The stage is empty. The lights hum softly overhead. Kova sits on the edge, staring out at the empty seats.
KOVA
It's weird when it's this quiet…
He looks down, fidgeting with his sleeve.
KOVA
They all see Kova…
A small pause.
KOVA
…but he says Nathan.
Kova exhales, running a hand through his hair.
KOVA
This is temporary
He looks at his hands.
KOVA
Why is it temporary?
A voice cuts through the silence.
DANIEL
So you dont fall in love.
Kova looks at him.
KOVA
You suck, you know that, right?
DANIEL
Its the truth.
KOVA
Maybe. *maybe im already in love?*
Mason walks in.
MASON
Hey.
He says while looking at Daniel.
DANIEL
Hey.
Daniel says, clearly annoyed. Mason's gaze shifts to kova.
MASON
Hey.
This time softer.
KOVA
Hey.
Kova smiles softly.
DANIEL
We are supposed to de rehearsing. Let's go.
KOVA
Ok.
Kova walks to the mic.
KOVA
what song?
DANIEL
Neon hearts.
KOVA
Got it.
DANIEL
A 1 2 3
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵Running through the city lights Trying to forget the night Every face just passes by But none of them feel right Music loud, I play the part Smile hiding every scar Everybody knows my name But they don't know my heart.🎵🎵🎵
Mason's eyes dont leave Kova for a second.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵I keep dancing on the edge Like I've got nothing left But something pulls me back again Every time I catch my breath🎵🎵🎵
Kova glances at Mason— and freezes for half a second. Mason is staring right at him.
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵Neon hearts and blurry nights Chasing something I can't find-
Kova voice cracks.
DANIEL
Stop, stop, stop.
Kova gose still
DANIEL
Kova you never have voice cracks. What's happening?
Kova looks at the floor. Silence. Daniel sighs, rubbing his temples.
DANIEL
Your a pain you know that? Everyone take 10.
KOVA
Im going on a walk.
DANIEL
No yo-
KOVA
I'll be back in 20 minutes.
Kova walks out. Mason looks at Daniel. Daniel glares at him.
DANIEL
dont you dare.
Mason follows Kova. Mason fines kova at the park. Mason gose up behind him.
MASON
Nathan.
Kova truns around. His face is red.
KOVA
Stop.
He says embarrassed avoiding eye contact.
Mason steps closer.
MASON
Nathan.
KOVA
Mmmmmmmm *dont look at him. Don't look at him. Don't look at him.*
Kova looks at Mason and immediately regrets it. To close. To dangerous.
MASON
Are you ok?
He asks softly. Kova collapses into Mason and burys his face in Masons chest.
KOVA
No
Mason gently pushes Kova back just enough to face him.
MASON
What happend?
He asks softly. A voice cuts through the silence.
DANIEL
He likes you.
Kova truns in to a tamto.
KOVA
*If he knows he will leave.* y- n- maybe.
MASON
He dose?
DANIEL
I've been saying that since day one.
MASON
Nathan?
He whispers softly in kovas ear.
Kova freezes, heat rushing to his face, heart hammering. Every instinct tells him to pull away… but he doesn't.
KOVA
Daniel.
DANIEL
Its the truth.
KOVA
shut up.
DANIEL
You know your a pain?
Mason steps in front of kova.
MASON
Don't listen to him.
KOVA
*I wana hug him.*
Mason is glaring at Daniel.
DANIEL
You two dack to the studio.
Unable to resist, Kova wraps his arms around Mason from behind. Pressing his face to Mason's back, he exhales softly, feeling… safe. Mason stiffens for a heartbeat, then relaxes slightly, letting Kova cling to him. Mason smiles slightly.
KOVA
I...I can't stop thinking about you.
He whispers softly.
MASON
Then don't.
DANIEL
Seriously you two. Get moving.
Mason glares at him,unbothered, while Kova clings just a little tighter.
DANIEL
Like I have said this is temporary. Remember that.
Kova freezes, his heart skipping a beat.
DANIEL
Now dack to the studio.
The rest of the day gose by as a blur. The next morning Kova texted Daniel im taking the day off. Then texted Mason Water park? Mason responded water park? You texted the right person. I'll bring snacks and sunscreen. Meet me at 11. Kova grins at his phone, heart racing, already excited for a day of fun. Later at the water park.
