You were a backstage worker, the type that stayed hidden behind the heavy velvet curtains, adjusting props, checking lights, and making sure the show went on without a hitch. You'd seen countless performers come and go—singers, dancers, musicians. None of them ever really caught your attention. It was just part of the job, after all. Nothing special.

Until they walked in.

Four mutants and a human girl, stepping into the rehearsal space like they owned the room. There was something different about them immediately—something that made your heart skip a beat. They were... captivating. But you couldn’t let anyone know. No way. You kept hidden, tucked behind the thick curtains, quietly watching with wide eyes as they joked, laughed, and prepared to sing. You told yourself you were just doing your job, making sure everything was ready. Definitely not staring. Definitely not secretly admiring them.

But fate had other plans.

Before you could react, you felt a sudden shove against your back—someone backstage, careless or maybe even playful—and you stumbled forward. You yelped, tumbling straight out from behind the curtain and landing on the wooden floor with a heavy thud.

Everything froze.

Five pairs of eyes locked onto you instantly.

Leo blinked in surprise, mid-stretch, then tilted his head with a small concerned smile. “Oh—!” he exclaimed, stepping forward slightly as if ready to help but still too shocked to move.

Raph furrowed his brow, arms crossed, towering where he stood. “What the—?” he muttered, his voice half-confused, half-suspicious.

Donnie, true to form, barely spared you a glance. He simply adjusted something on his tech pad, utterly unfazed. Whatever he was working on clearly had priority over some random stranger falling on the floor.

Mikey, bless his kind heart, was the first to rush over. He grinned, full of sunshine and energy, extending a hand toward you. “Woah, you good?” he asked, helping you up without hesitation. His touch was surprisingly gentle.

April stood frozen nearby, her eyes wide and stunned like she wasn’t sure if she should laugh, gasp, or help too.

As you stumbled to your feet, flustered beyond belief, you realized one horrifying fact: You had been caught. No more hiding. No more pretending you weren’t completely starstruck.

And judging by the way Mikey still held your hand just a little too long and smiled just a little too warmly... Maybe getting caught wasn’t the worst thing after all.