The next day at Hollywood Arts, the auditorium buzzed with energy. Sikowitz had demanded that every pair "live and breathe" their assigned roles, and apparently, everyone had taken that a little too seriously.

Tori stepped onto the stage, script tucked under her arm. She wore a flowing velvet gown that was a little too long for her height, the hem brushing against her sneakers underneath. The deep blue fabric shimmered faintly under the stage lights, sleeves trailing just enough to be impractical. She tugged at the neckline—it wasn't scandalous, but it was definitely more "princess" than she was comfortable with.

Jade was already there, perched cross-legged on the edge of the stage. Black leather boots thudded against the wood like a ticking clock. Her costume was a mix of knight and rebel: a fitted black tunic with mock armor strapped over her shoulders and chest, fingerless gloves, and a sword belt that looked far too real for a school project. Somehow, she managed to make the whole ensemble look more punk than medieval.

"You're late," Jade muttered without looking up.

"I'm five minutes early," Tori shot back, rolling her eyes as she joined her. "You just got here earlier than everyone else to practice your brooding."

Jade smirked faintly, finally glancing at her. "Some of us don't need practice."

Tori's lips curved into a grin, the kind that promised trouble. She stepped closer, brushing an invisible speck from Jade's chestplate. Her hand lingered, trailing up to Jade's shoulder where it rested lightly, almost tender. Now locked into her role to show off her practice.

"My brave knight," Tori said with exaggerated solemnity, her eyes gleaming with challenge. "Ours is a love that must never be revealed. The world would tear us apart if they knew."

Her voice softened, silkier. "But some secrets are worth the danger... don't you think?"

Jade froze. Every instinct screamed at her to shove Vega's hand away and make some vicious quip. But the way Tori was looking at her—bright eyes, lips dangerously close, fearless—knocked the air out of her. Heat crawled up her neck, panic twisting in her chest, but she refused to give Vega the satisfaction of seeing her crack.

She steadied herself, jaw tight, heart pounding in her ears. Then, almost against her own better judgment, Jade reached up—slowly—and slid her fingers over Tori's hand where it rested on her shoulder. She squeezed back, hard enough to prove she wasn't trembling.

Her voice came low, rough, but sure: "If the world can't handle it, then let them choke."

Tori blinked, startled, then her lips curved into something softer, almost proud. She leaned in closer, tilting her head just enough to brush against Jade's space—close enough that Jade could smell the faint sweetness of her shampoo.

The moment hung heavy, charged enough to swallow them both whole.

And then the stage doors burst open like a cannon blast.

Cat barreled in first, shrieking, "Detective!" She wore a dramatic red gown with a corseted bodice, lace sleeves, and a hoop skirt so wide she nearly got stuck in the doorway. The skirts bounced as she ran, sending glitter fluttering in her wake.

Startled, Tori jerked back from Jade, her hand flying away as if nothing had happened—like the air between them hadn't just been electric. She smoothed her dress quickly, eyes flicking anywhere but Jade's.

Jade's stomach dropped, a quiet sting she refused to let show on her face. Why did Tori move so fast? Was it embarrassment? Regret? The question clawed at her even as she forced her expression into something flat and unimpressed. No one could know what had almost happened—not even Vega.

Cat dropped to her knees in front of Beck, clutching his leg. "You don't remember me, but you have to!"

Beck followed at an easy pace, his dark trench coat swinging at his sides, fedora tilted just enough to cast a shadow over his eyes. A toy cigarette dangled from his lips. He looked like he'd just walked out of a 1940s noir film—and somehow, it suited him.

"You're my beloved!" Cat wailed, dramatic as ever. "We were destined ever since we shared that spaghetti at the pier!"

Beck sighed, perfectly in character. "I don't remember that."

"The amnesia!" Cat cried, tossing her head back like she'd been struck by lightning. "It's wiping me from your soul!"

Before Jade could even process Tori's sudden retreat, another commotion thundered in.

Andre burst through the doors carrying Rex under one arm and a massive faux-leather spellbook in the other. His costume was pure chaos: a crushed velvet wizard robe in clashing shades of gold and green, topped with a pointed hat that kept slipping sideways. He had star stickers across his face like war paint.

Robbie trailed behind him, panting hard. His costume was clearly thrift-store armor—duct-taped shoulder pads, a plastic breastplate that didn't quite fit, and a cardboard shield painted silver. He wielded a half-eaten pretzel like a sword.

"Don't panic!" Andre shouted, flipping his spellbook open. "We've traveled far enough. This... this is the year 2025, right?"

"Still 2025," Robbie muttered, wheezing. "You checked your phone ten minutes ago."

"It could be a trick!" Andre hissed, clutching Rex like a sacred relic.

"Yeah," Rex deadpanned. "Because nothing screams 'lay low' like bedazzled wizard robes."

Jade threw her arms up. "This is a nightmare. I'm trapped in an actual nightmare."

"More like a comedy sketch," Beck replied coolly, though even he cracked a grin.

"Commitment, Jade!" Cat squeaked, still glued to Beck's arm. "You should try it sometime!"

Tori doubled over, laughter spilling freely. "Oh my god—you guys look insane!"

Jade shot her a glare, but the sharp edge dulled into something closer to a smirk.

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Author's notes: Hope you like this. I'll be publishing two more hopefully by tonight