KOVA
Hi!
MASON
Hey.
KOVA
What water slide should we go on first?
MASON
wo wo wo slow down sunscreen first.
KOVA
Fineeeeeeeee
Mason put sunscreen on to his hand and starts rubbing it on Kova. Kova bushes.
KOVA
I... I can do it myself.
He's says embarrassed.
MASON
Nathan you would just rush so we could go on the water slides then you would get brunt.
KOVA
Fine. You can do it. Only this time!
MASON
There's going to de a next time?
KOVA
Yes!
He says embarrassed. Mason smiles a bit.
MASON
Looking forward to it.
Mason finshes puting sunscreen on Kova.
MASON
There now we can go on the water slides.
KOVA
No.
MASON
Why?
KOVA
You need sunscreen. Your going to get burnt..
MASON
I'll be fine.
KOVA
As my bodyguard i command you to put on sunscreen!
Mason chuckles.
MASON
Ok.
Mason puts sunscreen on himself.
MASON
Now we can go.
KOVA
YAY!!!
They run toward the first slide. Kova is practically bouncing in excitement.
KOVA
Last one down is a rotten ice cream!
MASON
I don't think "rotten ice cream" is a real punishment.
KOVA
It is if you lose! Come on!
Kova jumps onto the slide first. Mason follows, calm and steady, but a tiny smile tugs at his lips. Kova's shrieking turns into laughter as the water rushes beneath him.
KOVA
I'm winning! I'm winning!
MASON
You're loud. I can hear you from here.
Kova splashes into the pool at the bottom. Mason lands smoothly behind him, and Kova looks up, pretending to glare but still grinning.
KOVA
Cheater! You're too calm!
MASON
Maybe. But I make sure you don't get hurt.
Kova's grin falters for a moment as he notices Mason's gaze lingering on him. Heart racing, he splashes water at Mason.
KOVA
Ha! Got you!
MASON
You got me… for now.
Kova laughs, sprinting toward the next slide. Mason follows, protective but letting Kova lead. Then a girl comes over.
EMMA
You're cute.
Mason looks at her, caught off guard.
MASON
Uh… thanks.
Kova freezes for a second.
KOVA
*Why did that bother me?*
Kova looks away, pretending he doesn't care.
KOVA
I wanna go on the water slides.
Mason looks at him.
MASON
Now?
KOVA
Yes.
Kova grabs Mason's hand and starts pulling him away.
MASON
Nathan?
KOVA
Water slides.
MASON
You really want to go that badly?
KOVA
Yes.
Silence.
KOVA
Very badly.
Mason looks at him, amused.
MASON
You're acting weird.
KOVA
I'm not.
MASON
If you say so.
They head to the next water slide. Kova is now walking beside Mason holding Mason's hand without realizing.
MASON
*He is so jealous. It's cute.* So are we going to race down again?
Kova smiles.
KOVA
Yup!
MASON
Your on.
KOVA
Ready? 1....2.....3...GO
Kova screams with joy as he races down the slide. The second he reaches the bottom, the splash makes him burst into laughter. Mason comes down after him, smiling, but still keeping a careful eye on him.
KOVA
Next wave pool.
MASON
Then let's go.
KOVA
Okkkkkk.
Mason follows Kova letting him take the lead but still staying close with a watchful eye. Meanwhile Kova is skipping to the wave pool.
KOVA
We here!
MASON
Let's head in.
KOVA
Yayyyyyyy!!
Kova runs into the waves splashing and laughing. Mason goes in behind him. Then Kova splashes Mason.
KOVA
Haha got you!
Mason splashes kova back.
MASON
Not for long.
Kova laughs and jumps into the next wave coming. The wave ends up being to big for him and makes him fall. Right as he was about to hit the water Mason catches him. Kova blushes. Mason holds hik there for a second then helps him up.
KOVA
Thanks.
Kova says still blushing.
MASON
No problem. It's my job.
KOV
Right.....
The rest of the day goes by In a blur.
KOVA
I'll see you tomorrow.
MASON
See you then.
Kova drives home. Once he gets there he flops into bed and memories of the day fill his head.
KOVA
*Best day ever.*
The kova yawns exhaustion finally catching up to him.
Before he knows it, he falls asleep.