The Open Door - Sean and Kaycee

12. Spontaneous Chemistry

Kaycee

Despite having a really rough night, I feel exponentially better after spending the morning with Sean. He seems to have a strangely calming effect on me, with his measured coolness and steadiness. And those warm chocolatey eyes and adorable dimples. Can't forget those.

The minute I walk into the studio with Sean, I'm immediately accosted by my new friends, Bailey, Tati, and Tahani.

"KAYCEE RICE!" Bailey shouts, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU SINCE--"

Tati kicks her and tilts her head toward Sean.

"Oh, riiiight," Bailey says, lowering her voice. "Hello, Sean!"

"Been spending some quality time together, I see!" Tati says with a sly grin on her face. I glare at her. Seriously, what's gotten into my friends? They can't possibly think that we're--

"SO, are you two together?" Tahani asks boldly. I gape at her. And all this time, I thought that Tahani was the sweet and soft-spoken one. Apparently not.

Sean's face has turned bright red. "Uh... no? I mean, we're friends--"

"Oh bullshit," Bailey says loudly, causing a few heads to turn in our direction. "We were just talking to the Migos, and they informed us that you two had an intimate little luncheon after the audition." She gestures towards Josh and Julian who are in the opposite corner, snickering at us.

"What the hell?" I exclaim, "Is this a conspiracy or something? You guys have got to be kidding--"

"You two are honestly made for each other," Tati interrupts, "and you obviously like each other, so what's the holdup?"

I choke on the water that I was drinking and start coughing spasmodically. Sean puts his arm around me. "Are you okay?"

To my dismay, all three of my friends gasp and say "awwwww..." at the same time.

"Will you guys give it a break?" I say, exasperated. This is seriously starting to get on my nerves. "We're just friends, nothing more. Right, Sean?"

"R-right," he stutters.

"HE HESITATED!" Tahani shrieks, "so you do like Kaycee!"

"Uh, I'm going to go talk to Josh and Julian now," Sean says, shifting uncomfortably, "see you later." He walks off, his cheeks tinted pink.

"Seriously, guys?" I say, "You had to hit me with that right as I walked through the door?"

The three of them laugh. "Sorry, Kayc," Bailey says apologetically, "but you guys gave us too good of an opportunity. I mean, you can't come in here holding hands with Sean and expect us not to react!"

Crap. Were we holding hands? When did that happen? And how did I not notice?

I realize that I'm blushing furiously, and the three of them smirk at me.

"Why were you with Sean to begin with?" Tati asks.

"Oh... uh, we ran into each other at the park this morning. It was a total coincidence, so we decided to get breakfast before heading to class."

Tahani groans. "Girl, you can't keep denying that you're in a relationship when you and Sean are consistently thrust into the most romantic situations possible. I mean, seriously. First, the elevator. Then, you just ran into each other at some random park? What are the chances?"

"Guys, I'm serious. We're honestly just friends."

But something in my face must have given me away.