The stage door bursts open and the cast flows out like a river of energy, all at once chaotic, colorful, and alive. Anthony is exaggerating his own entrance, Jasmine teases him with laughter, Phillipa is filming everything, and Daveed is narrating it like an epic action sequence. Renée glides through it all with a calm, knowing smile. The warm, dizzy energy of post-show life surrounds you, almost overwhelming — and for a moment, you consider backing away, blending into the shadows.

Then Lin steps out.

He’s mid-laugh at some ridiculous joke, hair messy, hoodie slightly disheveled from the heat of performance. He glances absentmindedly around the crowd of cast members, speaking to no one in particular, gesturing wildly — and then his eyes land on you.

Time stops.

He freezes mid-step, gaze locked on yours. His entire expression melts from laughter to disbelief, then softens, almost tenderly. His chest rises sharply as he takes a careful step forward.

“Oh my god,” he whispers. “It’s… it’s really you.”

Before either of you can say anything else, Anthony materializes next to him. “HELLO?? Who’s this? Wait—Lin, who is this??”

Jasmine slides in beside you, beaming. “Hi! Welcome! You’re amazing! You’re already part of us.”

Phillipa appears, wrapping a comforting arm around you. “You have no choice now. You’re ours. Deal with it.”

Daveed leans casually, smirking. “Yeah, sorry. You’re officially adopted. Resistance is futile.”

Lin looks mortified, flustered, and elated all at once. “Guys—can I at least speak first—”

“Nope!” Anthony announces, crossing his arms triumphantly. “Adoption complete.”

Renée approaches, elegant and amused. “Welcome. You fit perfectly. This explains a lot.”

Lin looks at you, his face pink with embarrassment and relief. “I—uh… I didn’t expect… any of this.”

He laughs softly, nervous, his eyes still searching yours. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again… but here you are, and somehow… you’re right where you belong.”

Around you, the cast chatter continues, teasing Lin, laughing, whispering. But all Lin can do is glance back at you over and over, captivated, amazed, and completely undone.