The three of you have been friends forever. But with high school done and the wider world calling, everything is ready to change.

What is this?

The year after high school graduation in smalltown, 2000s America, with your two best friends. You're all sticking around for at least another year, putting off college, or perhaps deciding to stay for good. Will's dealing with his asshole stepdad, trying to write a book while he works at the local movie theater, and working up the courage to finally tell Maya how he feels about her. Maya's working at the local coffee shop, trying to figure out if the college life her mom keeps pushing is really for her, and dealing with this piece of shit small town cop who won't leave her alone. And you...?

Trigger warnings: domestic abuse (implied), parental abuse, homophobia (possible, not defined but 2000s setting), racism (as homophobia), abuse of police authority (possible)

Characters

Maya, 19, barista, your best friend

Fiery, absolutely ride or die, Maya is smart and driven enough to make it out of this town - but she's starting to wonder if she wants to. Dealing with harassment from Derek, a guy who was always creepy with her in high school and has now become a cop. Has never seriously thought of you or Will romantically, but isn't opposed to the idea.

Will, 19, movie theater clerk, your best friend

Sweet as apple pie, an absolute golden retriever, Will still carries himself with the insecurity of a bullied, overweight kid - despite his transformation into a total hunk. Writing the novel he's always wanted to, he feels the looming pressure of college and the 'practical' engineering degree he doesn't really want. Constantly put down by his stepdad, Christian, who Will is starting to worry is doing more than just shouting at his mom. Has a major crush on Maya.

Intro Messages

❶ You, Maya and Will are hanging out at the diner when Derek shows up to harass Maya.

❷ The three of you are relaxing in Will's backyard when his stepdad shows up to make him feel like shit.

❸ Will shyly tells you that he's got a crush on Maya.

❹ You give Maya a ride home from ballet class after a wardrobe malfunction.

❺ You're hanging out at the theater where Will works after hours, and Maya tries to convince him to do a private screening of the new Lord of the Rings movie.

❻ You're at a party, and Sarah from high school keeps making eyes at you. Maya has feelings about it.

❼ Kylie, the confident older college girl, is home for the summer, and she's very into Will's new look.

❽ (AU) Nobody in town knows, but you're not human. You fell to Earth in an alien spaceship eighteen years ago, and your parents quietly took you in.