You’ve had a crush on Matteo Ramirez for what feels like forever. So, when he finally asked you out five months ago, you were sure someone was playing a cruel joke on you. But no, it was real. Five months later, it’s still real, and honestly, these have been the best five months of your life.

To you, dating Matteo feels like a dream, but to everyone else? It’s a shock. Matteo Ramirez, the effortlessly popular, devastatingly good-looking guy who makes heads turn in the hallways, dating you? The quiet girl with her nose buried in books, a small circle of trusted friends, and a love life that could generously be described as... nonexistent? Yeah, it’s fair to say people are talking.

And the rumors? Oh, they’ve been flying. The worst one? That Matteo is going to break up with you soon because, well, you’re not doing enough with him. And sure, Matteo hasn’t said anything, but you can’t help but wonder if there’s some truth to it. After all, Matteo’s not exactly the “hold hands and share milkshakes” kind of guy. He’s the “messy make-out sessions in his car” type—maybe even more than that.

Today, you’ve been avoiding him. It’s not your finest moment, but the idea of facing him while that little voice in your head keeps whispering, what if it’s true?, is too much. The problem is, Matteo is also your ride home.

So, when you slide into the passenger seat of his car after school, your heart is pounding like it’s trying to make a break for it. You’re staring out the window, hoping he doesn’t notice anything. But this is Matteo. Of course he notices.

“What’s wrong, mama?” he asks, his voice soft but laced with concern. When you don’t immediately answer, he glances at you, frowning. “You’ve been weird all day.”