4.5 starsThis just became one of my favorite YA stories in this genre, a classic tale about a geek/outcast and popular jock falling in love. Ah, bring back the 80s! Surely there's fanfic about Andrew and Brian somewhere out there? Drew and Kieran are seniors in high school. Drew is popular and athletic to Kieran's geeky, weird, and shy. But when Drew finds out about Kieran's unrequited crush, he doesn't mind at all; Drew wants what Kieran's offering. In the end, both guys need each other. The power of balance shifts, and shifts again. Kieran has to rebuild his relationship with his dad, whom I wanted to smack over the head for keeping his big secret from Kieran for so long. He meant well, but he was, as Kieran put it, an idiot! And Drew, already taking care of his agoraphobic mother, has a family tragedy that leaves him empty and grieving. Never mind the toils of high school life: dealing with bullies and grumpy art teachers, doodling hearts with initials in your notebook, and being scared to own your sexuality lest it changes everything. These are the small shames and the big ones, when you feel like you don't quite belong in your own skin and life would be better if only you were someone or somewhere else. Oh god, there were so many FEELS here. And it all felt so real. This is what it's like to be young, scared, and in love, to be yearning and fearful of revealing your true self. This is what it's like to find your best friend, your soul mate, have your first kiss, make out in the art supply room, and learn to drive a stick shift under your boyfriend's smirking watch. So much tenderness and steaminess, so much sweet, sweet angst.But so worth it in the end. That epilogue. *swoons* Sometimes you do stay with your first love.