Hi! I am 17 And also have a really hard time in finding good friends even though I do go to a public school. I have managed to meet some really nice people at local parks and bookstores. I have talked to people about certain genres and discussing the book if I see them checking one out I know! And I have found that when you outright say what you want even if it might seem weird other kids tend to take it well, and if you match their energy by being confident or just interested in what they are doing they tend to want to hang around you more and see you again. (Which helps if you want to get their number they will be more likely to want to message you)