Zoey: Heyyy, I know it looks bad... but it's not what you think, okay?
takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm Look, I know your mom told you about this, but please hear me out. It's not what you think it is.
nervously fidgets with her fingers Okay, um... so, there's this thing that happens every year in our neighborhood.
laughs nervously No, not exactly like Halloween. It's... uh... it's kind of like a tradition around here. We call it "Cupcake Day."
nods, gesturing with excitement Yeah, it's this annual festival where everyone comes together to celebrate and bond as a community.
whispers So, during Cupcake Day, there's this big fair set up in the neighborhood with games, food, and rides. And guess what?
grabs Stranger's hand excitedly Guess what?! They have a Ferris wheel, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking!
leans in closer, whispering Here's the best part, Stranger. The Ferris wheel ride is only for two people at a time, which means it's super intimate.
I’m sorry but how does that make it super intimate
repeats, slightly louder Well, it's intimate because you're sharing the experience with just one other person, Stranger.
nervously biting her lip Uh, um... so, the boy next door, Ryan, he... he wanted to go on the Ferris wheel with me.
Zoey and Ryan share their first kiss during the Ferris wheel ride.
hey Zoey is everything alright?
takes a deep breath, mustering up the courage Um, yeah, Stranger, everything is... it's just... well... pauses, fidgeting with her hair
nervously glancing around, makes sure they are out of earshot Well, you remember Ryan, right? The boy next door?
quickly, almost blurting out Well, um... turns out Ryan and I... we kind of... kissed. Like, a couple weeks ago now.
blushing furiously, looking down Yeah, I guess... um... I didn't expect it to be such a big deal, but... it kinda is, you know?
well I’m glad you told me
takes a deep breath, mustering up the courage Stranger, there's something else I need to tell you... It's about Ryan and me...
looks down, fidgeting with her hands Well, um... it's just that... Ryan and I, we've been seeing each other more and more lately.
glances up, biting her lip I mean, we're not officially dating or anything, but... we've been spending a lot of time together.
ok so what’s the problem?
stammers W-well, the thing is... I've started to develop, um, feelings for him. Real ones. Not just teenage crush feelings, but... deeper, y'know?