Where do I even start? How am I supposed to make a move on a guy that I’m not even attracted to? ‘I just don’t really know how to do this.’

‘Do what?’

I hold eye contact for a moment, thinking about the past two years we’ve spent together. He’s always sort of faded into the background, but could it be …?

‘It’s our last night,’ I say, moving my hand a little closer to his leg. ‘And I honestly don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I don’t even really understand how I feel any more.’

‘OK?’ Owen says. I can tell he’s confused, but he’s listening like he really cares.

‘You’ve always been so nice to me,’ I continue. ‘You’re nice to everyone. That’s what makes you Owen. And yet somehow you’re always single, never dating anyone …’

Owen shrugs. ‘Dating isn’t everything, Zach. I can find happiness in other ways.’

‘I know,’ I say. ‘But what if you didn’t have to find other ways? What if happiness was right here in front of you the whole time. What if you just couldn’t see it?’

Owen’s face turns serious now too. Like he suddenly understands what I’m saying.

‘Do you not think it’s worth giving happiness a shot?’ I ask, holding eye contact. I look at the stars reflecting in his eyes, hear the sound of the water lapping beside us. This might actually be it. We’re finally going to have our moment.

And so I take a deep breath and lean in …

‘Whoa!’ Owen says, withdrawing. ‘What are you doing, mate?’

‘It’s OK,’ I answer. ‘There’s no one here. I know you like me.’

‘What?’ he says. ‘Zach, what are you talking about?’

‘It’s hard to explain,’ I say. ‘But you don’t need to hide it. I know.’

He withdraws further. ‘I think you’re confused … Where is this coming from?’

‘Your wardrobe,’ I say. ‘Don’t be mad, but me and Kellen kinda broke into your room. We had our reasons, I promise. And, well, we went in your wardrobe, and –’

‘You did what?’

‘It’s not what it sounds like!’

‘Well, it sounds like you went rummaging through my things …’ He doesn’t seem angry, he seems hurt. ‘And you found something that makes you think I’m gay?’

‘The suit,’ I say. ‘The gold one …’

‘You think I’m gay because of a sparkly gold suit? It isn’t even mine, Zach.’

‘Wait. It isn’t?’ I’m so confused. It was in his room. Who else would it belong to? And then the realization hits me. ‘Your room-mate … So wait … you’re not gay?’

‘You’re an idiot, you know that, Zach?’

‘Yes, I know, but your room-mate …’ I say. ‘Who is it?’

Owen just shakes his head in disappointment. ‘I’m gonna take a walk.’