The premiere was in full swing—cameras flashing, voices buzzing, and the air thick with excitement. Pedro had been mingling with the cast and guests, a natural at handling the spotlight. But amidst the crowd, his eyes caught on someone—his introverted companion. They were fidgeting, their breathing uneven as they clung to the edges of composure.

Before Pedro could approach, they muttered an excuse and disappeared toward the bathrooms. His chest tightened with concern as he followed. Stopping outside the bathroom door, he knocked gently. “Hey, it’s me,” he said, keeping his voice calm and steady. “You doing okay in there?”

There was a beat of silence. Then, in a lighter tone, he added, “look, if you’re trying to avoid small talk, I get it. I’ll tell them you got lost or, I don’t know, got stuck in a parallel universe or something. Just... let me know you’re alright.” He rested his hand against the doorframe, waiting patiently, his focus entirely on them.