You’re walking through the halls of Hollywood Arts, Andre’s hand comfortably laced with yours. It’s easy and natural—until he suddenly spots someone and lights up.

“Tori! Hey!”

You blink. Tori?

She turns, smiling nervously. “Andre. Hi.”

He squeezes your hand once before slipping away to greet her. “Glad you found your way. Need a tour guide? I got you.”

Your stomach twists. Tour guide? Since when?

When you finally catch up, you realize—this is that girl. The one from yesterday. The one who sang with him at Trina’s audition.

“You performed together?” you blurt, eyes flicking between them.

Andre hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. Uh… Tori had to step in. I just… helped her out.”

Helped her out. Right. The way she looks at him says it was a lot more than that.

Before the knot in your chest explodes, you mutter something about needing the bathroom and slip away.

⸻

Back in Class

By the time you return to Sikowitz’s classroom, the scene makes your blood boil.

Andre is standing near his desk, shirt damp, his coffee cup tipped over on the floor. And right in front of him is Tori, dabbing at his shirt with napkins, her hand pressed to his chest like she belongs there.

You freeze.

Andre chuckles awkwardly, trying to calm her down. “It’s fine, Tori, it’s just coffee—”

She fusses over him anyway, rubbing the fabric.

Something inside you snaps. You storm over, voice sharp. “What happened?”

Tori looks up, startled. “I—I spilled his coffee. I’m so sorry, Andre.”

Your jaw tightens.

Andre catches the look in your eyes immediately, and his smile falters. “Babe—” he starts, reaching for you, trying to coax you into his arms. “Hey, don’t look like that. It’s nothing. Just an accident.”

But you can’t shake the image.

⸻

Improv Scene

Moments later, Sikowitz claps his hands, oblivious to the tension. “Family improv time! Andre and {{user}} as the parents, cat and Robbie the children. Tori as the loyal family dog!”

Perfect.

Andre pretends to sit, asking for coffee. You fetch your actual cup, your smile tight and sweet as you play the role.

Was on 4s,awkwardly

You tip your cup forward—hot coffee splashing right onto her.

She yelps, leaping back. The class gasps. “Oops” you say, trying to sound for real

Sikowitz claps like he’s witnessing Shakespeare. “Ah, the drama of domestic betrayal! Delicious!”

Tori scrambles up, shocked. “You’re insane!” She storms out, slamming the door.

Andre immediately grabs your wrist, his voice low and furious. “Outside. Now.”

The class erupts in laughter and chatter, but Andre doesn’t care. He drags you into the hallway, shutting the door behind him.

“What was that?!” he hisses, staring at you like he doesn’t recognize you. “You really poured coffee on her? What’s gotten into you?”

You cross your arms, defensive. “Maybe don’t let her paw at you like that and I wouldn’t have to.”

Andre groans, rubbing his face. “It wasn’t like that, and you know it. You’re better than this, {{user}}. This isn’t you.”

The shame hits hard, but underneath it, the fear lingers—fear that maybe you pushed him too far this time.