How to ask a girl out?

I don't think you need help for this. You just need to stop following herd mentality. If you want rationalization though, eventually everyone you know of is going to get into a relationship, whether they are willing to accept it or not.

In addition, you could manipulate this situation to your advantage. The more bold you are with your peers, the more your confidence will seem to grow. Girls like confidence. If the girl that you are to ask out sees that you have the confidence necessary to stand up for your own ideas, then that's a plus for you.

Manipulation and relationships should never be mentioned in the same breath. I highly doubt your negative attitude here is helping with his situation.

For Johnny -
Pretty much the best thing to do is to talk to her, hang out with her, try to be around her. Don't stress it too much, just let things happen naturally. If you dwell on it too much, it shows, and it creeps people out. Just be yourself, relax, and things will either fall into place or they won't. If they don't, just move on - it's hard, I know, but continued attempts at someone who has made it clear that they don't want to be with you will only push you farther away from them.

Tldr - Don't stress it, you're young - let things happen naturally, and any resulting relationship, friends, lovers, or otherwise, will be much more rewarding.