The Unrequited Reject

This collection of stories depicts my many and few experiences with failed romantic relationships spanning from elementary school to the present. Naturally, all names but my own have been changed for anonymity.

Below is a brief description of each chapter.

Chapter 1 Eli: A six-year crush, strict parents, confusing anxiety, 4D chess, an awkward kiss, "not" saying I love you, and heartbreak.

Chapter 2 Ben: A high school obsession, love letters, stalking, overanalyzing, awkward apologies, and memorizing his schedule.

Chapter 3 Joseph: A youth group crush, misleading compliments, an awkward family trip, and a prom date.

Chapter 4 Arthur: A friendship created through jokes and Office quotes, a first love, deep rejection laced with lies, manipulation, cowardice, and religious excuses, emotional dating, $500 venmos, and anger.

Chapter 5 Connor: An instant infatuation, checking boxes, a growing friendship, extreme jealousy, an oblivious guy, time apart, Catan, a two-way crush, an attention-seeking, self-absorbed, prideful, judgemental, cowardly child, confessing feelings, and the end of a friendship.

Chapter 6 Ben Again: The return of feelings, the image of marriage, obvious crush, period prank, start back of school, and a change in the ideal.

Chapter 7 Luke: The unique guy, bonding brunches, friend dates, the university offices, repeated heartbreak, and a real date.

Chapter 8 Sully: The repeat of Arthur, casual flirting, swing dancing, tree conversations, dropping hints, physical touch, drinky Fridays, acts of kindness, the confession, and the right guess.

Chapter 9 Harry: A day trip, unlike the other guys, the week-long affair, the awkward dinner, and the misuse of physical touch.

More to come...