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The english class room was never meant to be the site of a showdown. But as Ricky stood in the doorway, leather jacket slung over his shoulder, cigarette dangling from his lips, he knew this was no ordinary day. There, in the middle of the empty classroom, stood Lola—queen of the, self-proclaimed "best thing to ever happen to this school," and Ricky's newest nemesis.
And she was holding a bouquet of daisies.
"Oh, come on," Ricky groaned, tossing his cigarette to the floor and grinding it under his boot. "What’s this? A Hallmark audition?"
Lola turned, her perfect curls bouncing as she flipped her hair over her shoulder, looking like she’d just stepped out of a Sears catalog. Her lips curled into a smug smile as she held the daisies closer to her chest.
"What’s the matter, Collins? Jealous?"
Ricky snorted, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Jealous? Of that?" He pointed at the bouquet like it was a crime scene. "What are you even doin’, Lola? You think Ben’s gonna fall for some gas station flowers?"
Lola gasped, clutching the daisies as though Ricky had physically assaulted her. "These are premium! And at least I have the guts to show Ben how I feel! Unlike some greaser who spends all his time smirking and smoking like a bad James Dean knockoff."
Ricky’s smirk widened. “Oh, sweetheart, you wound me. But let’s get one thing straight—Ben’s not.” He waved vaguely at her entire existence. “He’s got better taste."
As if summoned by the chaos, Ben Brookes entered the room, looking as harried as ever. His eyes darted between Ricky and Lola, then to the daisies, and back to Ricky.
"What… what’s going on?" he asked, voice tinged with exasperation, “Did one of you put a note in my locker saying ‘Come to the english classroom after school or your whole family dies’?” he asks, reading from a pink post-it note.
“Oh yeah that was me.” Ricky holding his hand up proud of himself.
“Nice one.” Lola acknowledges his efforts, they both give each other a mutual nod
"Anyway, I’ll tell you what’s goin’ on," Ricky said, pushing off the doorframe and striding into the room like he owned the place. "Miss Daisy over here thinks she can win you over with some flowers and… what, a song and dance. Yeah right."
Lola huffed. "And what are you offering? HPV?"
"What the fuck is HPV?!”
Ben raised a hand. "Okay, stop. Both of you. What’s this really about?"
"You," they said in unison, glaring at each other.
Ben blinked, his ears turning red. "Me?"
"Obviously," Lola said, stepping forward and shoving the daisies into Ben’s hands. “I’ve been waiting forever to tell you, Ben. I think you’re smart and talented and… well, adorable.”
Ricky groaned audibly, slapping a hand to his face. "You call that a confession? I’m dyin’ over here."
“Oh, and I suppose you can do better?” Lola snapped, crossing her arms.
“Watch and learn, sweetheart.” Ricky turned to Ben, his smirk softening ever so slightly. “Without hope or agenda, just because it’s Christmas. To me, you are perfect and my hasted heart will always love you.”
“That’s from Love Actually, dumbass”
There was a pause.
“ I love you even when you're sick and look disgusting.”
“Very original.” Lola said, deadpan.
“Oh, shut up,” Ricky muttered, running a hand through his hair. “At least I’m not bribin’ him with plants.”
Ben, meanwhile, looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. He glanced between Lola and Ricky, the daisies still clutched awkwardly in his hands. “I… appreciate the… enthusiasm, but…”
“But you have to choose,” Lola said firmly, pointing a manicured finger at Ricky. “Him or me.”
Ricky rolls his eyes, “As if it’s even a question..”
Ben sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I… I’m not choosing anyone."
“What?” Lola and Ricky said in unison, both looking equally horrified.
“Look, I’m flattered, okay? Really. But I’ve got, like, a ton of homework and… I don’t know, existential dread to work through. So, uh, maybe… chill?”
Lola blinked. “Existential dread?”
“That’s so him,” Ricky muttered to himself in admiration, eyes turning into big hearts
Ben turned on his heel, shoving the daisies back into Lola’s hands as he made his way to the mural. “Thanks for the… flowers. And the… vaguely threatening confession, Ricky. But I’m good. You two can… fight it out or whatever.”
After a moment, Ricky shrugged. "Guess I’ll have to try harder."
“Read some Jane Austen maybe,” Lola snapped,
“Yeah, but you’re still worried, huh?” Ricky smirked, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“Not one bit.”
“Oh really? How about we settle this in the ring?”
“Are you seriously challenging me to a boxing match?”
“Why? Scared I’ll beat your ass?”
“I’m more scared I’ll be mauled by those fan girls of yours after I destroy that pretty little face.”
“Okay bet.”
And with that, they lived happily ever after.