I woke up and needed a moment to figure out where I was. The room was neat, with shelves and posters I did not recognize.
It was too tidy to be mine, so this had to be Leonard's room. So everything yesterday had actually happened, it was not a dream.
After getting cleaned up, I stepped into the living room. Leonard was fighting to stay awake over his coffee, and Sheldon was already at the table with his oatmeal lined up just right.
"Good morning, Adrian" Leonard said. "Hope you slept well"
"Yeah" I said, taking a seat.
Sheldon studied me for a moment. "Your performance yesterday was exceptional. I reviewed several vocal range charts last night. Your skill level is statistically above average."
Leonard smiled. "He means you were amazing."
The memory hit me in a warm wave. Everyone staring then Raj clapping, Howard saying he had goosebumps, Penny brushing away a tear and even Sheldon had stopped talking for a few seconds. It did feel unreal, but in a very good way.
"I am glad you all liked it" I said. "I did not expect that."
"You earned it brother" Leonard said.
Sheldon nodded. "You maintained pitch stability and emotional clarity. That is difficult for most singers."
Leonard leaned back slightly. "I still cannot believe you kept that talent hidden"
"I always thought I was just messing around and I never had many chances to show it"
Leonard shook his head a little. "You really underestimate yourself. You were amazing"
I looked down, not sure how to answer that.
Leonard tapped the table lightly. "There is something else we should handle today. Mom already sent me school recommendations and she wants you in Pasadena Unified"
I nodded once and give a weak smile. "If she chose it, then I don't have any choice then"
Leonard gave a small smile. "That makes this easier. The school is close enough and you can take the bus in the morning. It stops two blocks from here"
I nodded again. "That works then"
Sheldon did not look up from his oatmeal. "Good. That means the apartment schedule will remain unchanged"
He adjusted his spoon and kept eating without another word.
A knock came from the hallway. Leonard stood up automatically.
"I will get it" he said, setting his coffee down.
He opened the door without checking the peephole. The moment he saw Penny, his posture shifted into that familiar mixture of polite and nervous.
"Oh. Hey, Penny. Morning."
"Morning, Leonard," she said with a warm smile. "Sorry if I woke you guys. I just wanted to borrow some milk. I am out again."
Leonard blinked. "Milk. Right. Yes. We have milk. Plenty of milk. I will get it."
He hurried to the fridge while Penny stepped just inside but stayed near the doorway. Sheldon did not look up from his oatmeal.
Leonard found the carton and handed it over with two hands like it was fragile evidence.
"Here you go"
"You are a lifesaver," Penny said. "Really"
Leonard beamed a little too proudly. "Anytime."
She glanced past him and saw me at the table.
"Oh, by the way, Adrian," she said, shifting the carton to one arm. "I did not get to say this properly last night, but your singing was really beautiful."
I straightened a little. "Thank you"
"The Cheesecake Factory is doing an open mic night this week," Penny said. "It is small and the crowd is nice. If you ever want to sing again, you should stop by"
Leonard nodded too fast. "He should. I mean, if he wants to. It could be fun. Not that singing is always fun, but in this case it could be. For him. Not me."
Penny gave him a look that was half amused, half confused. "Right. Anyway, think about it"
She stepped back toward the hall. "Thanks again for the milk. I owe you one"
Leonard waved, a little awkward but earnest. "You do not owe me anything. Really. Anytime"
She left with a smile, and Leonard closed the door gently before letting out the breath he had been holding.
Sheldon spoke the moment the door clicked shut. "Your behavior was inefficient and transparent, Leonard"
Leonard froze. "Sheldon, please do not start"
"I am simply stating the observable facts," Sheldon said. "You smiled too widely, your voice went up in pitch, and you waved for three seconds after the socially acceptable cut-off point. Anyone could deduce you were attempting to impress Penny"
Leonard groaned. "Can we not have this discussion right now?"
"I am done," Sheldon said, already returning to his oatmeal. "You embarrassed yourself sufficiently without my help"
Leonard shot me a tired look while I tried not to laugh.
Sheldon went back to his oatmeal, satisfied with his analysis, and Leonard rubbed the side of his face like he needed a reset.
He looked over at me. "So… what do you think? Do you want to try the open mic?"
I glanced at the table for a moment. "I am not sure yet"
"It would be statistically unwise to commit," Sheldon said. "Given your limited performance history and potential for stage-related anxiety"
Leonard sighed. "Sheldon, that is not helping."
"It is accurate" Sheldon said, completely calm.
I let out a quiet breath. "I will think about it"
Leonard nodded. "Good. You can tell Penny after we get back from the school office."
Sheldon closed his notebook. "Excellent. Clear plans prevent chaos."
Leonard rolled his eyes but smiled. "Come on. Let's get your paperwork started"
I stood and followed him toward the door, letting the day move forward.