Page 31 of Can't Always Get What You Want

Nova: On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m at a 5.

Luca: You are such a liar, Montagalo.

Nova: Can I ask you something?

Luca: Sure.

Nova: Why do you keep calling me by my last name?

Luca: You friend-zoned me so I wanted to make sure I kept you there. Ha ha.

Nova: Wow.

Luca: Am I wrong? I’m reinforcing the strictly platonic boundaries you set.

Luca: But if you hate it, I’ll stop.

Nova: I don’t hate it—but I also don’t love it.

Luca: What if we gave each other nicknames instead?

Nova: That depends.

Luca: On?

Nova: Whether or not your nickname for me is stupid.

Luca: LOL. I was going to be thoughtful about it and make it cute. Or sexy.

Nova: Like what?

Luca: Something just for me to call you. I’m thinking.

Nova: I’m listening…

Luca: Okay, hear me out. Drumroll please…

Luca: Starshine.

Nova: Starshine??

Luca: You know, because Nova. Supernova. Space. Stars.

Nova: Awww. That’s actually kind of cute.

Luca: Only KIND of?? It’s fucking perfect!

Nova: It’s pretty great…

Luca: Great. What’s my nickname going to be?

Nova: Hmmm. You have main-character energy…

Luca: Obviously.

Nova: So cocky.

Luca: Also: accurate.

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