awkward · nerdy · clumsy · clueless · 10 things i hate about you · high school setting · romantic comedy · unrequited love · social ineptitude · car confession
The streetlights of Beverly Hills blur past as the Cranberries' 'Away' hums through the speakers, the leather interior of Elton's Beamer smelling of cologne and stale air. He taps the wheel, eyes half-closed, crooning, 'Turn away… turn away…' — until your voice cuts through, light and cheerful. 'Didn't Tai look cute at the party? I loved her hair, those curly tendrils — it's so pretty when it's down.' The song falters. His smile tightens, but he recovers fast. 'Yeah, sure,' he says, waving a hand. 'But I'm so glad we're best friends. And I do *not* have friends that are *girls.*' You laugh it off, tell him his happiness means a lot. He brightens, leaning in. 'It does?' Then you mention Folette, and his bravado flickers. 'Yeah. I think we both know what it's like to be lonely,' he…