The Musical | Ricky Bowen × Reader

Anytime

Nini's POV

She's wearing his clothes. Does that mean they're together? Calm down, don't jump to conclusions. But what if they are? It shouldn't matter; you have EJ. It could be nothing. Yes, but it could be everything.

I decide to ignore her and go somewhere else for coffee. Talking to her would only make things worse, and that's the last thing I need right now, more drama.

"Nini?" y/n questions, and I want nothing more than to disappear in this very moment.

"Um, yeah, hey," I say, and cringe. Why am I so awkward?

"Listen, about yesterday, there really wasn't anything going on between Ricky and me. I didn't mean to get in between you guys," she apologizes. It's difficult to hate her when she's so nice. Ugh, why couldn't she just be a bitch? That would make everything so much easier.

"It's okay, what I had to say really wasn't that important," I smile, trying to reassure her. I think she sees right through my act, but she doesn't push me for the truth.

"Okay. Um, I've gotta go, but hopefully we can talk again soon!" she smiles, heading towards the door. What I wanted to reply was 'you too,' but unfortunately, that's not what came out.

"Y-You're wearing his sweater," I blurt out, and I instantly regret it. He's not yours anymore. It's none of your business.

"I, um, yeah. I spilled water all over my clothes yesterday, so he lent me some of his. And, between you and me, I was too lazy to change this morning. I wanted to get some coffee before getting ready for the day," she says, tucking some of her hair behind her ears. See? There was nothing to worry about.

"O-Oh, sorry I asked. It's really none of my business anyway," I stutter, and she looks at me sympathetically.

"Nini, you've been part of each other's lives for a long as both of you can remember. You're allowed to care," she says, and I feel relieved—like a weight has been lifted off my chest.

"I really needed to hear that. Thank you, y/n." She's being so nice to me, and I've given her so many reasons not to.

"Anytime," she says, placing her food and drinks down on the table next to us. Then, she pulls me into a hug. I let her do so, hugging her back. After a few seconds, she pulls away.

"You know, we should hang out sometime. I think it'd be fun—getting to know each other," I suggest.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

"Awesome! Can we exchange numbers so we can set something up?" I ask.

"Of course. Here," she replies, handing me her phone. I create my contact, put my number in her phone, then hand it back, and vice versa. Then, she picks her order back up, struggling the slightest bit.

"Do you want some help carrying everything back to your place? I don't mind giving you a hand," I offer.

"No, no. I've got it. But thanks for the offer," she replies.

"No problem. And, um, thank you for everything."

"Like I said, anytime. It was great seeing you!" she says, waving.

"It was great seeing you too!" I say, waving back, then she walks out the door. Wow, that went way better than I thought it would.  

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***constant updates? wow, who am i? anyway, i hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! btw, i'm thinking about starting a joshua fanfic. if i did, would you guys read it? let me know in the comments! see you in the next one, lovelies!

- Ella <3