More than a Bromance: Big Nate's Awkward Affections

Chapter 3: Deedee's Dilemma

As Nate tried to keep his burgeoning crush on Blade under wraps, news of his infatuation spread faster than wildfire in dry grass. It wasn't long before Deedee, the only girl in their tight-knit group of friends, caught wind of the juicy gossip.

Deedee cornered Teddy and Francis during lunch, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What's this I hear about Nate having a crush on Blade? Is this some kind of prank?"

Teddy and Francis exchanged glances, realizing they were about to navigate treacherous waters with Deedee, the group's resident no-nonsense detective.

Francis scratched his head, attempting to find the right words. "Well, you see, it's not a prank. Nate might actually have a little crush on Blade."

Deedee's eyes widened, and she leaned in, her voice a stern whisper. "Are you serious? Blade? Ellen's boyfriend Blade?"

Teddy nodded, unable to contain his laughter. "Yeah, it's pretty wild. Nate's been doing flips on the playground swings to impress him and everything."

Deedee crossed her arms, a mix of disbelief and amusement on her face. "This is unbelievable. Nate, of all people, developed a crush on his sister's boyfriend. What's he thinking?"

The trio spotted Nate approaching the lunch table, a nervous smile plastered on his face as he tried to act nonchalant.

Deedee raised an eyebrow, shooting Nate a pointed look. "Well, well, if it isn't the man of the hour. Teddy and Francis here have been filling me in on your little crush situation."

Nate's eyes widened, and he stammered, "Guys, I thought we agreed to keep it on the down low!"

Teddy grinned. "Sorry, Nate, but secrets this big are like a game of telephone. They don't stay quiet for long."

Deedee leaned in a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, Nate, Blade, huh? Care to explain what's going on in that complicated mind of yours?"

Nate squirmed in his seat, his cheeks turning a shade of red that rivaled the ketchup on his tray. "It's not like I planned it! Blade's just so... cool. And the smiles, Deedee, the smiles are like magic."

Deedee couldn't help but burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Nate, you never cease to amaze me. Crushing on Blade, of all people. This is going in the history books."

Nate rolled his eyes, realizing that his attempt to keep his crush a secret had failed spectacularly once again. "Okay, okay, laugh it up. But you better not tell Ellen. She can't find out about this!"

Deedee winked, her laughter subsiding. "Your secret's safe with us, Nate. But seriously, you've got some explaining to do. Blade? Really?"

As the laughter echoed through the lunchroom, Nate couldn't help but join in. Little did he know that his crush on Blade had turned into the latest chapter of the epic saga that was the middle school life of Big Nate.