THE BAD GUYS IN: raising princess

Pep Rally Romance

(A request from AlicornNorth )

It was a buzzing, electric afternoon at Los Angeles High—the air alive with excitement. Banners waved in the breeze, music pulsed through the courtyard, and students shouted across the halls. It was Pep Rally Week, and everyone had caught the fever of school spirit.

Well... almost everyone.

Inside the gymnasium, the bleachers shook with stomping feet as students chanted and clapped. At the top row sat The Dream Squad—Princess Chesterfield, Claudine Wexler, Laura Vancount, Kira Rue, and Zoey Del Vicchio. Dressed in custom outfits by Laura and wearing varying degrees of forced enthusiasm, they watched as the pep rally opened.

"Come on, everyone! Show some school spirit!" shouted Feibelle Thorn, the fraternal twin sister of Briar Thorn and captain of the Cheer Squad. Her high ponytail bounced as she shouted through a glittery megaphone.

The students roared in reply.

Except The Dream Squad.

Claudine rolled her eyes. "Here we go again."

Zoey groaned, arms crossed. "Ugh. I can't stand her."

"She's still salty I beat her at the beauty pageant," said Princess calmly, brushing a lock of white fur behind her ear. "But I did it by being myself."

Claudine snickered. "Yeah, and with a little help from Mr. Piranha, remember?"

That triggered a laugh from the entire squad. Even Laura cracked a grin.

"Ohhh, that memory lives rent-free in my head," Kira grinned. "Feibelle running away from Piranha screamin' like a toddler at a reptile show? Classic."

Their laughter echoed as the cheer routine ended and the Dance Club took the floor.

Kira perked up. "Yo, Zoey—hot Japanese boy from the mall, three o'clock!"

Zoey whipped her head around. "What—where!?"

Kira pointed casually to the front of the gym. There, stepping onto the dance mat in black joggers and a red windbreaker, was Ryuoma Yamagishi. His dark hair fell in soft waves around his face, and his steps had the precision of a natural-born dancer.

Zoey's chestnut brown eyes sparkled.

"Oh my gosh," she whispered, heart thumping. "It's him..."

Princess smirked, nudging Laura. "We're gonna need smelling salts."

The Dream Squad watched with teasing smiles as Zoey melted into a love-struck daze while Ryuoma danced to "Higher Love" by Kygo and Whitney Houston.

⸻

After School – That Afternoon

Backpacks slung over their shoulders, the girls walked out under the afternoon sun, still talking about the pep rally.

"You were staring at him like he was the only person in the room," Claudine teased, nudging Zoey.

"Was not," Zoey mumbled, blushing.

"Zoey, you've had a crush on him for months," Princess said gently. "You should talk to him. Ask him to the dance."

Zoey hesitated. "But what if he says no?"

Laura adjusted her stylish scarf. "Then he's a fool. But if you wait too long, someone else might ask him."

"I don't want to see you heartbroken again," Princess added with a soft look. "So be brave. I believe in you."

Zoey took a deep breath. She glanced over and saw Ryuoma at his locker, earbuds in.

"Okay. I'm gonna do it."

The girls watched from the distance, whispering encouragement.

Zoey walked up, her hands slightly shaking. "Hey, um... Ryuoma?"

He looked up, pulling out an earbud. "Oh, hey! Zoey, right?"

"Yeah," she smiled nervously. "So, I was wondering... would you wanna go to the Pep Rally Dance on Friday with me?"

A smile spread across Ryuoma's face.

"I'd love to."

Zoey blinked. "Wait, really!?"

He laughed. "Yeah. I was hoping you'd ask."

Zoey squealed the second he walked away. The Dream Squad ran to hug her like she'd won the lottery.

⸻

Friday Night – Pep Rally Dance

The gym was transformed with twinkling lights, glowing balloons, and a giant disco ball casting glittery reflections across the polished floor. Music thumped as students filed in.

The Dream Squad entered like queens.

Each of them wore stunning dresses hand-crafted by Laura—bold, stylish, and fierce. Zoey's was a deep emerald green off-shoulder dress that shimmered with each step.

Across the room, Ryuoma stood waiting in a sleek black tux.

Their eyes met.

As if drawn by gravity, they walked to each other.

"You... look beautiful," Ryuoma said, smiling warmly.

Zoey's face turned red. "You look amazing too."

They talked quietly, getting to know each other better.

He had moved to L.A. a year ago, loved the beach, and was a self-proclaimed expert at finding cool seashells. He was pansexual, passionate about dancing, and dreamed of performing professionally.

Zoey felt more at ease with every word.

When "Only Girl" by Rihanna started playing, Ryuoma offered his hand.

"Wanna dance?"

"Yes," she beamed.

They moved with the beat, laughing and twirling under the lights. Time seemed to slow, and for a moment, the world faded around them.

⸻

Later That Night

The music shifted to a slow song.

Students paired up. Lights dimmed.

Zoey and Ryuoma swayed gently. Her head rested on his shoulder, his hands warm and steady on her waist.

"I had a really great time with you tonight," she whispered.

"Me too," he said, voice soft. "I'm really glad you asked me."

Before she could overthink it, Zoey blurted out, "I really like you."

He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes.

"I like you too."

Then... their lips met in a soft, shy kiss.

The gym spun around them.

Princess, watching from across the room, smiled proudly. Claudine fist-pumped. Laura wiped away a single dramatic tear. Kira yelled "YEEESSSSS!" way too loud.

And Zoey?

She had never felt happier.