Young Folks (Ross Lynch AU)

two.

"So, are you planning on going to the freshman welcome party?" Nina asked me as I adjusted the white flower crown that sat atop my blonde hair.

"Does it look like I'm planning on staying in tonight?" I smirked and stood so that she could properly see me.

"Hot damn," she whispered, and I couldn't help but laugh. I was wearing a blue, floral romper with a brown braided belt around my waist and brown gladiator sandals. Various pieces of jewelry adorned my body, including my forever-worn gold anklet. My blonde hair was curled into loose beach waves, and a white rose flower crown topped it all off.

"Party ready?" I asked as I twirled for her.

"More like 'I'm that beach babe you want to fuck so bad' ready," Nina commented with wide eyes. I couldn't help but burst out laughing at what she said.

"Let's just hope I don't drink too much and have to pee because," I trailed off and motioned to my romper.

"Good luck with that one," Nina chuckled and punched my arm lightly.

"You're looking pretty good too, Miss Nina," I smirked. She blushed slightly at my comment and shook her head, but I only nodded in response.

She was wearing a black bustier crop top with a salmon skirt. She had a black clutch purse in her hands and several pieces of jewelry on various limbs. She wore black, lace-up, high heeled boots, and her blonde hair was loosely curled to perfection.

"You look fantastic," I smiled.

"You think so?" Nina asked shyly. I walked up to her and looped my arm through hers and gave her my best "Are you serious?" look.

"Bitch, I know so," I winked. "Now let's go knock 'em dead."

***

"Do you want a drink?" Nina asked when we arrived at the party that was being thrown by the university.

"They're selling alcohol here? To minors? What a way to kick off the school year," I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"No, idiot," Nina laughed. "They would never do that. I'm referring to the students who snuck alcohol in here. There's bound to be someone and I'm sure I could scope them out. They're probably tipsy already."

I laughed at her comment and shook my head. "No thanks. I don't drink."

"I don't too much, either, but, hey, first night, let's get a little crazy and make some memories, aye?"

"We could do that without alcohol."

"Where's the fun in that, party pooper?"

"The fun part is in the morning when you don't have a hangover."

"Cmon, live a little," Nina encouraged.

"I'm good, thanks though," I laughed awkwardly.

"Suit yourself," she shrugged and started to walk away.

"Don't get too wasted because I'm not taking care of you if you do!" I shouted after her, but I don't think she heard me.

And then there was one.

I walked over to the bar (again, they weren't selling alcohol) and bought a bottle of water. I then sat down on one of the bar stools and scanned the room.

There were groups of people scattered throughout the room, everyone talking amongst themselves and meeting new people.

I, however, was not an outgoing person. I was not one to walk up to someone I was interested in. I was not one to go out of my way to make new friends. I would let the people come to me.

For the first half an hour, I was the only one sitting at the bar. After that, people gradually started heading towards me to get themselves refreshments. Most only stuck around for a maximum of ten minutes, but almost everyone introduced themselves to me. I was shocked at the amount of people who went out of their way to say hello to me. I just didn't expect it.

There were a few people who stayed at the bar and made small talk with me. I learned that Flynn comes from a small town in Connecticut, Audrey is a city girl who is going into fashion design, Thalia is from a family large enough to give the Duggars a run for their money, and Chance is a huge football fan.

"So what the hell are you doing at Columbia, a school for arts, if you love football so much?" Flynn blurted out.

"I love watching football. I never said I was any good at it. My real passion is writing, journalism, to be exact," Chance informed us.

"Really?" Audrey asked. "I never would have pinned you for a writer."

"Never judge a book by its cover," Chance chastised, waving his finger jokingly. We all laughed heartily, and we shared many more giggles throughout the night.

But I couldn't help but notice the blonde that stood in the corner all night.

No one ever spoke to him, and he stayed silent as well.

It was as if there were a barrier around him, like someone would get hurt if they approached him.

And he didn't leave that corner until the party was over.

Second chapter people. This story is gonna be the shit. I can feel it.

Pics of Aspen's and Nina's outfits at the top/side. They're kinda blurry tho so sorry. And just a reminder that Nina is blonde, not brunette. The picture lies

And HOLY SHIT IDK WHY I DIDNT PUT THIS IN THE LAST A/N BUT SOMETIME LAST NIGHT IS AMAZEBALLZ THE FEELS ARE TOO FUCKING MUCH UGH WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITES BC I CANT CHOOSE BUT ID PROBABLY SAY LIGHTNING STRIKES BC RYDEL SLAYS