𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐒 [a rini au]

FORTY-EIGHT

On Sunday afternoon, Ricky and Nini paid a visit to their soon-becoming "signature" café. Ricky suggested the plan, wanting Nini to get her mind off of her friends and the drama. She was beyond willing to hang out and goof around with the boy, but she couldn't help but look at him in a new light after Friday. Now, whenever he seemed to laugh, it sounded like a love song. His eyes would twinkle in the light, making the girl wonder if they always did that and she just didn't notice. His smile was no longer only authentic – it melted her. Nini was still at a loss with Charlie, so she didn't know how to act on these new feelings for Ricky, but she definitely enjoyed that warming feeling that came with having a new crush; it had been years since she felt that.

          Ricky was having a blast, too. His budding crush on Nini definitely didn't diminish after Friday, but he condemned himself for being happy that her and Charlie appeared to be over. Maybe it was the stereotypical teenage boy in him talking, but he couldn't help it. He knew Nini would need some time, though, and the boy was in no rush. Thanksgiving break was fast approaching after all. Perhaps she could clear her head then and Ricky would muster up the courage to make a move in December.

          Nini had excused herself to use the restroom after they finished up their food. Ricky took the alone time as a chance to open up his computer and make some final touches on that phoniness essay, which he shamelessly incorporated some of Nini's knowledge on the matter that she confessed Friday night into. He was beginning some edits on his thesis statement when he felt a presence approach him. "Excuse me?"