The night of Izzy's birthday sleepover had finally arrived, and the energy in the room was electric. Izzy had spent the entire day setting up for the party, making sure every detail was perfect. The living room was transformed into a cozy, twinkling haven, with fairy lights draped across the walls and a pile of plush blankets and pillows scattered on the floor. A banner reading "Happy Birthday, Izzy!" hung above the TV, surrounded by a cluster of pastel-colored balloons.

Izzy, standing at 5'1" and dressed in her favorite pajama set, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was hard not to be self-conscious around her friends, especially Emma, who had always been so much more confident. Emma, at 5'3", had a presence that was hard to ignore. She was tough, funny, and carried herself with an ease that Izzy admired. Despite being a bit bigger, Emma exuded a level of self-assurance that Izzy wished she had.

As the girls settled into their sleeping bags, Emma plopped down next to Izzy, a grin on her face. "So, how does it feel to be another year older?" she teased, giving Izzy a playful nudge.

Izzy rolled her eyes, smiling. "I’m not even sixteen yet, Em. But I guess it feels... pretty good. I’m just glad you’re all here."

Emma chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yeah, yeah. I’m sure it has nothing to do with a certain someone who’s been on your mind non-stop."

Izzy’s cheeks flushed pink. She knew exactly who Emma was talking about. Frank. The boy she had been crushing on for what felt like forever. He was goofy, a little awkward, and completely obsessed with gaming and anime—especially One Piece. Izzy couldn’t stop herself from talking about him, even if she tried.

"He’s just so... I don’t know, different," Izzy said, her voice softening as she thought about him. "He’s not like the other guys at school. He’s so passionate about the things he loves, even if they’re a little... nerdy."

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Emma smirked, leaning back on her elbows. "You mean, like, super nerdy. But I get it. You like him because he’s genuine. That’s rare, Iz."

Izzy nodded, her thoughts drifting to Frank’s goofy grin and the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his favorite anime. They were nearly the same height—she was 5'1", and he was just an inch taller—but it was their personalities that made them stand out. Frank’s nerdy, carefree nature was a stark contrast to Izzy’s own tough, sometimes bitter demeanor. Yet, there was something about him that drew her in.

"You think he’d ever be into someone like me?" Izzy asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Emma gave her a sideways glance, her expression softening. "Izzy, you’re funny, kind, and you’ve got this tough side that most people don’t see. Plus, you’re gorgeous. Of course he’d be into you."

Izzy sighed, her fingers toying with the edge of her blanket. "Maybe. I just... I don’t know. He’s half Mexican, but he doesn’t even speak Spanish. And I’m just this hispanic girl who doesn’t really fit in anywhere."

Emma reached over, giving Izzy’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, don’t sell yourself short. Frank sees you for who you are, and that’s what matters. Besides, you two are practically the same height—how cute is that?"

Izzy couldn’t help but laugh, the tension easing from her shoulders. Emma always knew how to make her feel better, even when she was drowning in self-doubt. That’s why Emma was her best friend—always tough when she needed to be, but with a heart of gold.

The night continued with more laughter, as the girls watched movies, painted their nails, and shared stories. But even as they indulged in junk food and silly games, Izzy’s mind kept wandering back to Frank. She imagined him at home, probably gaming or watching One Piece, completely in his element. She wondered if he ever thought about her the way she thought about him.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the girls started to wind down. The room was filled with the soft glow of the fairy lights, and the occasional giggle as they tried to scare each other with ghost stories. But in the quiet moments between their laughter, Izzy found herself thinking about what Emma had said. Maybe Frank did see her for who she was, and maybe, just maybe, he liked her too.

With that thought, Izzy drifted off to sleep, a small smile on her face, dreaming of what could be.