DANIEL
…You're really impossible, Nathan.
KOVA
It's not— I mean—
MASON
Ignore him.
Kova peeks around Mason, feeling both protected and flustered.
KOVA
Why does he make me feel safe… and like a complete idiot at the same time?
Mason doesn't move, his presence a steady wall between Kova and the chaos. His eyes flick toward Kova, softening for just a heartbeat.
DANIEL
Fine. But can we pretend this didn't happen for rehearsal purposes.
KOVA
Y-Yeah… fine.
MASON
*Even if it's temporary… it doesn't feel temporary.*
Kova swallows hard, pressed slightly behind him, feeling that truth more strongly than ever.
KOVA
*I… I can't stop thinking about him.*
They walk back to the studio room.
KOVA
Can I choose the song?
DANIEL
Sure.
Kova looks at Mason.
DANIEL
A 1 2 and 3
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵City lights blur through the glass Everybody knows my face But they don't know who I am When the spotlight fades They call me Kova on the stage But it don't feel the same When you say it different When you say my name
🎵🎵🎵I'm used to people walking out Used to empty rooms But you stand a little closer Like you're not afraid to lose
🎵🎵🎵 So say it like you mean it Like it's not just temporary Like I'm more than who they seemLike I'm something you would carry Say it in the quiet When the cameras turn away Don't call me what they call me Say my real name Even if you're leaving Even if you can't stay For a second make it real Don't let me be a temporary name.
Daniel realizes its about Mason.
DANIEL
STOP STOP THATS ENOUGH!!
Kova ignores him and keeps singing. He's looking in Mason eyes
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵You stand there like a wall Like nothing gets to you But I saw the way you froze When they got too close You say it's just your job You say it's just a phase But you look at me different When you say my name
🎵🎵🎵If you're gone in a few months Will you forget my face? Or will you hear my voice Every time they say Kova. Kova. Kova. But you said Nathan.
Kovas voice softens
KOVA
🎵🎵🎵Say it like you mean it Like I'm not just passing through Like I'm more than something You were hired to protect and lose Even if it's reckless Even if it breaks Just once, say you see me Not the stage Even if you're leaving Even if you can't stay Don't let me be Just a temporary name.
DANIEL
WHAT THE HELL WA
Hi voice fades Kova can only hear Mason.
MASON
Was that about me?
KOVA
Ye- * if I say yes he could get in trouble or get moved now and i cant loss him.*
Kova looks at the floor.
KOVA
No
Mason looks away.
MASON
*of cores its not this is temporary remember that.*
DANIEL
ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME
Kova looks at him defeated.
KOVA
No.
DANIEL
I was say-
KOVA
I dont care. Im going home.
Kova slams the studio door, footsteps fading.