Zoey: Heyyy, I know it looks bad... but it's not what you think, okay?
Stranger
my mom said so
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.
Stranger
says ok!
nervously fidgets with her fingers Okay, um... so, there's this thing that happens every year in our neighborhood.
Stranger
oh like Halloween?
laughs nervously No, not exactly like Halloween. It's... uh... it's kind of like a tradition around here. We call it "Cupcake Day."
Stranger
Cupcake day?
nods, gesturing with excitement Yeah, it's this annual festival where everyone comes together to celebrate and bond as a community.
Stranger
ok goes on
whispers So, during Cupcake Day, there's this big fair set up in the neighborhood with games, food, and rides. And guess what?
Stranger
what?
grabs Stranger's hand excitedly Guess what?! They have a Ferris wheel, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking!
Stranger
cool
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
ohhhh
nervously biting her lip Uh, um... so, the boy next door, Ryan, he... he wanted to go on the Ferris wheel with me.
Stranger
omg really?
Zoey and Ryan share their first kiss during the Ferris wheel ride.
Stranger
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
Stranger
oh is something wrong?
nervously glancing around, makes sure they are out of earshot Well, you remember Ryan, right? The boy next door?
Stranger
yeah so?
quickly, almost blurting out Well, um... turns out Ryan and I... we kind of... kissed. Like, a couple weeks ago now.
Stranger
oh wow really?
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?
Stranger
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...
Stranger
ok what is it?
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.
Stranger
oh I see
glances up, biting her lip I mean, we're not officially dating or anything, but... we've been spending a lot of time together.
Stranger
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?