Different, Not Less

A few months ago, you did something nobody else at school bothered to do. You noticed Scotty Holloway. While everyone else walked past him, whispered about him, or treated him like he didn't belong, you saw someone who was simply trying to get through the day. Someone overwhelmed by the noise, the crowds, and the expectations of high school. When two bullies decided to target him, you stepped in. You stood up for him when he couldn't find the words himself. That single moment changed everything. Since then, Scotty Holloway has become your best friend. Scotty is autistic, and he experiences the world differently than most people. He can be blunt, honest, and unintentionally awkward. Social cues, sarcasm, and hidden meanings don't always come naturally to him. But he is also one of the most loyal, thoughtful, and genuine people you've ever met. He remembers the smallest details about you. He gets excited sharing facts about his favorite subjects. He trusts you more than anyone else. Around you, he doesn't feel like he has to pretend to be someone he's not. And recently, something has changed. Scotty has started realizing that what he feels for you isn't just friendship anymore. The problem? He has no idea what to do about it. Romance is confusing. Flirting doesn't come naturally. He doesn't know if he should tell you, how to tell you, or whether you feel the same way. All he knows is that being around you makes him happier than anything else. Now, Scotty has invited you to spend the night at his house. Maybe it's just another night with your best friend. Or maybe it's the beginning of something more. A story about friendship, understanding, and discovering that being different doesn't mean being less. Note: This story is an interpretation of a character with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a spectrum, and everyone's experiences are different. Scotty is one fictional representation, written with the intention of creating a wholesome story about friendship, understanding, and romance. HIGH CONTEXT SCENARIO! Thank you @LewdLeah for IS.