Studio hallway. Cassian finishes rehearsal and steps out, sweat on his neck, jaw tight. Niko is waiting with a towel and a bottle of cold water. A third person lingers nearby—young, observant
Niko Lior
You skipped your second warm-up.
Cassian Rid
It was unnecessary
Niko Lior
Your vocal coach would disagree
Cassian Rid
She’s not the one singing.
Niko hands him the towel silently. Cassian takes it without thanks. The third person approaches, smiling too brightly.l
Jace
You’re Cassian Reid, right
Cassian Rid
(staring)
Do I need to answer that?
Jace
I’m Jace. Trainee under Sound line. I watched your set. Clean execution
Cassian Rid
You make it sound like I’m a math problem
Jace
(chuckles awkwardly)
Sorry—just meant it as a compliment.
(Niko watches silently, unreadable. Cassian wipes his face slowly, glancing at Niko.)
Cassian Rid
You hiring fans now?
Niko Lior
He’s not staff. Just a trainee
Cassian Rid
Keep him away from me
Jace
I didn’t mean to bother
Cassian Rid
You did
Beat. The tension thickens. Jace retreats with a small bow. Niko watches him go before turning back
Niko Lior
You didn’t have to do that
Cassian Rid
“Yes, I did
Niko Lior
He was harmless
Cassian Rid
They all are. Until they aren’t
Niko Lior
It’s a safe one
Cassian tosses the towel into the bin. Walks past
Niko Lior
I’ll send the next week’s schedule to your phone
Cassian Rid
Send whatever you want. Doesn’t mean I’ll read it
Niko Lior
You will
Cassian glances over his shoulder. No emotion. No warmth
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