Authentic Characters, No Instant Connection—A Realistic Young Adult Romance Crushing on Mordecai means that sometimes she’s not able to give other people…the attention they deserve. Read More Writing, FictionAshley CantaveJune 25, 2025authentic, characters, instant connection, realistic, young adult romance, confess, feelings, romance, connection, story, relatable, studious, high school, complicated, friendship, date, good friend, intense, crush, attention, teenager, relationships, coming-of-age, YA romance, teen romance, main characters, complex, friend, emotions, interactions, overthinking, struggle, erratic, behavior, secrets, authenticity, love story, friends to lovers, lovers, love triangle, unrequited loveComment