The Lingering Scent of Wrong Assumptions

New school. Confusing relationships. Mean girl. Assumptions. Accusations. You know, typical high school stuff. Except for the skunk and the umbrella-wielding Japanese grandma. Those aren't typical.
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High school freshman Emi is falling for mysterious sophomore Joel. The problem is that Joel is her best friend's fake boyfriend. Can Emi reveal her feelings and still keep her friendships?

High school senior Alia, a runaway who lives with Emi's family, knows her guy friend wants to move their relationship out of the friendzone. He is one of the few people who know of her tainted past and shows interest in her anyway. But she's not sure she's ready.

When a rumor circulates that Joel sexually assaulted a girl, Emi and Alia work with others to expose the truth. That effort might just provide the clarity that Emi and Alia need for their respective relationships.

The story unfolds with flashbacks to events on a family road trip.