The next morning, Kova stares at the ceiling. He hasn't slept well.
KOVA
I like Mason.
He immediately covers his face with his pillow.
KOVA
Nope.
He sits up.
KOVA
I do not.
Silence.
KOVA
...I definitely do.
Kova falls back onto his bed.
KOVA
Oh my god.
He grabs his pillow and screams into it.
KOVA
Why Mason?!
He sits up again, running his hands through his hair.
KOVA
Okay. Calm down. You just like him. That's normal.
Silence.
KOVA
Except he's my bodyguard.
He freezes.
KOVA
And he's temporary.
Kova groans and flops back onto the bed.
KOVA
This is a disaster.
After a while, Kova finally gets ready for rehearsal. On the drive to the studio, he keeps talking to himself.
KOVA
I'm not telling him.
Silence.
KOVA
I'm definitely not telling him.
Another Silence.
KOVA
..Maybe I should. No.
He grips the steering wheel.
KOVA
Absolutely not.
He arrives at the studio. Kova walks through the doors. Then he sees Mason. Mason looks over.
MASON
Hey, Nathan.
Kova freezes. Every thought in his head disappears.
KOVA
...Hey.
And suddenly, all he can think about is one thing.
KOVA
*Say it.*
DANIEL
Hurry up love birds we have a tight schedule.
Kovas face gose bright red.
KOVA
DANIEL!!!
DANIEL
What its obvious you like him.
KOVA
DANIEL!!!
DANIEL
Whatever let's begin.
Kova walks toward the microphone. He tries to focus, but his mind keeps drifting back to Mason.
KOVA
Say it.
He looks over at Mason. Mason is already watching him. Kova immediately looks away.
DANIEL
Kova.
KOVA
Hm?
DANIEL
Song.
KOVA
Right. Sorry.
The music starts. Kova sings, but he's distracted. Every time he looks toward Mason, his heart starts pounding again. Eventually rehearsal ends.
DANIEL
That's it for now. Take a break.
Kova lets out a breath. He looks at Mason. He wants to say it But can't.
KOVA
I'm going to get water.
DANIEL
Just be back in 20 mins.
KOVA
Yup.
Kova walks away. Mason follows. Once there alone Mason whispers in Kovas ear.
MASON
Nathan.
Kova spins around his face red.
KOVA
Stop.
MASON
Nathan.
KOVA
Stop that.*its like he wants me to break.*
Mason takes a small step closer.
MASON
Why are you acting like this?
Kova looks away.
KOVA
I'm not.
MASON
You are.
Kova fidgets with his sleeve.
KOVA
I just...
He stops. Mason waits.
MASON
You just what?
Kova looks at him.
KOVA
Nothing.
Mason gives him a small smile.
MASON
You were about to say something.
Kova's heart pounds.
KOVA
Maybe. Now let's me get my water so im not late. I dont feel like getting screamd at today.
Kova truns back around heart pounding. He gets his water and practically runs back to rehearsal.
DANIEL
You ready?
KOVA
Yup.
DANIEL
From the top. 1 2 3. Go.
Kova starts singing his voice filling the room but you can tell hes not focus. He can't focus.
DANIEL
Stop stop.
KOVA
Ya?
DANIEL
Whats going on?
Kova looks down, fidgeting with his sleeve.
KOVA
Nothing.
DANIEL
You said that yesterday.
KOVA
Well, I'm saying it again.
Daniel narrows his eyes.
DANIEL
You can't even focus.
KOVA
I'm tired.
DANIEL
You're never this distracted.
Kova glances toward Mason. Mason is watching him. Kova immediately looks away.
KOVA
Can we just keep going?
Daniel sighs.
DANIEL
Fine. From the top.
Kova nods. The music starts again. This time he forces himself to focus but can't.
KOVA
*Mason. Mason staring at me. Masons here. Mason called me Nathan. Mason.*
DANIEL
Kova!
Kova jumps.
KOVA
What?!
DANIEL
You missed your cue.
KOVA
Oh.
Daniel sighs.
DANIEL
That's ot for today. Wrap it up everyone.
Kova nods. As everyone starts leaving, Kova quietly sneaks toward the smaller recording room.
KOVA
Finally alone.
Kova takes a deep breath.
KOVA
A 1 2 3 4
The music begins softly.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵 I don't know when it happened
Somewhere along the way
You became the person
I never want to lose 🎵🎵🎵
Meanwhile.
