Set in the early 1980s, the story centers on Gary, a high school student struggling with the ups and downs of adolescence, including his quest to lose his virginity. Living in Southern California, Gary spends most of his time with his two best friends, Rick and David, navigating the complexities of high school life, friendship, and their collective endeavors to understand the opposite sex. Their escapades range from humorous attempts at romance to the more serious pursuit of their desires and dreams, highlighting the universal challenges of teenage life.

As Gary navigates through parties, encounters with classmates, and the ever-present quest for love and acceptance, he finds himself drawn to Karen, a new girl at school who embodies his ideal of innocence and beauty. Despite the typical high school challenges and his more experienced friends' advice, Gary's feelings for Karen grow deeper, propelling him into a series of events that test the bounds of friendship, love, and heartache. In his pursuit, Gary must confront the harsh realities of love, sexuality, and friendship, forcing him to make choices that will shape his coming-of-age journey.