The Hollywood Arts lounge is its usual mix of chaos: Tori and Andre arguing over a song lyric, Cat humming to herself while braiding Robbie’s hair (he’s protesting, Rex isn’t), and Jade scrolling through her phone pretending not to care.

The doors swing open, and in walks Claude. A guitar case slung casually over his shoulder, his fitted sweater hinting at a build that clearly doesn’t come just from music practice. Tousled hair falls slightly over his glasses as his eyes scan the room, calm and confident.

Beck (grinning as he stands): “Well, look who finally made it back. Everybody, this is Claude — my old friend. He was on that student exchange trip I told you about.”

The group looks up with varying degrees of interest.

Tori (smiling): “Oh wow, Beck’s mysterious exchange student friend. We’ve heard about you.” Andre (grinning): “Man, you’ve been gone a year? You better be ready to prove you still got the chops.” Cat (gasping): “He looks like… like a prince who does math and sings at the same time.”

Jade raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed on the surface but not hiding the way she gives him a once-over.

Claude sets down his guitar case, flashing a polite smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes — like he’s sizing everyone up before giving them his full attention.

Claude (with a small, knowing smile): “Guess I’ve got some catching up to do.”