They keep walking toward the boards, looking more relaxed despite the principal's solemn announcement.
Flora and William meet up with Hayden, Katie, and Mary outside the gym. The conversation quickly shifts to their respective assignments and plans for the evening.
HAYDEN: So, did you check your assignments?
FLORA: Yes! Section C for me. Literature and arts—it's perfect.
MARY: No surprise for me, I'm in Section A with Mr. Sarcastic over here. (She gestures toward Hayden.)
HAYDEN: Yep, team science. I'm going to shine by finishing exercises in 15 minutes and sleeping through the rest of the class.
MARY: (rolling her eyes) Yeah, sure… until you start begging me to explain something complicated.
KATIE: I'm in Section D, obviously. Sports, competitions… a glorious future awaits, you'll see.
WILLIAM: (calmly, with a smile) Section B for me. Economics and management. You know, planning for the future and all that.
KATIE: Classy, future CEO. Don't forget us when you start your first company, okay?
WILLIAM: (laughing) Sure, but you guys better behave, okay? No reckless spending.
FLORA: (beaming) We're all in different sections, but that doesn't mean we won't see each other all the time.
HAYDEN: Exactly. And speaking of that, we should celebrate. Karaoke tonight. Private room, just us.
KATIE: I'm totally in! Get ready, I'm going to destroy your ears.
MARY: And we'll be praying the walls are soundproof.
FLORA: (excited) I love it! We can sing our favorite classics and discover new songs.
WILLIAM: (shy) You can count me in, but… just saying, there's no way I'm singing.
HAYDEN: Oh yes, you are. If you come, you sing. That's the rule.
WILLIAM: (smiling) We'll see about that.
As the group discusses the details, Hayden, true to himself, shifts the conversation to a more serious tone.
HAYDEN: Okay, before we go, I need to tell you something. I seemed a bit off this morning, didn't I?
KATIE: Like, really weird. What was up with you?
HAYDEN: (sarcastic) Thanks, Katie. Always so subtle. Alright, listen. I have a feeling, or more like an intuition.
MARY: An intuition? Seriously, Hay?
HAYDEN: Yes, seriously. I had a strange dream, or maybe it was more than a dream. It said the world was going to change—and not in a good way.
WILLIAM: (worried) Change how? Are you saying something bad is going to happen?
HAYDEN: (calm) Exactly. And it could be soon. So I'm just telling you—stay alert, okay?
MARY: (pragmatic) Okay, you're creeping me out, but I trust you. You better tell us everything if you have any more of these "intuitions."
KATIE: And if you're wrong, get ready for us to tease you for months.
WILLIAM: (with a slight smile) Don't worry, Hay. We'll stay alert. But tonight, you're singing too. No excuses.
They all agree to meet at the karaoke at 6 PM. The atmosphere remains light despite the shadow of Hayden's premonition, each of them promising to make the evening unforgettable.
---
A Chic Café in Orlando
LIAM: (excited) Tonight, we're setting the place on fire. Private karaoke, guys! I want to see everyone on stage.
AMBER: (sarcastic) Oh, sure, Liam. You, who can't hit a single note right.
VERA: (provocative) At least he knows how to have fun, unlike some people here.
LOÏS: (crossing arms) I'm all for fun, but I don't want to waste my time. Who's paying the bill, by the way?
GARY: (arrogant) Loïs, stop with your money talk. It's ridiculous. I can cover everything if you want.
HARRY: (hesitant) Uh… Are you sure karaoke is a good idea? We could just go to a private club.
VERA: (smirking) Still so scared, Harry. Relax, we're here to have fun.
LOÏS: (checking phone) Clyde is coming, right?
AMBER: (with a wicked smile) Of course. There's no party without a little… chaos.
LIAM: (excited) Perfect! That guy knows how to spice up a night.
HARRY: (worried) Clyde? Seriously? That guy is dangerous.
GARY: (mocking) Still so cautious, Harry. If you want, stay home with your little dog.
VERA: (winking) Don't panic, Harry. Clyde's just a public entertainer… a bit intense.
LOÏS: As long as he doesn't break anything. I'm not paying for any damages.
LIAM: (laughing) You stress too much, Loïs. Alright, we're meeting there at 7 PM. Get ready—it's going to be a legendary night.
An Underground Laboratory – LIFE Headquarters
The laboratory is vast and cold, bathed in a clinical white light. Scientists in white coats bustle around capsules containing unconscious humans, kept alive by tubes and machines. Gabriela Sanchez, the CEO of LIFE, enters the room, her heels clicking against the tiled floor.