MASON
*Damn it is forgot my phone at the studio. I'll just run back in and grab it.*
Mason heads back to the studio. Once he grabs his phone he hears singing and follows it to the door to the smaller recording room. Mason stops outside the recording room. He recognizes Kova's voice immediately. Mason reaches for the door handle, but stops. He can hear Kova singing.
MASON
What is he singing about?
He stays by the door, listening.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵You make the noise feel quiet You make me feel like me And every time you're near me I forget who I'm supposed to be🎵🎵🎵
MASON
*Is this about someone else?*
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵You see the parts I hide away The things I never say And somehow when I'm next to you I don't feel so far away🎵🎵🎵
Kova takes a deep breath. Mason is frozen in place listening to Kova sing.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵I wish that I could tell you Everything that's on my mind I don't know how to say it But I don't want to leave this behind🎵🎵🎵
MASON
*Is this about me?*
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵Every time you walk away I feel the silence grow I wish you'd stay a little longer 'Cause you're the one I want to know🎵🎵🎵
Mason takes a deep breath.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵 I don't want another day Where you're just passing through I think I finally understand I think I'm falling for you🎵🎵🎵
Mason can't move hes glued in place listening to Kova sing.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵 I don't need to know what's waiting
I don't need to know how this ends
I just know when I'm beside you
I don't want this feeling to end 🎵🎵🎵
MASON
Nathan.....
He whispers.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵If tomorrow means you're leaving Then I wish that time would slow 'Cause I've never wanted someone The way I want you close🎵🎵🎵
MASON
Nathan oh Nathan....
He whispers.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵Maybe I'm scared of what this means Maybe I'm scared you'll go But if I never tell you You'll never really know🎵🎵🎵
Kova takes a deep breath and continues.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵So here I am, with nothing left to hide You're the one I think about every night I don't know where this road will go I just know I don't want to let you go🎵🎵🎵
Kova pauses.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵I'm scared to say these words out loud So I'll sing them here somehow I think I like you... I really do I think I might be falling for you 🎵🎵🎵
Mason stays completely still outside the door. He doesn't know what to say. His hand is still resting near the door handle, but he doesn't open it.
MASON
*He likes me.*
Inside the room, Kova takes a shaky breath.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵🎵 I don't know what I'm supposed to do I don't know if you feel it too But every time I think you're leaving I just want another day with you 🎵🎵🎵
Mason closes his eyes.
MASON
*He really means it.*
Kova lowers his head, still thinking he's completely alone.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵 Maybe someday I'll tell you Maybe someday I'll be brave But for now I'll keep on singing Every word I couldn't say 🎵🎵🎵
MASON
*He likes me? Nathan likes me.*
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵I'm scared to say these words out loud So I'll sing them here somehow I think I like you... I really do I think I might be falling for you 🎵🎵🎵
Mason stays completely still outside the door. He doesn't know what to say. His hand is still resting near the door handle, but he doesn't open it.
MASON
*He likes me.*
Inside the room, Kova takes a shaky breath.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵🎵 I don't know what I'm supposed to do I don't know if you feel it too But every time I think you're leaving I just want another day with you 🎵🎵🎵
Mason closes his eyes.
MASON
*He really means it.*
Kova lowers his head, still thinking he's completely alone.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵 Maybe someday I'll tell you Maybe someday I'll be brave But for now I'll keep on singing Every word I couldn't say 🎵🎵🎵
MASON
*He likes me? Nathan likes me.*
Mason walks back toward the main studio, his phone in his hand.
MASON
*Okay. He likes me.*
He stops walking.
MASON
*And... I like him too.*
Back in the recording room, Kova finishes the song and takes a deep breath.
KOVA
Okay... nobody heard that.
Kova opens the door. He freezes. Mason is standing farther down the hallway.
KOVA
Mason?
MASON
Hey.
Kova smiles nervously, completely unaware.
KOVA
What are you doing here?
MASON
Forgot my phone.
Kova nods.
KOVA
Oh. Right.
Mason looks at him. Kova looks back. Neither says anything. Kova shifts awkwardly.
KOVA
So... you found it?
MASON
Yeah.
Mason looks at him for a few seconds.
MASON
That was a good song.
Kova freezes.
KOVA
...What?
MASON
The song you were singing. Kova's eyes widen.
KOVA
What song?
MASON
The one in the recording room.
Kova's face goes completely red.
KOVA
You heard that?!
MASON
Yeah.
Kova's entire body tenses.
KOVA
Nope.
Kova turns around.
MASON
Nathan—
KOVA
Nope nope nope nope.
Kova starts walking quickly down the hallway.
MASON
Nathan, wait.
