We need Cameron’s nudes to leak next! Just how identical do you think they are …?! says the first, followed by a string of suggestive emojis.

‘I’m sorry,’ I say. ‘People are awful …’

‘Yeah.’ He sighs, and an awkward silence falls over us.

I wonder then if my thoughts about Cameron have ever crossed into the inappropriate. Just this morning – watching him from our dorm-room window – wasn’t I objectifying him then too? Am I any better than the people in the comments? I want to say something to set the record straight, to let him know that I like him for his personality and not just his looks. But the words refuse to come. Another moment of silence passes.

‘Love the outfit,’ he finally says. ‘I knew you’d turn it out. Cute mask too.’

I get what he’s doing. If you can’t think of something to say, just compliment something they’re wearing. My mum taught me to do that as well.

‘Yours too,’ I say. ‘Definitely prefer the white …’

‘Black for the evil twin,’ he whispers, nodding in Ethan’s direction. He’s trying to wave Cameron over. ‘Duty calls.’ Cameron sighs and stands. ‘Come save me later?’

‘Sure,’ I say, watching him plaster on a fake smile as he goes to join his brother. I don’t know why he feels the need to keep up the charade. Surely he could just cut ties with him? Though I suppose that’s easy for me to say, being an only child.

‘Making any progress?’ says a voice from behind me, making me jump. It’s Kellen. I’m surprised. I wasn’t sure he’d speak to me at all tonight. That’s something at least.

‘I don’t know,’ I say with a shrug. ‘With everything that’s happened tonight, it doesn’t seem like the right time to be making a move on him. It feels like taking advantage.’

‘I get that,’ he says. ‘But it’s the last night, Zach. You’re not some predator. You’re just talking to a guy you like. You won’t get a second chance.’

‘I know,’ I say, groaning. ‘I just wish I had a bit more time! Just a few more days! Expecting me to conjure up a romance in one evening is unreasonable. This isn’t some fairy tale.’

‘You’ve had, like, two years …’

‘I’m not very good with time management.’

Kellen laughs. ‘You’ve got a few more hours. You can still get your kiss by midnight.’

Everyone is obsessed with a kiss before midnight. Cinderella has a lot to answer for.

I look across the room at Cameron. ‘Do you really think so?’

‘I know so,’ he says, placing his hand on my shoulder. ‘You’ve got this.’

‘Thanks,’ I say. ‘How are things going in the shark tank?’

‘Oh, they’re going.’ He chuckles. ‘Tiffany won’t stop going on about being Prom Queen. She’s talking like it’s a given that she’ll win. I mean, she probably will, but even so.’

‘Well, for what it’s worth, I hope you beat her to the crown.’