The next day, Julian was already planning their grand entrance for the talent show. They'd spent the entire lunch period in a corner, rehearsing lines from Hamlet like they were preparing for an Oscar nomination.
"To be or not to be," Julian said dramatically, looking off into the distance, "that is the question!" They spun around, nearly knocking over a pile of books on the table. "I'm ready for my close-up, MC!"
The MC sighed, scribbling a note in their notebook:
"You're going to knock someone out with that cape."
Luca, who had been snacking on chips, barely glanced up. "At least make sure it's not me."
Julian shot them a glare. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Luca."
Luca smirked. "I'm not jealous. I just don't want to be caught in the crossfire of your theatrical apocalypse."
Milo appeared, as always, with a stack of books big enough to start a new library. "Did you know that the first talent show was held in 1886? It was called the 'Grand Variety Night.' It had juggling, dancing, and—"
"Yes, yes, Milo," Julian interrupted, throwing their hands in the air. "It's not a history lesson, it's a performance!"
The MC quickly wrote:
"You're overthinking this. Just do your thing."
Julian looked hurt. "Overthinking? Me? Never! This is art." They paused. "You could be my assistant. Hold my cape, fetch me props, you know... normal assistant stuff."
The MC quickly wrote:
"I don't do capes."
Lila wandered over with a warm smile, and the world seemed to slow down. "Hey, MC," she said softly. "I'm glad you're coming to the show. It'll be fun, right?"
The MC felt their heart do that awkward skip thing again. They hastily scribbled in their notebook:
"I'll be there. I'll... watch."
Lila's eyes twinkled. "I'll be watching you," she teased. "If you do anything embarrassing, you know I'll call you out."
The MC quickly scribbled again:
"You'll have to shout. I don't speak."
Lila's smile softened. "I'll keep that in mind."
As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, the MC couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement stirring inside. Maybe the talent show wouldn't be so bad. Maybe it wasn't about performing after all. Maybe it was about the people they were sharing it with.