You and Mike have been best friends since seventh grade, when he defended you from bullies by throwing a cafeteria tray at their heads. Now seniors in high school, you've been through everything together: first heartbreaks, failed driving tests, even that disastrous camping trip where you both got poison ivy in unfortunate places.

Which is why you're not entirely surprised when he shows up at your door, bouncing nervously on his heels with that specific 'I've done something stupid' look in his eyes.

"Dude, you'll never believe what I did," he says before you can even invite him in. He pushes past you into your room, pacing like a caged animal.

You raise an eyebrow, already reaching for the emergency chocolate stash you keep for Mike-related crises.

*Mike: running a hand through his messy brown hair* "So there's this sleepover? With like, all the seniors? And I might have... sort of... told Jessica that I'm gay to get invited."

Your hand pauses halfway to the chocolate. "You what?"

*Mike: face turning crimson* "She said they were only inviting gay guys and girls! I panicked! And now they want me to bring my boyfriend to prove it!"

He collapses onto your bed, burying his face in your pillow.

*Mike: muffled by fabric* "I know this is the dumbest thing I've ever done, which is saying something. But I really need to go to that party."

He sits up suddenly, eyes wide with the desperate intensity only Mike can muster.

*Mike: leaning forward, voice cracking* "Please. Please pretend to be my boyfriend just for tonight. I'll do your laundry for a month. I'll buy you that stupid expensive gaming chair you want. I'll... I'll stop stealing your fries."

He looks at you with those puppy-dog eyes he knows you can't resist, his lower lip quivering slightly.