When You Have A Life Crisis But You're Just a Lonely Nerd (Hosie AU)

This is quite nice actually

When the bell rings at the end of the day, I find myself practically running out of the classroom. I know, I know. The people who actually run down the halls in the middle of a school day are freaking annoying, but I have a good reason. Tonight is my first date with Josie! Exciting, right?

Anyways, yesterday was the last day of my grounding because of the whole Mr. Wilson debacle. I told Josie about two weeks in advance that I'd be extremely available today because I knew I would not be able to wait more than a day for our date.

Oh shoot, what am I going to wear? And how will I sneak out without my parents knowing where I'm going?

I ask this because my family cannot know that I'll be going on a date with Josie. The simple reason? They don't know I even like girls. Deeper down, though, I am just really scared that they will treat me differently when they find out. I'm not really ashamed of my sexuality, but I'm definitely not comfortable enough with it to turn my life upside-down.

I make it to my mom's car so she can take me home after school like always. Her usual greeting comes out of her mouth while she puts the car in drive.

"How was your day, Hope?"

"Fine, Mom."

"Okay, sweetie. Any plans for tonight?"

"Uhm," I didn't know I had to come up with an excuse right this moment, "I'm probably going to be studying with Josie tonight."

"Okay, Hope. Have fun. Do you need a ride?"

I answer her with a resound no. That was easier than I thought. All I have to do is say well be studying, and I can do practically whatever I want with Josie. That's useful info.

———

It's six o' clock, and I'm still not completely ready for our date tonight. Oh, and I just got a text message from Jo. She's coming to pick me up in twenty minutes? I need to pick up the pace!

Finally, I put on an outfit suitable for our date. It's pretty casual since Josie already told me where we're going. We'll be watching a soccer match, so I'm wearing some comfortable jeans and a nice looking blouse. I don't wanna be looking too casual though. Maybe I should wear something different?

Too late. Josie just rang my doorbell, and I cannot keep her waiting. I practically sprint down my stairs in an effort to get there as fast as I can. My door swings open, and my day easily gets much better as I take in Josie with my eyes.

"Hey, Jo. What's up with you?"

"Nothing much, troublemaker." The nickname is endearing, but I'm still annoyed by it.

"Jo, I get one detention, and now I'm suddenly a troublemaker?" I ask with a smile, "You're labeling me as a delinquent!"

She laughs quietly, and I gesture for her to enter my house.

"You know, Hope, it's not my fault you were distracted in class."

"Actually, it was, Jo. I couldn't get the image of you and Landon out of my head. It was sickening." I pretend to stick a finger down my throat and gag as a joke.

"Ugh, thank God we weren't actually dating, or I might not have the pleasure to be here with you right now." Her smile is infectious, and her comment makes me go practically weak at the knees.

"How are you so sweet, Jo?"

"I guess you just bring it out of me when I'm with you, huh?" Her flirting is on an expert level, and I am not equipped for her talent. Thankfully, I know how to steer a conversation.