While most viewers wanted Ricky to reunite with his ex-girlfriend at the beginning of the series, the fans of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series became divided when a new love interest was introduced. At first glance, Gina was the stereotypical mean girl, and no one expected her to fall for someone as kind as Ricky.
But it was clear that there was a connection between the characters, and an overwhelming amount of viewers began rooting for a romance between them to happen. Ricky might be back with Nini, but Ricky and Gina’s relationship doesn’t feel finished. The two never got to explore whatever feelings they had for each other, and there are plenty of moments that imply that their story isn’t over.
Gina Is There For Ricky
After Ricky finds out his parents are getting a divorce, his world starts crashing down around him. He’s scared of change and feels like no one can understand what he’s going through.
But Gina shows up to his house bearing cupcakes and a homemade hat and makes Ricky feel less alone. Gina’s parents aren’t together either, and she’s able to relate to Ricky in a way that he didn’t expect. Talking to Gina cheers him up, and he’s visibly happy by the time they reach Ashlyn’s party.
Ricky Doesn’t Want To Give Up On Gina
Gina has moved to so many different schools in her life that she’s never been able to form any long-lasting connection. Gina is used to people giving up on her, which is what makes Ricky’s persistence so notable.
Gina might have been leaving, but it didn’t mean Ricky wanted to stop being Gina’s friend. Their connection was unprecedented, but they found comfort in each other during a difficult time. Ricky continues to reach out to Gina and is certain that she’ll return for opening night.
Gina Kisses Ricky
The moment that Gina kissed Ricky on the cheek was unforgettable. Ricky looks at Gina with what appears to be a mixture of shock and awe, and he’s not the only one who felt something between them during that moment.
In an interview with ET, showrunner, Tim Federle, admits that after shooting the scene, he realized how incredible Ricky and Gina were together. It was unexpected, but some of the best onscreen relationships happen accidentally. After Gina goes inside her house, Ricky sits in his car, reeling from what just happened.
Ricky Sings To Gina
No one else seemed interested in Ricky’s idea, but Gina shows support for him in front of their castmates. After practice is over, Gina asks Ricky if she can hear what he’s been working on.
It turns into an adorable moment where Ricky serenades her, and for the first time in the show, Gina even seems shy. Not only was Ricky’s version of “When There Was Me And You,” incredible, but Gina telling Ricky he can do something better than she can, is a huge testament to how far her character has come.
Gina Is Hurt Over Ricky And Nini
Although the writers could have dropped the budding romance between Ricky and Gina after he got back with Nini, it wouldn’t have been very authentic storytelling. During the second season, Gina is once again closed off towards Ricky, and it only took a couple of shots to explain why.
When Ricky duets with Nini, the sadness on Gina’s face makes it clear that she’s hurting. The show isn’t letting go of the storyline, so it’s only logical to assume that it will eventually come to a head.
Ricky Can’t Stop Thinking About Homecoming
Neither Ricky nor Gina ever blatantly admitted to having feelings for each other, but it was obvious how both of them felt. Homecoming was a turning point, and it was when Ricky and Gina began to see each other in a new light.
Ricky couldn’t shake whatever he felt for Gina after the events of that night, and he admits to her that it’s still on his mind. One moment can change everything, and after talking in Ricky’s car, something between them clicked into place.
Gina And Ricky Hug
Gina and Ricky’s hug was one of the sweetest moments in the series. Gina doesn’t come across as someone who’s very affectionate and is, instead, cold and standoffish. But with Ricky, an entirely new side of Gina is revealed.
It’s interesting that Ricky of all people is the one who can get through to Gina, but when he’s around, her walls go down and she comes to life. Their happiness is contagious, and it’s heartwarming to watch two characters form a connection with the last person they’d expected.
Ricky’s Conversation With His Mom
Ricky’s fear of change began to bleed into all parts of his life. What he had with Gina was new, while what he had with Nini was safe. But a large part of Ricky’s storyline has been learning about embracing new things and letting go of the past. Change doesn’t always mean bad, it just means different.
Ricky still has a long way to go, and after Gina left, he ended up back with Nini. Ricky’s conversation with his mom about how not all couples are meant to be together could have also been referencing Ricky and Nini’s relationship. Ricky fought tooth and nail to hold on to what they had, but, sometimes, letting go is the only way to move forward.
Gina Convinces Ricky Not To Drop Out
Ricky only joined theatre club to get close to Nini, and when he realized he didn’t fit in with everyone else, he decided to drop out of the musical. Although Gina has ulterior motives for doing so, she goes to the skate park and convinces Ricky to stick with the play.
What started off as a ploy begins to seem genuine, and Gina talks to him about how he has his own style. Ricky takes her words to heart and later admits that Gina is the reason he came back to the musical.
Ricky Sees Gina For Who She is
Ricky was the only person who saw that Gina was much more than her mean girl façade. He took the time to get to know her and believed in her character when no one else did. Ricky can tell that Gina feels like an outsider to East High, just like he feels like an outsider to the theatre.
When Gina asks if he expected to find a wrought iron gate and gargoyles outside her house, Ricky admits that she’s not as scary as everyone makes her out to be. Gina puts up walls to avoid getting hurt, but behind them, she’s a person anyone would be lucky to have as a friend.
