Leo's first day ended with him clutching the Rent audition flyer like a life raft. Outside the school gates, he dialed his mom, Deborah.
Leo: "Mom? Yeah, survived. Met a guy named Jack who looks like a Disney prince mixed with a linebacker. And another guy, Michael—pretty, but he's got the emotional range of a feral cat."
Deborah's laughter crackled through the phone. "Honey, just promise me you won't date anyone who owns a sword collection."
——
Daniella Perez arrived in a whirlwind of glittery platform boots and a sequined jacket that screamed "I run this zip code." Leo's best friend since they'd bonded over Instagram thirst traps for Lin-Manuel Miranda, she hip-checked him playfully.
Daniella: "¡Ay, mi vida! You look like a lost puppy. Where's your neon jersey?"
Leo: "Retired. Michael called it a traffic hazard."
Daniella: "Michael? Oh, that walking red flag." She looped her arm through Leo's. "His sister Madeline? Total chaos. Jack cried for a week when she cheated. Now he's allergic to relationships."
——
At Bubblegum Brew, the café-slash-arcade hangout, Daniella's boyfriend Brian adjusted his "I ♥ Quantum Physics" tee.
Brian: "Leo! Dani says you're a Broadway genius. Want to see my Hamilton fanfic where Burr wins the duel?"
Daniella: "Mi amor, save the fanfic for date night." She kissed his cheek. "He's coding an app to track cafeteria tater-tot shortages. Romantic, right?"
Leo grinned. Brian's earnest nerdiness was a soothing balm after Michael's sarcasm.
——
Enter Jack and Michael. Jack waved, his smile dimming when he spotted Leo's hand on Daniella's arm. Michael? He faux-gagged.
Michael: "Dani, why's your outfit brighter than my future?"
Daniella: "Because your future's a black hole, cariño."
Jack slid next to Leo, smelling inexplicably of cedarwood and insecurity.
Jack: "So… auditions tomorrow. Nervous?"
Leo: "Terrified. What if Ms. Rivera hates my La Vie Bohème?"
Michael: "She'll hate it if you sing like a constricted badger." He smirked, but his eyes lingered on Leo's lips.
——
Parental Interruptions (The Drama Multiplier):
Jack's Mom called: "Sweetie, Madeline's mom says you blocked her! Be civil!" Jack groaned. "Mom, she keyed my bike."
Michael's Dad (a Broadway producer) texted: "Rent auditions? Don't embarrass the family." Michael's knuckles whitened.
Leo's Mom Deborah sent cupcakes with a note: "For my star 🌟 P.S. Is Jack single? Asking for my future son-in-law."
Daniella: "Deborah's a menace."
——
Later, Leo practiced "Take Me or Leave Me" in the drama room. Michael "accidentally" walked in.
Michael: "Your high notes sound like a teakettle."
Leo: "And your personality's a haunted house. Empty and loud."
Michael stepped closer. "At least I don't blush when Jack smiles."
Leo: "I don't—!"
Michael: "Please. You look like a tomato in a neon jersey."
Their banter crackled—equal parts annoyance and electricity. Jack watched from the doorway, jealousy flashing before he vanished.
——
The Cliffhanger:
Leo found Michael sulking by the vending machine post-rehearsal.
Michael: "I'm helping you. Rent's my dad's obsession. Fail, and I'm disowned."
Leo: "Why help me?"
Michael's bravado faltered. "Because you're… annoyingly talented." He leaned in. "And Jack's not the only one who notices."
Before Leo could process, Michael snatched his cupcake and fled.