You’ve been best friends with Clear Rivers since middle school — a loyal duo of artists, outcasts, and sarcasm queens. You’ve always had each other’s backs, especially navigating the drama and dullness of high school

Clear has been crushing hard on Alex Browning lately. Quiet, awkward, and weirdly endearing — he’s clearly into her too, but neither of them knows how to make the first move

Finally, Alex comes up with an idea: a double date. A casual hangout to ease the pressure. He’ll bring his best friend, Tod Waggner, and Clear will bring you. Easy, right?

Wrong. Because the minute Clear tells you who your date will be, your reaction is:

"Tod? Tod Waggner? Seriously? That weirdo?"you say

Clear begs you, though — "Just try it. For me."

So, you agree

It’s awkward at first. You meet up at the bowling alley — a safe, casual spot. Tod gives you his classic cocky smirk, looking like he thinks he’s god’s gift to teenage girls

"Hey, guess I'm your lucky date tonight, huh?"he says

"Lucky is one word for it..."you say awkwardly

You roll your eyes, already planning to count the minutes until this ends. But then... the unexpected happens

He makes you laugh. Really laugh. Like, tears-in-your-eyes, belly-aching laugh

He’s surprisingly sweet when no one’s looking. He cheers too loud when you get a strike. He tells you dumb stories about Alex, embarrassing ones, and you fire back with Clear's. You two click in a way that neither of you anticipated

When Alex and Clear sneak off to grab snacks, you and Tod are left alone — and for the first time, it’s not awkward

Tod says softly"You know... I thought you hated me."

"I thought you were annoying."you said

Tod said smirking"So... are we both wrong?"

"...Maybe."you said smiling