When my shorts went viral last year, I wasn’t in the same room as the millions of viewers who ended up watching and sharing it at their own paces, on their own solitary devices. There’s something wildly different about this setting where everything is shared, including facial reactions. At least from behind the screen, I can pretend everyone likes it. Here, there will be no escaping tepid applause and upturned noses.

“They’ll be here,” Rae says, grabbing hold of my shoulders. “But I need you to calm down because I’m absorbing your anxiety like a ShamWow.”

“Ohmygod,” Benny gasps. “A ShamWow! Are you eighty?”

“I watch infomercials at two in the morning to help me sleep,” she says.

“If I were straight, or you were a straight-adjacent, emotionally unavailable man, we’d be perfect for each other,” Benny says.

“Speaking of.” Rae points into the crowd at the front row, where Rhett looks like a nervous bird. His head darts around as he tries to save way too many seats. “He’s adorable, but we should help him hold down the fort.”

Benny waves her off. “Oh, he’s fine.”

“Please don’t leave me,” I beg.

“Why are you such a wreck?” Chloe says from behind, with Sofía in tow. “Your short is amazing. You’ve poured literally your entire soul into this, and it’s perfect.”

“It’s not cliché?” I ask. “They’re not gonna become an angry Beauty and the Beast–style mob and pitchfork me to death?”

“If you ask that one more time,” Sofía chimes, hand raised to eye level and balled into a fist. “We’ve been where you are, and trust me, not only will you live, you’re gonna be a legend.” Her confidence in me is both a blessing and a curse. It’s inspiring to know that ridiculously talented people like her and Chloe believe in me, but talk about pressure!

“Your work is always amazing,” Rae says. “I wish you believed that.”

I do, I say to myself.

Benny bites his lip, and his eyes well up.

“Are you … crying?” I ask.

“No!” he shouts quickly. “Chaos Italian gays don’t cry. Shut up!” He yanks me into a hug then whispers, “You’re, like, the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’m just so proud.”

And folks, that’s what does me in.

“Alrighty, loved ones.” Professor McPherson bounds across the staging area. “It’s time for us to get. This. Party. Started!” She does a little jig with her hips, and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. “You’ll have plenty of time to celebrate after the showcase.” She claps twice to shoo everyone off.

“Love you, Chase,” Rae says. “You’re gonna be amazing.”

“Please make sure to—” I start, but Rae cuts me off.