Layla Koothrapali's POV

I can't believe I'm actually hanging out and being best friends with my crush! I really like Elliott because he's so smart, and actually, very nice once you get to know him. Elliott doesn't know that I like him and I haven't told him that. I don't know when I will, but I like what we have right now. Just us being friends.

Although, a part of me does want to tell him that I like him. What if he likes me back? The worst thing that could happen is that he won't return my feelings. I should be okay with that, right? However, I don't think I can.

We've gotten close these past couple of weeks. I think his friends doesn't like it that much and they don't like me anymore. I thought they did. That I fit in with their group, but it looks like I don't anymore. I don't like how I ruined their friendship, but Elliott always said they'll come around.

"You're being awfully quiet, Layla," My Dad said to me during dinner that he made. He's the one who always makes dinner. Emily tries, but she's not that good like Dad. "Is there anything wrong?"

I rolled my eyes with annoyance and it was evident in my tone, too. "Just because I'm not talking doesn't mean there's something wrong with me..."

"Watch your mouth, Layla Renee." Dad chided.

He even used my middle name. So, he must be serious. I know the name, Renee, was the name of my mother's grandmother.

"Anything happened at school?" Emily prodded.

"I like a boy..." I started as I stare down at their food. Not wanting to know their reactions.

"Oh, god. Here we go..." Dad groaned.

"Raj..." Emily said to him in a warning tone. Then she looks at me. "You like a boy?"

"Yeah. But his friends doesn't like me. I don't think so anyway. They ignore us. They think that I've 'stolen' him or something." I used the air quotes for the word 'stolen.'

I don't understand his friends' odd behavior. I want them to like me, but I'm not so sure now.

"If they're really his friends, then they would respect you and accept you as their friend. They won't act mean or jealous to you or him." Emily said.

And maybe she is right...

"Who is this special boy anyway?" She asked with a smile on her face. "Do you want to share with us who the secret boy is or will he be a mystery?"

"His name is Elliott," I replied with a small smile of my own creeping on my face. "Elliott Hofstadter. The boy who was over here before. You know his parents. Leonard and Penny."

"I remember," Dad said, nodding. "You...you have a crush on...him?"

"Yes." I nodded. I can't help to feel excited.

"Does it really have to be him?" He complained.

"Raj..." Emily warned again, this time she was groaning.

"You're too young to like boys. You're only thirteen."

I sighed. I knew this was going to get difficult with him.

"Raj, this is usually the time and age where girls start to-"

"La, la, la, la, la! I can't hear you!" Dad covered his ears.

However, Emily didn't look amused. Even Praveen was looking at Dad like he was losing his mind.

"Very mature for a grown man, Raj."

He let his hands down and his right hand was holding his fork. "Sorry. It's just that...you're my little girl and I don't think I can handle this...boy phase."

"You know it's not just a phase-" Emily started, but Dad interrupted her.

"I know, I know. But you're still young and-"

"Daddy, please. I am thirteen. I'm not that young and I can take care of myself. I don't think Elliott is a bad boy. Most of the time, he can get pretty clueless."

"I can totally see that," Emily said. "He kind of reminds me of...Sheldon Cooper. Remember him?"

He snorted. "Who can forget Sheldon Cooper?"

"Well, I just think Elliott is nice and you will too if you'll just get to know him." I said to him.

"Maybe..." He said, but looks like he didn't really want to. Oh, well. Baby steps, I guess.

After dinner was over, it was my job to clean up everything. Emily helped me to dry the dishes. Since Dad was out of earshot, I can be able to tell Emily what I wanted to do with Elliott, but I am unsure if it's a good idea.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked. "I didn't want to ask when Dad was around during dinner. If he found out about this, I'm sure he would not let me near any boy."

"What is it?" Emily wanted to know.

"Ummm...well...uh, I think I want to kiss Elliott. Just to show him that I like him. What do you think?" I asked her.

"That's sweet you want to kiss him, but are you sure that's how he feels about you?"

"I think that's a way I can know. I can talk to him, but I don't think he's the type of person to understand something like that."

"Well, I'm glad that you can be able to show your feelings in that way and be the first to initiate something like that. It's good to have that kind of confidence. But I just hope you won't get too hurt if he rejects you. A kiss is a big deal, Layla."

"I know. Which is why I want to do it." I said. I really feel confident about this.

She gave me a careful look. "I just hope you know what you're doing."

We are in the hallway. There were a couple of people around, but they were going to their classes. The bell didn't ring and class was going to start soon. We were at Elliott's locker and he was worried about being late for class.

"This is not going to be the first time I'll be tardy." Elliott said with determination and he closed his locker door.

"Wait," I said to him and he turned around to me being confused.

"What, Layla? If we'll be late we'll get a detention."

"I just want to do something quick before I lose my confidence."

I hold his shoulders and I kiss him on the mouth. It felt amazing. Having my very first kiss with him. With someone I like. I let go of him and want to know his reaction. His eyes were opening slowly and I see him looking back at me.

"You...you kissed me..." He was confused just like I figure he would be. "Why...?"

I could just stand there in shock. He didn't like it. I can tell. He doesn't understand how I feel for him.

"I like you. Don't you like me?"

"You like me?" I impatiently nod my head. "I-I need to think about this..."

I rolled my eyes and I'm angry right now. "Fine! Take all the time you need!"

I stormed off to our next class.

The bell rang.