porn star dancing ★ rosénali

chapter three: utica

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THE dreaded by many start of the week had finally arrived. Most people wanted nothing more than for the weekend to lengthen; but Rosé's group had always loved Mondays. Why? Because they were the perfect occasion for them to brag to their less-fortunate, more-unpopular classmates about their amazing weekend, whether they had spent it at the beach, at a party, or both.

And so, almost routinely, Rosé and her friends had been chatting with each other all day, and it almost seemed like they were never going to shut up. Especially during lunch-time — Rosé, Mik, Kandy, Utica, and Olivia were all sitting at their usual table at the school cafeteria, customarily chattering non-stop, and they were surrounded by a crowd that listened carefully to everything they said.

Rosé had never understood the reason everyone was always so interested in their light-hearted banter; but she had never complained either — she had always enjoyed being the center of attention. Except this time was slightly different...

''So, what did you guys think about Saturday's party?'' Kandy excitedly asked her friends.

''I had a great time! The atmosphere was so peaceful — the weather was so nice and balmy...'' Liv gently said, with a shy smile.

''Yeah, I agree — the area where Spencer lives has a perfectly warm climate this time of year.'' Mik said, agreeing with her friend.

''Oh my god, I literally can't with your señoras talk right now... I meant what did you think of the boys at the party!'' Kandy said in an annoyed tone, jumping in. Right after she said that, Olivia made a face of discomfort, and lowered her head.

''Oh, I bet Rosé loved them, right, Rosé?'' Mik said, raising an eyebrow, and pointing at her friend. Rosé immediately blushed, and her eyes opened like two wide plates, as Mik deeply stared into them. Rosé nervously chuckled, and mouthed a silent 'I'll get you for this, Mikalyn.'

''Yeah, I loved them — especially this one boy... I can't remember his name... It was something like, Mikai, Mikkel, Mikyle, Mika, maybe?'' Rosé cleverly replied, causing everyone to gasp and laugh.

Then, for a second, everything and everyone went silent — the atmosphere became slightly awkward. Rosé took a panoramic look around her — Kandy looked like she'd rather be anywhere than there, Olivia was still crestfallen, and Utica didn't even seem to be there. Meanwhile, everyone who was standing behind them, huddled together, was eager to know what would happen next. Rosé finally met eyes with Mik, and signaled to her to meet her in the bathroom, so they could talk better.

''So, what's up?'' Mik said, entering the cafeteria bathroom.

''I need your help to get rid of the girls, and the crowd around our table.'' Rosé whispered to her friend.

''Why? You love attention.'' Mik said, finding it strange, and crossing her arms.

''I really want to talk to Utica right now.'' Rosé said, peeking to where her friends were. Utica was still crestfallen — not in a troubled way, apparently; but rather in her own world, trying to keep herself out of whatever the others were talking about.

''About?'' Mik asked, and only got an eyebrow raise as a response from the other girl.

''Oh my god, you literally are wasting no time, are you, Miss Rosé?'' Mik scoffed, throwing her head back.

''I'm sorry! I just... I really like Utica, and I feel like I can relate to her, and I think she's the most likely to give me a chance.'' Rosé explained herself.

''Hm, you've got a point. Good luck, casanova, let's go.'' Mik said, patting her friend on the shoulder, and guiding her outside the bathroom.

''Hey everyone — Kandy and I are going to compare boob sizes outside in the garden!'' Mik announced to the crowd, as Rosé strategically sat down on the table, next to Utica.

''We are?!'' Kandy answered, bewildered.

''Yes, Kandy. We are.'' Mik said, with a big fake smile and crazy eyes, trying to get her friend to get the hint.

When she did, everyone — including her other friends and the crowd that surrounded them shot out the cafeteria door, following Mik, who guided them far, far away from the cafeteria. Everyone except for Utica, who sat next to Rosé in the empty cafeteria.

''Why is everyone out?'' Utica asked.

''I think Mik's going to show them something, but I don't really know.'' Rosé lied.

''Oh, fun! I want to go too!'' Utica chanted, and stood up; but just before she could leave, Rosé grabbed her hand, and sat her back down.

''No! Actually, I wanted to talk to you. In private.''

''Oh, okay. What's up, Rosy?'' Utica said, making Rosé blush slightly.

''Well, I feel like we don't spend enough time together. Alone. And I just wanted to use this as a chance to finally share some alone time with you.'' Rosé said, sneakily reaching for Utica's hand.

''Oh, yeah, I agree. We don't usually hang out just the two of us that much.''

''Yeah! Which is crazy because you're so charming and fun to be around...'' Rosé said, leaning closer to her friend.

''Thank you, Rosé. You are such a good friend!'' Utica said, kindly squeezing her friend's hand. She probably didn't mean it in that way; but Rosé couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when she heard that very last word.

''Well, if she sees me as just a friend; then that's about to change in just a few minutes.'' Rosé thought, with a confident smile.

''Yeah? Well, I may be a good friend; but I'm so much better at being a good girlfriend.'' Rosé said, petting Utica's thigh.

''Stop, that tickles!'' Utica said, between laughs, taking her friend's hand off of her thigh. Rosé had tried every single flirt trick in the book; but nothing was happening between the two. She realized the best thing she could do at that point was just be straight-forward, and ask her out.

''Utica, you're into girls, right?'' Rosé said, more seriously.

''Well, right now, I'm still experimenting and everything; but I guess the answer you're looking for is yes.''

''Good, because I have a big crush on you, and I just wanted to ask you how do you feel about that.'' Rosé quickly spat, before she could back down.

''Hm, honestly, this is totally not about you; but I've been really in conflict with my feelings lately. Like I have crushes and everything; but am I really ready for a relationship? Who knows! And the crazy thing is we're already grown and everything; but I don't really know. Also, I feel confused at...''

Utica had begun talking about her emotions, and it seemed like she'd never, ever shut up; but Rosé couldn't understand a word — she was too busy zoning out. She, once again, had failed to ask a woman out; but this time, she thought it was for the better. Utica seemed confused, uncertain, and somewhat broken. Rosé was weirded out, but intrigued.

''...You know what I mean?'' Utica finally asked, catching Rosé off-guard.

''Yeah, for sure, Utica — I can totally relate to how you're feeling. Hey, I gotta go... We can still practice making out later, though!'' Rosé said whatever, trying to escape from that awkward situation.

''How did it go?'' Mik whispered into Rosé's ear, as soon as the two found each other.

''I tried every trick in the book with her, and nothing; then I explicitly asked her out, and she just wandered off, talking about her fear of commitment. It was a very sticky situation, so I just had to leave.'' Rosé whispered back.

''Aww, stop! That's so sad — You could've worked it out through the relationship. You're such a meanie, Rosé.''

''Sorry! She's just got way too much baggage. It's so annoying — that shit just gets old.'' Rosé explained. Just when she finished saying that, the bell rang, forcing everyone to head to their classrooms.

✧˖*°࿐

THREE different girls had rejected her already, and Rosé was beginning to get tired. She felt incredibly tempted to abdicate, and simply accept the fact that she'd be alone forever; yet she tried to persevere. Still, the wait was starting to become eternal and exhausting; and the only thing that was distracting her from the grief was the Strip Enigma.