𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞

13.

The Blooming Crush

The next morning, Rihanna cornered Onika with a mischievous grin. "So, what was that about last night at the talent show? You and Beyoncé were pretty close."

Onika blushed and shook her head. "We were just hanging out, Rihanna. Nothing more."

Rihanna's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Oh my God, are you two... something?"

Onika's blush deepened, and she avoided Rihanna's gaze. "It's not like that," she mumbled, but the blush gave her away.

Rihanna leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Do you like Beyoncé?"

Onika hesitated but then sighed. "Yeah, I do. I like her a lot. She's... she's different. She's kind and funny, and she's got these dimples that make her whole face light up when she smiles."

Rihanna rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, okay, just shut up already."

Onika couldn't help but giggle. "And she's so pretty, Rihanna. Like, really pretty. And she has this way of making me feel like I'm the only person in the world when she looks at me."

Rihanna smirked. "Sounds like someone has a major crush."

Onika laughed, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. "Maybe I do."

Rihanna nudged her. "Well, don't mess it up. She seems to really like you too."

Onika nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I hope so."

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In Beyoncé's bunk, Kelly was trying to read a book, but Beyoncé's voice filled the room, relentless in its enthusiasm.

"She's just... she's so different, Kelly. Onika is so mean sometimes, but then she does something nice and I don't know how to feel about it. And she's got these dimples that make her whole face light up when she smiles."

Kelly sighed and put her book down. "Beyoncé, can you just shut up already?"

Beyoncé ignored her and continued. "And she's so pretty. Like, really pretty. Her hair, her eyes, everything. And even when she's being mean, there's this... I don't know, this spark about her."

Kelly rolled her eyes. "Beyoncé, you're obsessed."

Beyoncé stopped pacing and looked at Kelly. "Maybe I am. But it's just... I've never felt like this about anyone before. I didn't even know I could feel like this."

Kelly sighed again, softer this time. "Alright, alright. But if you keep talking about her like this, you might as well tell her how you feel."

Beyoncé blushed. "I don't know if I can. What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

Kelly shrugged. "You'll never know unless you try. And from what I can see, she might just like you back."

Beyoncé sat down, her mind racing with possibilities. "You think so?"

Kelly smirked. "Yeah, I do. Now, can I please get back to my book?"

Beyoncé laughed, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Okay, okay. Thanks, Kelly."

Kelly waved her off. "Just go get your girl already."

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Later, as people mingled around the campfire, Beyoncé and Onika spotted each other across the flickering flames.

Beyoncé's heart raced, her earlier conversation with Kelly still fresh in her mind.

Onika, holding a cup of hot chocolate, met Beyoncé's eyes and gave a small, almost shy smile.

Beyoncé took a deep breath and made her way over to Onika. "Hey," she said softly, trying to sound casual.

"Hey," Onika replied, her voice equally soft. "How's your night going?"

"Good," Beyoncé replied, glancing around. "Just... thinking about things."

Onika raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about what?"

Beyoncé looked down, feeling a sudden rush of nerves. "About us, I guess."

Onika's expression softened. "Yeah, me too."

They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of laughter and conversation around them creating a bubble of quiet intimacy.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" Onika suggested suddenly.

Beyoncé nodded, feeling her heart flutter. "Yeah, I'd like that."

They left the warmth of the campfire and walked into the cool night, the sounds of the camp fading behind them. They walked in silence for a while, both lost in their thoughts.

Finally, Onika spoke. "I've been thinking about what you said, about liking me."

Beyoncé's breath caught in her throat. "Yeah?"

Onika nodded. "And like I said I think... I think I like you too, Beyoncé. I just... I don't know how to handle it."

Beyoncé stopped walking and turned to face Onika. "You don't have to handle it alone. We can figure it out together."

Onika smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made Beyoncé's heart melt. "I'd like that."

Beyoncé stepped closer, her hand reaching for Onika's. They stood there, hand in hand, feeling the warmth of each other's presence under the vast, starry sky.

"One step at a time?" Onika asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"One step at a time," Beyoncé agreed, squeezing Onika's hand gently.

They continued their walk, feeling more at ease with each other, ready to face whatever came next together.

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As they returned to the camp, the atmosphere was lively with music and dancing. Kelly spotted Beyoncé and dragged her into the dance circle, her excitement infectious.

Beyoncé hesitated for a moment, then let herself be pulled in, her body naturally swaying to the rhythm.

Onika stood on the outskirts, watching the scene unfold. Her eyes were locked on Beyoncé as she moved, the way her body swayed and the joy on her face captivated Onika.

She felt a surge of desire and longing, her thoughts consumed by Beyoncé's presence.

Rihanna, noticing Onika's intense gaze, smirked and nudged her. "Caught you staring, huh?"

Onika blinked and turned to Rihanna, trying to play it cool. "I'm not staring."

Rihanna chuckled. "Sure you're not. It's obvious you're into her. Why don't you just go over there and join her?"

Onika hesitated, glancing back at Beyoncé. The sight of her dancing, so carefree and beautiful, stirred something deep within Onika.

She took a deep breath and, with Rihanna's encouraging nudge, began pushing her way through the crowd.

As Onika got closer, Beyoncé's eyes met hers, and a smile spread across her face. Kelly noticed the exchange and stepped back, giving Onika space to join Beyoncé in the circle.

Onika felt a rush of adrenaline as she started dancing, trying to match Beyoncé's rhythm. The music, the energy of the crowd, and Beyoncé's presence made her feel more alive than ever.

They danced together, their movements synchronized, the chemistry between them undeniable.

Rihanna watched from the sidelines, a satisfied smile on her face. She knew this was just the beginning for them.

As the song ended, the crowd erupted in applause. Beyoncé and Onika stood facing each other, both slightly out of breath but smiling.

Onika felt a surge of courage and leaned in close to Beyoncé's ear. "You were amazing."

Beyoncé blushed, her eyes sparkling. "Thanks. You weren't too bad yourself."

They made their way out of the circle, still feeling the high from the dance.

Onika reached for Beyoncé's hand, and they walked back to the edge of the camp.

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