Blue Rose - Reneé Rapp

Little Death

Y/N rushed into her apartment, heart racing, the memory of Sierra's unwanted kiss lingering on her lips like a bad taste. She didn't even pause as she headed straight for the bathroom, stripping off her clothes and stepping into the shower. The water blasted over her, but it wasn't enough. She grabbed the soap, scrubbing her skin harder than usual, as if she could erase Sierra's touch, her lips—everything. The disgust twisted inside her stomach, making her skin crawl.

What the hell was that?

She scrubbed harder, hands trembling as the water mixed with the tears she didn't want to acknowledge. It wasn't just the kiss. It was the whole mess—Sierra's persistence, the constant pressure of being in the spotlight, and her own conflicted feelings about Renee. After what felt like an eternity, Y/N finally calmed down, wrapping herself in a towel and sinking onto the edge of her bed.

Reluctantly, she grabbed her phone. Notifications were pouring in. The pictures were already out there, twisted narratives splattered across gossip sites. Y/N and Sierra leaving the bar together, holding her arm—a perfect story for the media, but it wasn't the truth. None of it was. The headlines didn't care, though, and fans were already picking sides.

Fame had its perks, but moments like this? They made it all feel like a curse.

She set the phone aside, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. She had to be stronger than this.

--

The next day, Renee was at the studio with Towa, finishing up their latest session. The music had wound down, and Towa looked over with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, there's a small get-together at my place tonight on the rooftop. A few close friends and I are hanging out. You should come."

Renee's eyes lit up. "That sounds great. Do you think I should invite Y/N?"

Towa nodded. "Actually, you read my mind."

Renee, feeling a surge of both excitement and apprehension, pulled out her phone and sent Y/N a text inviting her to the party. "Hey Y/N, there's a small get-together at my friend's rooftop tonight. It's a low-key event. Want to join us?"

Y/N's reply came back quickly: "Thanks for the invite. I could use a lift tonight. See you there."

Renee felt a twinge of relief and curiosity. She was eager to see Y/N but also worried about navigating her own feelings. She had decided to follow through with the plan, hoping that it would lead to something positive without letting her emotions run wild.

---

The rooftop party was intimate, the soft glow of fairy lights casting warm shadows. Y/N stepped into the relaxed atmosphere and felt her shoulders ease up a little. Renee spotted her from across the rooftop and waved her over, the smile on her face genuine. She was greeted by Renee, who introduced her to Towa and a few other friends, including Alex, and they quickly left them alone.

"Hey again, stranger," Renee grinned, giving Y/N a light side hug. "I was starting to think you were avoiding me."

Y/N chuckled, trying to hide her nervousness. "Nah, just busy. You know how it is."

"Sure, 'busy.'" Renee smirked. Her eyes flickered over Y/N's face, a hint of mischief in her gaze. "You good, though? I haven't seen you in a week."

Y/N shifted, desperately hoping Renee hadn't caught wind of the Sierra drama. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... a lot going on."

Renee nodded, her tone playful yet pointed. "You're a terrible liar, Y/N."

Y/N laughed it off, trying to play it cool. "And you're too good at reading me."