Drake Finn P.O.V

Hey there, I'm Drake Finn, and you've just stumbled into the chaotic masterpiece that is my life. Grab your popcorn, folks, because the drama here isn't just unreal-it's cinematic. Think of this as one of those funny, cringe-inducing high school flicks, except with more awkward stumbles and existential crises.

From the moment I entered this world, I was destined to disappoint. My parents, bless their overly ambitious hearts, thought I'd grow up to be a superstar-captain of every sports team, president of every club, and a teen idol who somehow aced quantum physics while moonlighting as a rockstar. Spoiler alert: I'm none of those things. Instead, I'm a nerd. Not the cool, glasses-and-gaming kind, but the awkward, "Hey, isn't that the guy who got locked in his own locker last week?" kind. Yeah, that's me.

Oh, and my first word? Not "Mama" or "Dada." It was "Fuck you." True story. I was the baby who already knew his life is a big fuck. Mom loves to remind me of that gem whenever we're around relatives who don't already think I'm a total disaster.

But let's not skip over the juicy backstory. My dad walked out when I was twelve, announcing that he didn't "feel like a dad anymore." Turns out he was feeling like something else, like shacking up with his coworker, Susan. Classic dad move, right? My mom was shattered, and I was left trying to console her with my awkward pats on the back and cookie deliveries. Not that I'm bitter or anything. Okay, maybe just a little.

Now, let's talk about my 'first kiss'. It wasn't with a cute neighbor girl or under the bleachers at a football game. Nope, my shining moment came courtesy of my neighbor's dog, Pogo. It was an accident, of course, but try explaining that to a pack of middle schoolers who witnessed the whole thing. To this day, they still bark at me in the hallways.

And yet, in this mess of a life, I've got one thing going for me: Zack. My best and only friend. He's the type of guy who can make you laugh even when you're knee-deep in humiliation. He's also the type of guy who occasionally considers fleeing when things get too chaotic, but hey, loyalty looks different on everyone.

Zack's been with me through everything. When my dad left, Zack was there with a bag of Cheetos and a video game marathon. When I got food poisoning from the cafeteria meatloaf (never again), Zack was the one holding the bucket. And when I threw myself a "birthday party" last year, it was just Zack, my mom, and my grandparents, who were too old to even clap when I blew out my candles. But Zack didn't complain, he just made the best out of it, like always.

Now, here we are. I'm seventeen, and it's my first day as a senior at Kingsbury High School. The school where the halls are ruled by the rich, the popular, and the impossibly attractive. Picture it, a glossy, overproduced teen drama where everyone looks like they walked out of a Vogue spread. Meanwhile, I'm over here rocking hand-me-down sneakers and a backpack held together with duct tape. Kingsbury isn't just a high school; it's a battlefield, and I'm about as equipped for it as a goldfish in a shark tank.

But this year? This year's going to be different.

As I walk into the cafeteria, it feels like stepping onto a stage. The cheerleaders are flipping their hair in slow motion, the jocks are high-fiving like they just won the Super Bowl, and the band kids are practicing an impromptu drumline. It's all very...Kingsbury. Zack nudges me, snapping me out of my daze.

"Dude, you're staring," he says, shoving a carton of chocolate milk into my hands. "Stop gawking like a lost puppy."

"Sorry," I mutter. "It's just... look at them. They're like gods. And we're, well... not."

"Speak for yourself," Zack replies, grinning. "I happen to think I'm a solid seven."

Before I can respond, the cafeteria doors swing open, and in walks 'her'. Emma Hayes. The queen bee of Kingsbury High. She's flanked by her posse, each one more intimidating than the last. Emma isn't just popular; she's a 'force'. Blonde, beautiful, and with a resting glare that could curdle milk, she rules this school with an iron fist. Rumor has it she once got a teacher fired for accidentally calling her "Emily."

Where Emma rules, her brother, Ethan Hayes, isn't far behind.

Ethan is...well, perfect. The golden boy with sharp cheekbones, a dazzling smile, and a charm that makes the teachers swoon. He's the guy who tosses a football like a pro but somehow still has time to ace chemistry.

It's almost disgusting.

"Don't stare at her," Zack warns, but it's too late. My eyes are glued to her like a moth to a flame.

And then it happens. Emma's tray tilts, her smoothie spills, and the universe decides to have a laugh at my expense. Because where does that smoothie land? Right on my face.

For a moment, the cafeteria goes silent. Then, laughter erupts, and I want to sink into the floor. Emma looks at me, horrified, then bursts into a fake apology.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry," she coos, her voice dripping with insincerity. "You should really watch where you're standing."

Zack pulls me away before I can say something stupid. As we retreat to the far corner of the cafeteria, he hands me a napkin.

"Well," he says, stifling a laugh, "at least you made an impression."

"Yeah," I mutter, wiping smoothie off my face. "An impression of a clown."

But here's the thing about being at rock bottom: there's nowhere to go but up. And maybe, just maybe, this year won't be as bad as I think. After all, every high school movie needs its underdog, right?

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The credits haven't rolled yet, and trust me, this story's only getting started.