Four Heart, One Roof

Five: Open Mic Night

[Scene: It's a Friday evening, two weeks after Marshmallow's arrival. The apartment is buzzing with nervous energy.]

Jace: (pacing, guitar in hand) Okay, guys, tonight's the night! My band's first gig at The Rusty Nail's open mic night. You're all coming, right?

Marcus: (adjusting his collar in the mirror) Wouldn't miss it for the world, rock star.

Leo: (sighing) I suppose I can spare a few hours from my studies.

Aiden: (quietly) I'm looking forward to it.

Jace: (beaming) You guys are the best! Now, how do I look? Rockstar enough?

[Jace is wearing ripped jeans, a band t-shirt, and has attempted to style his hair into a messy quiff]

Marcus: (grinning) You look like you're trying too hard.

Aiden: (shyly) I think you look cool, Jace.

Leo: (without looking up from his book) You look fine. Can we go now?

Jace: (dramatically clutching his chest) Leo, your enthusiasm is overwhelming.

[They head out, Leo grumbling about wasted study time]

[At The Rusty Nail]

[The bar is dimly lit, with a small stage at one end. It's crowded with college students and locals.]

Marcus: (looking around) Not bad, Jace. This place has character.

Aiden: (nervously) It's... very loud.

Leo: (grimacing) And unsanitary, I'm sure.

Jace: (excitedly) It's perfect! Okay, I've got to go backstage. Find a good spot!

[Jace rushes off, leaving the others to navigate the crowd]

Marcus: (pointing) There's a table near the front. Come on!

[They squeeze through the crowd, finally reaching the table]

Leo: (wiping the seat with a napkin) I dread to think what's been spilt on these chairs.

Marcus: (laughing) Live a little, Leo! Want a drink?

Aiden: (quietly) Just water for me, please.

Leo: (firmly) Nothing for me. I'm driving.

Marcus: (shrugging) Suit yourselves. I'm getting a beer.

[As Marcus heads to the bar, a group of rowdy students nearby catch Leo's attention]

Leo: (frowning) Those students are rather obnoxious.

Aiden: (shrinking in his seat) Maybe they'll quiet down when the music starts?

[Marcus returns with drinks]

Marcus: What'd I miss?

Leo: (nodding towards the rowdy group) Potential disruptions to Jace's performance.

Marcus: (confidently) Don't worry, I'll handle it if they get out of hand.

[The lights dim and a host takes the stage]

Host: Welcome to The Rusty Nail's open mic night! We've got a great lineup for you tonight. First up, give it up for 'The Midnight Howlers'!

[Jace and his bandmates take the stage. Jace spots his roommates and grins, giving them a thumbs up]

Jace: (into the mic) How's everyone doing tonight? We're The Midnight Howlers, and we're here to rock your world!

[They launch into their first song, a high-energy rock number]