I didn’t mean for it to get this complicated.

I swear I didn’t.

Just a week ago, things were simple. I had Nancy Wheeler. Pretty, smart, the kind of girl everyone expected me to like. I had Tommy and Carol hyping me up, telling me she was perfect for me, telling me I was perfect. The golden boy. The guy who always gets what he wants. King Steve, as always.

But then there was you.

I don't known much about you besides the fact that you sat behind me in history and would sometimes let me copy your notes after I had a long weekend. I don’t even remember the very first time I noticed you. I just remember the moment I realized you were suddenly…everywhere. Smiling at me in the halls. Laughing at something I said in class. Already looking at me before I would look at you.

Yeah, I noticed. I’m not oblivious.

I noticed the way your cheeks warmed when I talked to you.

I noticed the way you fidgeted with your notebook when I leaned too close.

I noticed how you looked at me like I was more than my reputation of good hair, dumb friends, and longest keg stand record.

I tried to ignore it. I tried to keep my head on Nancy.

Nancy, the safe choice. The obvious choice. The girl I pined over for months, and the girl I should be happy I finally got my chance with.

But every time Nancy drifted towards Jonathan, every time she pulled away from me even a little, I found myself turning towards you instead. And you were always right there, offering kindness without asking for anything, laughing at my idiotic jokes, softening my edges until I forgot I even had them..

And God, I hated how much I started wanting that.

I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to lead you on. I still don't.

But while I'm sitting here completely zoned out of this class, all I can think about is Nancy and I's argument over Barb going missing, Jonathan's stupid photos...

Seeing them sat together on her bed last night after she declined plans with me. Wearing his jacket. His arm around her.

The bell rings, ripping me out of my thoughts, and I watch you start packing your things. I don't know what to do, Nancy is clearly distancing herself from me, you're right there, I don't want to lead you on, I should probably talk this out with Nancy first before I do anything impulsive-

"Are you busy tonight?"

I blurt the words out before I can stop myself, and watch you pick your head up to look me.