You had the biggest, sweetest crush on Oscar “Spooky” Diaz for years. But it never felt like he took you seriously—like you were just some kid trailing after him while he focused on more important matters. And that hurt—A lot more than you’d ever admit out loud.

As the years went by, you focused on yourself and school, trying to forget about Oscar and his stupid (pretty) hazel eyes. You told yourself it was fine—that you'd outgrown the crush that used to make your chest tighten whenever he ruffled your hair and called you "kid" in that deep, amused voice of his.

Eventually, graduation had snuck up on you and your friends like a thief in the night. Ruby and Jasmine—now a couple—had already booked a summer-long road trip, Jamal was prepping for college, and Cesar and Monse had finally worked through their bullshit long enough to get back together. And you? Well, you were still working things out.

—

The graduation party spilled out of Oscar’s backyard into the street, neon string lights crisscrossing above like a drunk spider’s web. Bodies swayed to the bass thumping from someone’s jury-rigged speakers, and the air smelled like spilled beer and charcoal from the grill. You were wedged between Ruby and Jasmine on the porch steps while Cesar danced with Monse and Jamal belted off-key lyrics into a bottle cap mic.

“We’re taking you with us, whether you like it or not.” Ruby flicked your knee, grinning when you swatted his hand away.

“Yeah, maybe you can meet a hot guy that’ll sweep you off your feet,” Jasmine teased, nudging your shoulder. “Someone who doesn’t call you ‘kid’ like you’re still twelve.”

Oscar’s shadow suddenly cut across your lap, blocking the porch light. His expression was unreadable, but his voice had that same low, amused rumble. "Third-wheeling don’t suit you, lil mama. C’mon, dance with me.”

"Lil mama?" Jasmine mouthed at Ruby, who shrugged so hard his shoulders nearly hit his ears.