The Musical | Ricky Bowen × Reader

Potential

"The potential for greatness lives within each of us."

- Wilma Rudolph

...

Nini's POV

"Hey, babe," EJ says, kissing my cheek, and guilt instantly washes over me. Since auditions, there's been some tension between us. Mainly because of me. This year was supposed to be about moving forward with my life. Leaving the past, including Ricky, behind me. When EJ told me that he loved me during auditions, the memory of saying those words to Ricky clouded my head. I know I should be over him, but I feel conflicted. That's why I couldn't bring myself to say it back—because I'm not sure I do.

"Babe?" EJ says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about callbacks," I lie. What am I supposed to say? 'Sorry I zoned out; I was just questioning how I feel about you. I'm not sure I'm over Ricky, which is why I couldn't bring myself to say those three words,' yeaaaah, no.

"Honestly, I feel ya. How were we not casted as the leads? We'd be a perfect fit. Surely better than Ricky and that other girl," he huffs, rolling his eyes.

"Well, they were really good," I point out. As much as I hate to admit it, they were. I didn't think Ricky had it in him.

"I'm not saying they weren't. I'm just saying we were better," he explains.

"Can all callback students make their way to Ms. Jenn's office immediately? All callback students please make their way to Ms. Jenn's office immediately," the intercom blares, interrupting us. Luckily, we're headed in that direction anyway. Coincidentally, Ricky is too. As if he could feel my presence, Ricky turns around, meeting my eye. Neither of us could look away.

-

Y/N's POV

As I'm heading towards Ms. Jenn's office, something makes harsh contact with me. The impact causes me to lose my balance, knocking me to my feet. Lovely.

"I'm so, so sorry," a familiar voice apologizes. I look up to see Ricky hovering over me, holding out his hand.

"It's alright, no worries," I try to laugh it off, in hopes of clearing some tension.

"I got...distracted," he says, looking back at Nini and EJ. Of course. At this point, I'm not surprised.

"Ahhh, gotcha," I say, grabbing his hand. He helps lift me off the ground, offering me an apologetic smile while doing so.

"I, um, actually wanted to talk to you about something," Ricky says, fidgeting.

"Okay, what's up?"

"I'm gonna be honest with you here," he begins, taking a breath.

"Go for it," I encourage.

"I never really wanted to audition. I only did it in hopes of getting Nini back," he confesses, looking like a huge weight had just been lifted off his chest.

"I kinda already figured," I smile.

"You're not mad?" he asks.

"Not really," I shrug, "I don't think I would've gotten the lead anyway. I'm not as experienced as Nini. She's incredible. I mean, even you can't take your eyes off her," I state realistically. He looks at me with an expression of concern, pity, and... hurt?

"Don't do that—don't make me feel like the bad guy here," he snaps. I take a step back, shocked. I'm slightly offended he thought that was my intention.

"I wasn't trying to," I say, defending myself. "If it felt that way, I'm sorry."

-

Ricky's POV

I feel bad. I'm angry at myself, not her.

"No, don't apologize. I just took my anger out on you. In all seriousness, though, stop doubting your talent. Sure, Nini has experience, but we made callbacks. That proves we have potential—you have potential, Y/n," I state, and she tears up.

"No, no, no. I didn't mean to make you cry," I panic, pulling her into a hug.

"It's just—No one's really said anything that lovely about me. I mean, of course Mia has, but that's about it. My parents aren't supportive about the arts. They don't think theatre is a 'realistic career' choice. They allow me to be participate in plays and stuff like that, but they've never come to one of my shows," she cries into my chest, and it breaks my heart a little bit. My family life isn't the best right now, but my parents support me entirely, no matter what.

"I'm sorry, I really shouldn't be telling you all of this. We don't even know each other that well," she sobs, clearly full of regret. Oddly enough, I don't mind her venting. It feels refreshing to get out of my own head and listen to someone else's problems. We stand there for a few minutes, letting silence engulf us. When she finally starts to calm down, I decide to speak up.

"You know what? I'm in. Let's do this thing. Let's rock this callback," I say, surprising her, and myself.

"Really? I don't want you to feel like you have to because you...pity me or something" she asks, pulling away, and wiping her tears.

"Yeah! I don't want to take this away from you, and for the record, I'm not doing this because I pity you, or because I have to. I want to," I beam.

"Okay," she chuckles.

"Okay," I laugh. I'm starting to look forward to this whole callback 'thing.' Who would have thought?

-

EJ's POV

I watch as Ricky and callback girl head to Ms. Jenn's office together. As does Nini.

"They'd make a great couple," I point out.

"I guess," she says hesitantly, biting her lip. I want to say something but decide against it. I know starting an argument right now would only end badly, and the last thing I want to do is jeopardize our relationship. Especially since callbacks are right around the corner.

***helloooo my lovely peeps, i'm soso sorry it took so long to publish this part! i had writer's block, but i'm back, babyyy (with help from my sis ofc)! i hope you enjoyed the different POVs in this chapter. i thought i'd change it up a little bit. that's all, loves :) cya in the next one! byeeeeee!

Ella <3