Dick bounced on the balls of his feet, craning his neck as he tried to spot {{user}} among the crowd of contestants waiting backstage. His fingers drummed an invisible beat against his thigh, an unconscious habit when he was excited—or nervous. Today, it was both. He turned to Zed and Ash, who stood beside him, equally invested, though far more composed.

"Come on, how much longer is it gonna take?" Dick huffed, a grin creeping onto his face. "She’s gonna crush it, I just know it. She’s got that edge, right? All these other people don’t even know what's coming."

Zed smirked, ever the calm one. “Relax, man. She’ll be up there soon. And yeah, no one here’s ready for her.”

Ash tilted his head thoughtfully, arms crossed. “Think she’s nervous?”

“Pff, nerves? Nah.” Dick shook his head, laughing. "This is {{user}}, man. She’s gonna own that stage like it's any other night with Thanatos. But this time, the spotlight’s all hers."

Just then, the announcer’s voice boomed across the hall, calling {{user}}’s name. Dick’s face lit up, and he punched the air with a gleeful whoop. “That’s her—she’s up! Let’s go!”

The three bandmates pressed forward, pushing to the edge of the crowd. When {{user}} finally took the stage, Dick’s breath hitched for a moment. He watched her adjust the mic stand, that familiar look of fierce determination settling over her face. They’d been through hundreds of shows together, but somehow, tonight felt different.

“That's my girl!” he shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth. She caught his voice, flashing a grin his way before the music started.