Lars' POV

"So, the spring musical opens tonight, are we all ready?" I asked my friends as we were gathered in the school auditorium. Grace Khatri said, "Why is it that I got the lead role when it's only my first musical? Like, ever? I cannot sing, you all know that about me."

"Come on, Grace, you were amazing in rehearsals. And I'm almost positive you're gonna be just as amazing, if not more, tonight." Mia Fernandez said. Grace smiled at her and said, "Okay then...but do know that my musical theatre obsessed cousin is gonna see this. She flew in all the way from London to see us tonight."

"Wait, I've never heard about this cousin!" I said.

"She's taken, bi with a lean to men, and I'm 99% sure she's not polyamorous, Lars." Grace said.

"I'm not saying I'm into her-"

"Good. Now shut up and let's get ready to put on a show."

________

The school musical we were doing this year was Be More Chill, and since that was one of my favorite musicals in the world, I knew I had to audition. And I did, landing the role of Michael.

And the cast was amazing. All of my closest friends were in it, my boyfriend Tyler was in it (as Jake), and Sunny's girlfriend Raina was also in it (as Chloe.) This freshman named Vanessa Perez was playing Jenna, and my God, Vanessa is talented. 

I smiled and peeked out to see how many people showed up tonight. And oh my God, was this a full house! Most, if not all, of the students at East Bridge International were there, along with some teachers and a few parents who flew out here to see us tonight.

"I wonder where my cousin is?" Grace said.

"She came alone?" I asked.

"Yeah. She's like, 19." Grace said. I shrugged and said, "Oh..." and then the director said, "Kids, places."

Let's put on a show!

___________

My God.

I never knew my friends were such good singers until tonight. I mean, they all were amazing in rehearsals, but wow, they really gave it their all for opening night. Even Kai Hudson, the homophobic jerk in my grade who played Rich, did a decent job. Because at our first rehearsal, Kai sounded like a dying walrus with asthma.

But Sunny Kobayashi, who never thought she could pull off a big role, killed it. She absolutely killed it. Sunny played the SQUIP, a role she wanted because she, like the SQUIP, was from Japan. 

"Sunny." I said during intermission, tapping her on the shoulder. Sunny turned towards me and said, "Huh?"

"You. Are. An. Amazing. SQUIP!" And all those tumbling moves you were doing during Upgrade? I never knew you had that in you."

"Oh, don't you worry your little head about it. I have more up my sleeve."

"Y-you do?"

"Yeah! You just have to wait and see. Also, can't wait for Michael in the Bathroom. I know you're gonna rock that." Sunny patted my head and then the lights when down for the start of Act 2.

_________

"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Evie Schubert yelled.

"EVIEEEEE! You were awesome as Brooke!" I yelled, crushing Evie in a hug. She laughed and said, "You did great, Lars. Now where are the others?"

"Guys, there's someone I want you to meet!" Grace said, pulling a really tall and pretty girl over towards us. "This is my cousin, Lolita. Lola, this are my friends, Lars, Mia, Evie, and Sunny."

Lola screamed.

"YOUGUYSALLDIDSOAMAZINGOHMYGODIWANNABEYOURFRIENDS!"

"I'll be your friend!" I yelled. Lola screeched and then we exchanged phone numbers. "By the way, the guy that played Rich? Was he homophobic?" We all nodded and Lola said, "Oh my God, and he had to yell, 'Oh my God, I'm totally bi' in front of everyone? That is such sweet revenge and I love it!"

"Yeah, it was a pretty good show. Y'all ready for the after-party?"

"HECK YEAH!"