Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

by Christina Lauren

when I meet someone I love, I become an octopus and wind my tentacles around their heart, tighter and tighter until they can’t deny they love me just the same.

“She thinks of Heathers as a pretty good guide to social etiquette.”

“He’s good to me, and he likes to garden.

“Do you have a comfort movie?” she asks. I blink up, not sure I’ve understood. “A what?” “For me, it’s Aliens.”

what it is about Josh Im that I’m so drawn to. It isn’t just that he’s good-looking. It isn’t only that he’s kind. It’s his calm center that’s a gravitational pull to my chaotic one. Every time I’ve met his eyes—from that first puke-filled night to now—I’ve felt a gentle hum inside my breastbone: I’m a satellite that’s found its safe-space beacon.

I continue, feeling the warm glow fill me when I realize he’s shortened my name out of familiarity,