Neutral Zone Trap by Crea Reitan

I want something true.

Torin
Hiding behind my mascot mask has always worked in my favor. As someone with social anxiety and paralyzing shyness, the ability to be out in the world without being seen is the only way I’m able to function. It also means I can long for my crush from afar without him knowing.
I’m invisible inside my costume and try to go unseen otherwise. Except that Hugo always sees me because he’s such a sweet, kind, thoughtful man. Is it any surprise that I’m completely in love with him?
What starts out as an accidental anonymous text turns into a date but there’s just one problem. Hugo thinks he’s texting a girl. What happens when he finds out that’s not the case?

Hugo
When my closest friends all pair up, I’m left as the unpartnered ninth wheel, which becomes awkward and makes me feel out of place. That’s where my new friend, Torin, comes in.
The face behind the Surry the Seal is Torin Jonah. He’s so quiet and nice, I try to always make sure to say hi to him when I see him. It’s not hard to make sure someone knows that you see them.
We start hanging out all the time – having sleepovers, platonic cuddling, maybe a little throwback to teenage mutual jerking sessions in the shower amongst bros. When I tell him that I’ve been talking to this girl and I think I like her, suddenly I feel like I’m being unfaithful to him.

Now I’m not sure what to do. Date this girl or maybe see if Torin could possibly be interested in me and see what happens.