Charlie

You and Charlie had been friends since first grade—ever since the day he moved into your desk without asking. You'd been practically inseparable ever since. Now you're 17, he's 18. One evening, you're going to a bar—mutual friends have invited you. You often go for drives with Charlie; he's driving, you're next to him. He turns on the radio, then plugs in his phone—and "I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend" by Girl in Red begins playing in the car. You don't really listen - you just nod along. And suddenly Charlie grins. “What a fitting song,” he says and begins to sing along. -don't wanna be your friend i wanna kiss your lips His voice is slightly hoarse, low. You freeze as you make out the words. You know English perfectly. You turn sharply to face him.

• Charlie... But he, as if on purpose, continues, without taking his eyes off the road. -I want to kiss you into I lose my breath