𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 9

Ariana

"Hey, Josh mentioned we could hang out with them today. Tristan wants a city tour, so you up for it?" Joanna asked, her eyes filled with hope.

I sighed, considering what might unfold if I end up talking to him again.

But really, what could go wrong?

He wouldn't drop hints about what he saw in the theater room intentionally, right? But it's better to be sure.

"Yeah, sounds good. Let's do it," I replied, pulling her along as we left the girls' locker room and stepped outside to the parking lot.

Joanna nudged me and grinned, "Maybe it's your chance to ask him out, you know?"

I shook my head. I've got other things to deal with before even thinking about that.

"I know," I answered, looking over at Tristan and Josh who were beckoning us. Well, mostly Jo.

As we approached them, I glanced at Tristan who was engrossed in his phone, seemingly unaware of my presence.

"Hey, Tristan!" I greeted with enthusiasm, making him start a bit when he looked up.

"Uh, hey, Ariana," he stammered, avoiding my gaze.

Well, this is more awkward than I anticipated.

"Alright, let's get going, guys. We'll swing by Gigi's diner for a bite and then hit the road. Sound good?" Josh suggested as he opened the door to his Mercedes.

"Sure thing. See you there," Joanna replied, urging me to head to our parked cars away from theirs.

"Hold on" Tristan chimed in.

"I didn't agree to her coming with us." He shot me a glare, and I felt pretty embarrassed.

"It's cool, man. I invited her," Josh assured, leaving Tristan looking incredulous. I didn't catch more of his objections as Joanna whisked me away towards our cars.

Sliding into my Lamborghini, I started the engine and followed Joanna's car. I cranked up the volume on my Chase Atlantic playlist – can't get enough of them.

We all arrived at the packed parking lot and made our way into the popular diner in the city.

Gigi's wasn't fancy; it was mainly popular because it's close to our school. Students from both ours and neighboring schools frequented this spot after classes.

The bell above the door chimed as we walked in. The diner was bustling, with many familiar faces – mostly students from our school. And of course, those Westside High guys were here too.

I rolled my eyes at them – Westside High being the school we loathed the most, always causing trouble at our parties and vandalizing our school property. We gave as good as we got, though.

Not to mention their cheerleading squad, the Western Girls. Ugh, their head cheerleader, Angel – quite the misnomer.

Our teams clashed whenever we met at games. We settled into a booth, and the waitress took our order, paying no mind to the catcalls from the Westside guys. I put on a smile, my attention shifting to Tristan.

"Hey, Tristan, tell us something about the Philippines," I prompted cheerfully. He looked at me, an eyebrow raised as if questioning my motives.

"It's a cool place. Friendly people, amazing food, beautiful sights. I miss it," he said, a mix of sadness and nostalgia in his eyes.

Our eyes met, and I quickly looked away just as the waitress brought our orders.

I ordered a chicken salad – after the exhausting cheer practice today, I was starving.

Amidst the chatter between Joanna and Josh, I looked up and caught Tristan gazing at me while sipping his cola. He seemed lost in thought, almost like he was searching for something. I cleared my throat and took a sip of my diet coke, avoiding his intense gaze.

"So, Ariana, any hobbies aside from cheerleading?" His question caught me off guard. I nearly choked on my drink.

Glancing at Josh, who seemed oblivious, and Joanna, who warned me with her eyes, I faced Tristan, sensing his curiosity.

"What made you ask?" I retorted, trying to match his playful tone.

"Just curious. Figured you might have other interests beyond cheerleading. What else do you enjoy?" he prodded. My irritation flared – what was he playing at?

"Cheerleading's my main hobby – What else could I possibly like aside from that?" I met his gaze with defiance.

He locked eyes with me, and Joanna nudged me under the table, a silent reminder to tread carefully.

"Ever tried dancing?" His question took me by surprise, and I froze.

I glanced at Josh, blissfully unaware, and Joanna, who seemed to have ulterior motives. Then back to Tristan, his lips curled in a faint smirk.

He couldn't be serious.

"Um, not really. Unless you mean dance routines for cheerleading. But other types of dancing? Nah, not my thing," I answered, relieved when he leaned back.

"Ariana's more into the straightforward stuff, you know? Doing things her way. Dancing, though? Nah," Joanna chimed in, but her words barely registered as I continued to lock eyes with Tristan.

Please don't let me have revealed something he was expecting me to say.

God, if he discovers the truth about me, it's over.

"Ariana likes hitting the beach too. Sometimes she goes alone, which isn't smart with all those creeps out there. I mean, look at her – who could miss that face, right? Tristan, you should join her sometime; it'd be fun, just you two..." Joanna's suggestion cut through the air, and I shot her an angry glare.

Is she serious?

She winked at me, and I discreetly stomped on her foot. She shot me a glare back, but I smirked in response.

"Maybe another time. Got other plans, but thanks for the offer," Tristan declined, and I inwardly sighed.

Whatever, who cares?

I need to halt this whole probing-about-my-hobbies thing before it goes too far. He needs to understand that what happened in the theater room, stays in the theater room.