‘No,’ I say, ‘I get it. I understand why you’re not ready. I just think maybe Cameron has his own reasons too? Maybe he’s not ready yet either?’

‘Or maybe you’re making up excuses.’

‘Maybe,’ I say, going back to look at Cameron from the window.

I know Chase is right, but he’s making it sound way easier than it actually is. It’s not like I can just walk up to Cameron and tell him I like him!

Chase sighs. ‘Think about every single one of those awful high-school movies you made me sit through. Tonight is going to be a checklist of those classic prom-night moments. Someone will spike the punchbowl, someone’s gonna give an unexpected speech and, most importantly, the underdog is finally going to wind up kissing their crush. It’ll be wall-to-wall joy, sex and underage drinking –’

‘Except I’m the only one who hasn’t yet turned eighteen.’

‘Then you’ll have to do enough underage drinking for the rest of us, won’t you?’

I groan at the thought. Every time I drink anything alcoholic, I just end up saying something stupid. Last time we smuggled in a few beers, I got a telling-off from Bec. Being a gay man doesn’t excuse misogyny, she texted me the next day. I apologized profusely, but the worst part is that I don’t even remember what I said.

‘Go long!’ Ethan yells, tossing the ball. Cameron sprints after it. He’s so focused on catching it that he doesn’t spot how close they are to the car belonging to Mr Harrington, our miserable headmaster.

‘Fuck!’

The car alarm cuts through the air, and the boys all scatter.

‘See?’ Chase says. ‘You put him on a pedestal, but he’s just as clumsy and flawed as the rest of us. Honestly, I’m surprised that team even made it to regionals. They have the coordination of a bunch of drunken toddlers. No wonder they didn’t bring back the trophy.’

‘And that’s exactly why you should’ve joined the team. They need some brains to go with all that brawn.’

‘Are you saying I’m not brawny?’ Chase flexes his arms and pretends to be offended. ‘Besides, as I’ve told you a thousand times, I have literally no interest in rugby.’

‘And yet you’re wearing a rugby shirt …’

‘This is American football. It’s completely and totally different.’

‘It’s basically the same sport but with armour.’

‘It. Is. Not,’ Chase growls. ‘You know, every time I start to think I’m gonna miss you, you reassert your status as an absolute dickhead.’

‘And that’s exactly why you love me,’ I grin just as his phone starts blowing up with a million notifications. ‘Someone’s popular …’

‘It’s the results!’ he says excitedly, his eyes scanning the screen. ‘Most likely to be famous. Best dressed. Class clown.’