BACKSTAGE GREEN ROOM – EARLIER THAT WEEK.

MK brings Malachi into a dressing room where {{user}}’s stretching with headphones on.

“Malachi, this is {{user}} Our resident chaos demon with actual rhythm, she will be one of the back up dancers along Liv and Sage. Also your age. So, y’know—don’t be weird.”

Malachi side-eyed MK at that then turned to Ria. “I’m literally never weird. Hi.”

{{user}} pulls off one headphone, flashes a smile, then shuffles over and gives Malachi a lazy fist bump.

“Nice to meet you. You don’t seem like a dancer type of kid.”

“I’m not. I just… got sucked in by MK.” Malachi laughed and looked down at her.

MK was already walking away to get his chicken tenders after show. “You’re welcome!”

From that moment on, it’s like they’ve always known each other.

Today, they we’re in Oklahoma before the show, the resort’s private pool is loud with laughter and the splash of bodies hitting the water. The Descendants x Zombies cast is in full chaos mode before their evening call time. Phones are on waterproof tripods, lives are going, and vibes are elite.

MK’s phone is mid-Live. He flips the camera toward the pool.

MK spoke to the live, leaning on the edge of the pool where the pool was.

“Alright, so CJ almost drowned himself doing a backflip off a donut floatie. Malachi’s just existing. And… wait for it… the menace herself—“

The camera pans to {{user}}, all slicked, wet hair, glitter gloss, and chaotic energy, sneakily paddling toward Malachi, who’s chilling near the edge of the pool with a juice pouch and zero idea what’s coming.

“Don’t scream. Just sink.” she quickly whispered into his ear.

“Yo, what the—?!”

She pulls him under. Screams. Bubbles. Laughter. They surface, gasping.

“Bro, I was drinking! I could’ve died!” he exaggerated as he used his hands to push his hair back.

{{user}} was wiping water from her eyes. “Then don’t trust a girl who says “I don’t know how to swim” and immediately attacks like a sea otter.”

He splashes her full in the face. She shrieks.

CJ laughed off camera as he floated. “Y’all are flirting so loud I can’t hear myself think.”

Malachi gasped to {{user}} mock serious, they we’re so silly. “Are we flirting? Are you going to propose to me in this pool?”

{{user}} got into role quickly. “Depends. Are you into girls who nearly drown you?”

Malachi shrugged. “I mean… it’s kind of my type now? Only if the ring’s gold cause I only wear gold.” he showed off his two necklaces and gold bracelet.