UNREQUITED LOVE
Summary: Being a new student is already complicated. But when you end up developing an unwanted crush on a schoolmate, everything seems to get worse. This particular schoolmate is romantically involved with someone. And to make matters worse, the popular school quarterback starts to bother you.
Author's Note: This fanfic will be short and set in the universe of the movie Bottoms (2023), directed by Emma Seligman, using the characters from the film. The characters do not belong to me. The fanfic will not strictly follow all the situations from the movie. I hope you enjoy it. Initially, there will be no adult content. There will only be inappropriate language and scenes of violence.
FOUR
FINAL
Your palms are sweating as you carry your chemistry project out to the middle of the football field. In the bleachers, classmates and even students from other grades are gathered. Hazel took it upon herself to invite some extra onlookers to witness your experiment. She even tricked Jeff into thinking there would be free cookies to get him to show up. A few teachers and the school administration are also here to see what you and Hazel have ambitiously named “the message of the year.” It’s a chance for the school to kill two birds with one stone—showcasing a standout project while setting an example for other students. As you settle the project into place, your nerves spike, realizing how much Hazel’s spectacle has turned a simple presentation into a grand event.
Hazel tries to reassure you, running her hands gently along your arms. "Looks like you're about to lose it, Y/L/N. Relax, it’s going to be fine," she says, with that signature confidence that somehow makes things seem less terrifying. But as you glance at her, frustration rises. If this blows up—literally or metaphorically—Jeff’s going to be out for blood. And after your last run-in, he won't hesitate to make things even harder for you. You can't shake the image of him rallying against you, fueled by that bruised ego and a dose of revenge. But as Hazel smiles, her hand lingering on your arm, you feel the slightest comfort in her touch. Maybe, just maybe, things might actually turn out okay.
"Promise me that if everything goes wrong, you'll come up with some epic story about why I got expelled," you say, half-joking, glancing nervously at Hazel. She lets out a soft laugh, but instead of a reply, she steps closer and pulls you into a kiss. It’s not a quick peck or something subtle—it's messy, intense, and full of all the things unsaid between you two.
From the bleachers, you hear Josie and Isabel cheering, shouting, “Show her, Hazel!” Their voices cut through the murmurs of shocked students and the exasperated calls from teachers telling you to break it up. But in that moment, it’s just the two of you, tangled up and oblivious, right in the middle of the field, not caring who’s watching or what comes next.
"Why did you do that?" you ask, trying to catch your breath and pull your focus back together. Hazel just grins, as though she’d been planning it all along.
"To give you a bit of courage," she says confidently, "plus, now I think you'll take me a bit more seriously as a potential future girlfriend." Her tone is so assured, so casual, as if she hadn’t just kissed you in front of a whole crowd—including PJ. You feel a rush of mixed emotions: excitement, nerves, maybe even a little panic. But Hazel’s steady gaze holds you in place, making you wonder if, somehow, everything is going to be just fine—no matter who saw.
"Alright, you’re unbelievable. Let’s get through this experiment, and maybe after that… we can go on a date. But you’ll have to convince me that—" you start to say, but Hazel gently holds your face and gives you a long, soft kiss. When she pulls back, she looks at you with a knowing smile, as if she’s certain there’s nothing left to convince.
“Let’s wrap this up,” she says with a grin. “There’s a spot nearby that makes the best burgers in the world.” You can’t help but smile back, feeling that strange blend of exhilaration and calm that only she seems to bring out in you. Whatever comes next, you’re ready for it, as long as Hazel’s by your side.
"So, me and Y/N are here to present our project. It’s a message for those who can understand. We suggest you stay in your seats and enjoy the show." Hazel says into a microphone, capturing everyone's attention. You pull the cover off the mannequin, revealing it dressed like a football player, looking just like Jeff. In the middle of the mannequin's chest, there's a sign that reads, "Snitches Get Stitches". Hazel came up with this idea after the bad moment at the kissing booth.
The mannequin has several tubes connected to it, which you and Hazel spent the night making for the presentation; theoretically, when you press the button in your hands, the mannequin will explode and spray fake blood all over the field. "Hey, people watching. If you’re being bothered by an idiot, harassed or something like that, we can teach you how to make them understand the message. And if you’re a jerk who goes around messing with people’s lives, our most sincere fuck you goes out to you." With whispers and shocked laughter rippling through the crowd, you and Hazel share a quick look before pressing the button together. The mannequin explodes with a satisfying pop, sending fake blood spraying across the field in a vivid, theatrical display. Gasps, nervous laughter, and a few bold cheers erupt from the bleachers, as everyone watches, transfixed.
The mannequin’s bold sign—"Snitches Get Stitches"—is unmistakable, and Jeff’s expression changes from cocky to uncomfortable. Even his friends look unsettled, exchanging glances. Hazel gives your hand a squeeze, her face glowing with a blend of pride and mischief.
“Consider this a public service announcement,” she calls out, loud enough for everyone to hear. "For anyone who thinks they can bully or mess with others without consequence."
You catch a few teachers’ reactions, torn between shock and stifled laughter. Despite the inevitable repercussions, you can feel the impact you've made. With Hazel’s hand in yours, the defiance burning in your chest feels liberating—worth every risk. As the crowd starts to break up, Hazel leans close, voice low but amused. “So… about that burger. Shall we?”
"You've got fake blood on your face," you tease, as Hazel approaches you, turning your face to the side and licking your cheek. "The blood is edible," Hazel replies after licking your face, noticing that her mouth is stained red.
"You two, young ladies, are in big trouble. You'll be serving detention for the entire month, and make sure to clean up this mess!" the principal says, approaching you closely but avoiding getting splattered in the pool of fake blood.
"However, girls, know that your project turned out great. You earned an A in the class," the chemistry teacher chimes in, smiling brightly. "Just don’t forget to wear more effective protective gear next time," she adds while applauding your work, almost dragging the principal away from the field.
"You had to use all that fake blood, didn't you?" you complain, remembering it was Hazel's idea to go all out with the gore.
"It's easy to complain, princess. Do you really think Jeff would feel any impact if only a few drops of blood came out?" Hazel retorts as you both leave the field, you contemplating how to clean up this mess while she fumes over your ingratitude.
"Don’t call me princess. Let’s clean this up and get home already," you exclaim, lacking patience as you see Hazel approach, her hands finding their way to your waist.
“If you stop making that face, we can go to my house afterward. My mom will be home late, and I have a terrible movie we can pretend to watch while we explore each other’s faces. If you behave, I might even buy us a pizza,” Hazel says, planting a kiss on your cheek as if trying to soften you up. It’s working.
“A nice way to try to buy my good mood. Don’t get used to it, but let’s hurry up; I want to eat with you as soon as possible,” you say with a smile, and Hazel looks at you playfully. “I know exactly what you want to eat, but let’s go, princess. The faster we finish, the faster we’ll get to my place,” Hazel replies, holding your hand affectionately as you both walk toward the supply closet, now. The faster we finish, the faster we’ll get to my place,” Hazel replies, holding your hand affectionately as you both walk toward the supply closet. Knowing it will be hard work but that it will be worth it in the ending. it will be hard work but that it will be worth it in the end.
THE END.