I grab my pizza off the counter and dig in, savoring the delicious flavor.

"Mmmm."

My phone vibrates in my pocket, alerting me of a text. I reluctantly set down my pizza and wipe my hands on my jeans. When I unlock my phone, I see I've received a message from my best guy friend, Brandon. I smile and read it.

B: Hey Kai! How was your first day of school?

I smile.

How did he know today was my first day of school? He started 2 weeks ago, and I don't remember telling him recently...

I shrug and type out a reply, then hit send.

K: mean, it was okay. I like my teachers and I didn't get lost, so that's good. But unfortunately, I didn't make any friends ):  I had to sit alone at lunch.  ):

B: Well, sometimes that's what happens on the first day.

K: Okay, DAD!

I tease him because only a few hours ago my dad had said the same thing. I expect some laughing emoji in reply, but instead I get a sarcastic remark.

B: Okay, sweetie.

I burst into a fit of laughter. To show my amusement, I send a few laugh/crying emojis. As I bite down on another piece of pizza, a thought pops into my head, almost making me spit out my yummy morsel.

That was so kinky...oh my gosh.

To be honest, I've had a crush on my friend for a really long time. He is handsome, sweet, caring and thoughtful, a great singer, and he is funny. I sigh.

K: Oh btw, totally irrelevant, but I dyed my hair the other day.

B: OOOOO!!! I WANNA SEE!!!

His excitement sends my heart soaring. I pull up the camera app and click a quick selfie. Then, I send it to him and wait.

When my phone vibrates again, I nervously look at the text, scared he'll think I'm ugly.

B: Kai, you look so beautiful. It looks really good.

I smile and set down the phone, squeezing my eyes shut in joy for a moment.

K: Thanks 😊😊😊😊 that's really sweet.

I send it, then an idea forms in my head. I'll be flirtatious. (Now keep in mind I'm horrible at flirting.)

K: And you're handsome. Not only that, but sweet and funny too. With a great voice...😉😉😉😘

I cringe a little at the obviousness of my flirting.

B: Awww, you're so sweet. And really really beautiful. You're so kind, and I love you. ❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

My heart rockets into space. I get a little lightheaded.

K: Awww thanks. ❤️❤️😘
K: Wait.
K: Did you just say you loved me...?

Hope fills my body.

Maybe, just maybe, he will like me back!

B: Yeah. You're like a little sister to me. 😘😊

At that exact moment, my heart drops to my stomach and the smile fades from my lips.

You're like a little sister to me. His words reply in my mind over and over, mocking me.

K: Oh okay.

B: Gotta go take a shower now, talk to you later.

K: Okay. Talk to you later.

I turn off my phone and set it down on the counter, next to my abandoned pizza.

Is this what it feels like to be friend-zoned? This sucks. I really thought he liked me. He was egging me on really. Teasing me. He played along and flirted back!

I trudge up the stairs and go to my room, closing the door behind me. I throw myself onto my bed and grab my iPad. I open up Wattpad and start typing.

I hope you liked that story! It's actually partially true. I just had a similar conversation with my guy friend and my reaction was similar. Except, I still ate the pizza 😂😂 Anyways, please like if you enjoyed! Love you guys!