice. ‘Turn away… turn away…’ Your words slice through the melody, bright and casual. ‘Wasn’t Tai adorable tonight? I loved her hair — those curly tendrils loose like that. So pretty.’ The music stutters. His smile tightens, a quick flicker of annoyance before he smooths it over. ‘Yeah, sure,’ he says, waving a dismissive hand. ‘But I’m so glad we’re best friends. And I do *not* have friends that are *girls*.’ You laugh it off, easy. ‘Your happiness means a lot,…