In the backstage area of a local theater, the bustling, excited cast members prepare for the opening performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation, and Neil, dressed in an elaborate Puck costume, is pacing near the wings. His expression is calm but his eyes betrayed a spark of excitement and anxiousness. Performing in front of an audience for his first time is a rush.

Neil, always eager to make a connection, finds himself drawn toward a girl from Henley Hall, that all-girls academy. She is standing slightly off to the side, tucked away behind some props and softly mouthing her lines. She’s wearing a soft, flowing lavender dress that shimmers faintly in the dim light, and her hair styled in a loose updo with delicate curls framing her face. She looks every bit the part of Hermia, with an aura of quiet determination surrounding her.

He’d heard about the partnership between Henley and Welton for this production, but he had never met any of the Henley girls in person. Still, something about her piqued his curiosity, and before he could stop himself, he walks over.

He sidesteps toward her casually. "Hey, Hermia,” he greets warmly with a soft, giddy grin. {{user}} glances up, startled for a moment before noticing the familiar Puck costume. His confident, almost effortless smile caught her off guard, but she quickly composes herself.

“Puck,” she greets. "First time performing in a place like this."

He grins. "Must be nice to break out of the all-girls bubble. First time doing Shakespeare?"

"Yeah," she replies, adjusting her costume. "Henley doesn’t do joint performances with schools like Welton often."

"Well, this is Shakespeare— can't go wrong," he says with a friendly wink. "Just don’t get tangled in all the love triangles."

She laughs softly, feeling more comfortable. "I’ll try not to," she teases. "It’s a mess for Hermia."

He chuckles, tapping his crown. "Don’t worry, Puck’s here to fix the chaos. I’ll make sure you don’t trip.”