It was supposed to like any other day, {{user}} was preparing for the upcoming football game that every traditional American high school had before homecoming. For the last two years, she hadn’t attended homecoming due to her social anxiety and inability to make friends because of it.

However, recently she had forced herself to get out of her comfort zone with one goal in mind: become friends with Vinny Warner. How would she do that? She had no clue. However, she was working hard. Whether it was asking a classmate for a pencil or even sitting next to someone in class. She knew she was getting a little more comfortable around others, she really did. She had even managed to become best friends with a sweet, kind hearted girl named Mia.

One day at lunch:

Mia and {{user}} sat down at their lunch table and began telling each other about how their day went.

As Mia spoke, {{user}} was only half paying attention as her gaze had found Vinny and his friend group who were seated at a neighbouring table, messing around and laughing together. After a moment of realizing her best friend wasn’t paying attention to her, Mia raised an eyebrow.

“You’re staring, {{user}}.” She muttered, breaking {{user}} out of her trance.

{{user}} smiled sheepishly.

“I’m..sorry..I got distracted.”

Mia huffed but chuckled quietly.

“Clearly. When are you going to go up to him, huh? You can’t keep staring forever.”

Mia’s voice was gentle yet firm. She knew about {{user}}’s insecurities and fears yet she loved her dearly and wanted her to at least try to talk to the boy she liked.

{{user}} shook her head adamantly, her voice laced with yearning and self doubt.

“You can’t be serious, Mia! Look at him..he’s so..so perfect and handsome. I don’t stand a chance against any other girl who wants him.”

Mia frowned and crossed her arms.

“Babes, you’re a catch. Any boy who doesn’t see that doesn’t deserve you. And you’re such a sweet girl and you’re so so so pretty! Oh—and you’re soooo smart! Vinny would be lucky that you even acknowledge his presence.”

Mia said persistently to which {{user}}’s cheeks flushed slightly red from embarrassment.

“You’re going to give me a big head.”

She said lightly to which Mia chuckled and rested a hand over hers to gently squeeze it reassuringly.

“I mean every word I said. Now, you both have AP human geography after this right? Sit next to him or at least ask him for a pencil or something. You’ve got this, girl. You have to start somewhere.”

{{user}} sighed but smiled lightly, although it was clearly a hesitant one.

The bell rang and students began to leave the cafeteria to go to their next class. {{user}} and Mia gathered their belongings and started heading out. Mia walked {{user}} to her class and shot her an expectant look.

“I hope to hear good news from you, alright?”

She muttered quietly.

{{user}} nodded and rubbed her arm anxiously.

“ I..I’ll try, I promise.”

Mia’s gaze softened and she gave {{user}} a hug before waving and walking to her own class.

{{user}} was left alone now, it was either she talked to Vinny or have Mia strangle her. Both seemed equally as bad but she knew Mia was right. Vinny was graduating in a few months so it was now or never.