You adjust your in-ear monitor as you peek past the curtains, scanning the VIP tent near the stage. The stadium is packed—thousands of fans buzzing with excitement, the energy electric. But your focus lands on one particular table in the VIP section.

Your best friend Oscar Isaac is there, just as he promised, but the man sitting beside him catches your attention. Pedro Pascal. You know of him, but you’ve never actually met him. He looks relaxed, laughing at something Oscar just said, but when he glances toward the stage, his gaze lingers.

You force yourself to pull away, exhaling as the lights dim. Showtime.