if i can't have you || rini au

37. tease to remind the truth

the first week of ricky and nini being an official couple was more or less the same but also very different in the best way. they were more cuddly around others and (not that it changed) but they were always around each other.

ricky and nini currently were sitting on the couch in ashlyn's living room, listening to the group talk about different things during their little movie-night hangout they all planned to do this friday night.

"so, we finished watching the third high school musical movie, now what do we want to watch?" ej asked

"oh! let's watch a horror movie!" carlos exclaimed "get into the halloween zone. which reminds me, we have to get to the east high halloween party that's being thrown."

"okay, what horror movie?" gina asked as she made her way to the book shelf, looking through it

"the scariest." kourtney grinned

"i need suggestions, there are like millions of them here-"

"ricky, nini?"

the couple zoned out of the conversation in their own little world with nini's legs comfortably over his as she leaned her chin on his shoulder and they were playing a hand reflex game as he tried to hit hers but she pulled them back with a giggle

"helloooo earth to rini!" carlos exclaimed

the boy and girl lifted their heads up suddenly at the sound of clapping, opening their mouths as they felt a light blush form on their cheeks at the sight of their friends waiting for their attention

"sorry..." they mumbled sheepishly, nini removing her legs from his lap and tucking them up on the couch as he put his arm around her and she leaned into his body

"aw look at you two in your honeymoon phase." seb gushed, ricky and nini chuckling

"oh yeah! you're finally at the point where we can start teasing you guys about being so disgustingly cute." ashlyn grinned

"oh my gosh yes finally, another couple to tease apart from us and ej and gi." carlos sighed in satisfaction, everyone laughing

"we aren't that bad are we?" nini asked with a light giggle, holding ricky's hand that was over her shoulder

"you're already like a married couple." big red said, everyone nodding in agreement

"ricky and nini bowen." kourtney added

everyone continued to chuckle while nini felt her heart stop momentarily, her smile faltering at the words and her grip on ricky's hand loosening

ricky looked down at her head that was on his shoulder and neared a little closer to her "hey, you okay?"

nini cleared her throat and nodded quietly "um...yes-yes i'm okay...i'm fine."

ricky felt a little worried about her response; he knew her well enough now to know when she was bothered by something.

"-but you guys are seriously super couple goals." gina said, easing the teasing that the group was doing

"is it alright if we watch the movie?" nini said in a small voice suddenly, everyone looking at her

she noticed the eyes all on her and quickly took a deep breath, feeling a sudden rush of overwhelming emotions overtake her as she stood up "i-i'm sorry...i just remembered that i have to get home."

"now? it's only eight-"

"aunt erica needs my help with...chores." she mumbled

ricky opened his mouth and started standing up "i can drive you-"

nini shook her head quickly "no! nonsense! you should-should stay here. with your friends. and watch the movie. i-i'm going to go home." she said before making her way towards the front door to get her coat

ricky looked at his friends who were silent, exchanging confused and worried looks before he quickly made his way towards her

"nini, they didn't-"

"i really have to get going ricky." she interrupted him, putting her coat on as she kept avoiding his gaze

"nini-"

"thank you for the invitation ashlyn." nini called out to the red-headed girl, who just replied with a light nod and smile before the brunette opened the door and ricky stopped her

"nini, talk to me." he said softly

she finally looked him in the eyes and opened her mouth "i have to go..." she whispered, shaking her head as she quickly rushed out of the house and shut the door behind her; leaving the curly-haired boy at the entrance with his friends back in the living room.