KOVA
I have to go.
MASON
Go where?
KOVA
Anywhere that isn't here!
Kova speeds up. Mason catches up to him.
MASON
You can't just run away.
KOVA
Yes I can!
MASON
You really think I'm going to let you?
Kova stops. He slowly turns around, his face still bright red.
KOVA
You heard the whole thing?
MASON
Every word.
Kova covers his face.
KOVA
Oh my god.
MASON
Nathan—
KOVA
I thought I was alone!
MASON
I know.
KOVA
I was singing because nobody was supposed to hear me!
Kova peeks through his fingers.
KOVA
Especially you.
Mason's expression softens.
MASON
Why especially me?
Kova immediately looks away.
KOVA
Because...
He fidgets with his sleeve.
KOVA
Because it was about you. Mason goes completely still.
MASON
Me?
Kova gives a tiny nod, still staring at the floor.
KOVA
Yeah...
A few seconds pass.
MASON
Nathan...
Kova looks up.
MASON
I like you too.
Kova freezes.
KOVA
No.
Mason blinks.
MASON
What?
KOVA
No, you don't.
MASON
Yes, I do.
KOVA
No!
Kova takes a few steps back, his face getting even redder.
KOVA
You're just saying that!
MASON
Why would I say that if I didn't mean it?
KOVA
Because you heard the song and you feel bad for me!
MASON
Nathan, I don't feel bad for you.
KOVA
You don't understand!
Kova runs his hands through his hair.
KOVA
I spent the entire morning freaking out because I like you, and then I finally get brave enough to sing about it because I think I'm alone, and then YOU HEAR EVERYTHING!
Mason tries not to smile.
KOVA
Don't smile!
MASON
I'm not laughing at you.
KOVA
It feels like it!
Kova turns away, completely flustered.
KOVA
This is a disaster.
MASON
Nathan.
KOVA
What?!
MASON
Look at me.
Kova hesitates. Slowly, he looks back.
MASON
I like you.
Kova stares at him.
KOVA
...Really?
MASON
Really.
Kova's face turns bright red again.
KOVA
Oh my god.
He covers his face with both hands.
KOVA
This is actually happening.
Mason lets out a quiet laugh.
KOVA
Don't laugh!
MASON
I'm just happy.
Kovas face is bright red. He avoiding eye contact.
KOVA
Can I have a hug?
Kova asks quietly. Mason smiles.
MASON
I'll do you one better.
KOVA
One wh-
Mason kisses him.Mason pulls back. Kova just stares at him, completely frozen.
KOVA
...You kissed me.
MASON
Yeah.
KOVA
You actually kissed me.
MASON
You seem surprised.
KOVA
I am surprised!
Kova starts pacing in a tiny circle.
KOVA
I spent all day trying to figure out how to tell you I liked you, then you heard me singing, then you said you liked me too, and then you kissed me!
MASON
That's pretty much what happened.
KOVA
Stop making it sound so simple!
Mason laughs softly. Kova finally stops pacing and looks at him.
KOVA
So... what happens now?
Mason's smile fades slightly.
MASON
I don't know.
Kova's expression drops.
MASON
But we can figure it out.
Kova looks at him for a moment, then smiles.
KOVA
Together?
MASON
Together.
KOVA
I have a question.
MASON
He's?
KOVA
W....Will you be my boyfriend
Mason freezes for a second. Kova immediately starts panicking.
KOVA
You don't have to say yes! I mean, you can say no, obviously, and that's completely fine and I probably shouldn't have asked and—
MASON
Yes.
Kova stops talking.
KOVA
...What?
MASON
Yes. I'll be your boyfriend.
Kova just stares at him.
KOVA
Really?
MASON
Really.
Kova's face turns bright red again.
KOVA
Oh my god.
He covers his face with his hands.
MASON
Are you okay?
KOVA
No!
Mason laughs softly.
KOVA
I have a boyfriend.
Mason smiles.
MASON
You do.
Kova peeks through his fingers.
KOVA
This is insane.
MASON
A little.
Kova smiles.
KOVA
I like insane.
Silence
KOVA
I have a boyfriend.
Mason smiles.
MASON
You do.
Kova looks down, smiling.
KOVA
I still can't believe it.
Mason reaches for Kova's hand. Kova looks at their hands, then smiles even more.
KOVA
I like this.
MASON
Me too.
Kova leans against Mason.
For the first time, the word "temporary" doesn't feel quite as loud. Kova closes his eyes.
KOVA
Maybe I finally found my person.