SCIENTIST 1: (slightly bowing) Mrs. Sanchez, everything is in place for the final experiment. The subjects from the local labs are ready.
GABRIELA: (cold and calculating) And the facilities in other countries?
SCIENTIST 2: (consulting a digital board) The laboratories in Europe, Asia, and South America also report that their specimens are ready to be released.
GABRIELA: Perfect. We must strike simultaneously.
SCIENTIST 1: (hesitant) But… ma'am, if we release them all at once, the consequences could be…
GABRIELA: (interrupting, icy) Devastating, I know. That's precisely the goal. This world needs a new order, and tonight will mark the beginning of our domination.
SCIENTIST 2: (cautiously) The subjects in the capsules here, in Orlando… should we release them tonight as well?
GABRIELA: (smirking coldly) Of course. Why not start our revolution in the very city where our headquarters are located?
SCIENTIST 1: But the public… the students, the families…
GABRIELA: (impassive) Necessary sacrifices. Activate the protocols at precisely 9 PM.
Gabriela turns to the glass wall overlooking the laboratory. She observes the subjects in their capsules with an enigmatic smile, murmuring to herself.
GABRIELA: Tonight, chaos belongs to us.
The scientists exchange uneasy glances, but they know they have no choice but to obey.
Gabriela's sinister plan is in motion, while, unknowingly, the high schoolers and the wealthy heirs prepare for their carefree night at the private karaoke lounge.
---
Neon Nights Lounge – Downtown Orlando
The karaoke bar is located in the heart of Orlando, on a lively street lined with neon lights and palm trees. The facade of Neon Nights Lounge is a spectacle in itself: glowing pink, blue, and violet neon tubes form a dazzling sign. The glass windows reflect the vibrant lights, while deep bass beats
Inside, the atmosphere is just as vibrant: a main area hosts an illuminated bar, where multicolored cocktails are prepared under dim lighting. The private rooms at the back offer a variety of ambiances—some bathed in soft red and gold lights, others decorated with futuristic patterns and holographic screens.
At the Entrance: The Groups Meet
Both groups arrive almost at the same time, crossing paths in front of the glass entrance. A subtle tension immediately settles between them.
HAYDEN: (nonchalant, observing the sign) Wow. What a place. Very… subtle. (sarcastic, turning to Katie) Perfect for your grand performance, I suppose.
KATIE: (energetic, shrugging) Oh, absolutely. They've never seen a show like mine. And you, Hay, planning to stand there all night?
MARY: (pragmatic, trying to ease the mood) You're already starting? Can we at least step inside before the bickering?
The wealthy kids' group moves forward as well. Vera leads the way, followed closely by Loïs and Amber, while Liam, Harry, and Gary stroll behind, looking unimpressed.
VERA: (arrogant, eyeing Hayden's group) Well, well. Look who it is—the hidden talents of the school. Are you sure you can afford this place?
LOÏS: (bored, checking her outfit in the reflection of a glass window) We could lend them a room… as long as they clean up after us.
AMBER: (mocking, with a sly smile) Or better yet—they could sing for us. That would be entertaining.
FLORA: (calm but firm) Thanks for the offer, but I think we'll manage.
WILLIAM: (smiling, switching between English and French) Exactement. And besides, some people here might surprise you—if you're paying attention, that is.
HAYDEN: (sarcastic, crossing his arms) Nice to see you're still as humble as ever. Next time, try coming up with insults that are a little more original.
LIAM: (smirking confidently) Relax, Hayden. We're just joking. But hey, have fun… if that's even possible.
The groups enter and head toward the counter to book their rooms.
RECEPTIONIST: (smiling) Welcome to Neon Nights Lounge. We have rooms for all budgets. What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?
VERA: (imperious) The biggest room, obviously. We don't do things halfway.
LOÏS: (materialistic, handing over a credit card) And make it exclusive. I don't want to run into anyone else.
AMBER: (sly, whispering) Make sure we have a view of what the other groups are doing—just for fun.
On the other side, Hayden and his group discuss their choice.
MARY: (pragmatic, studying the options) A medium-sized room should be enough. We don't need luxury, just a place to have a good time.
KATIE: (energetic, pointing at an option) Oh, the one with LED lights and the retro theme! That would set the mood, right?
WILLIAM: (relaxed, switching between English and French) Sure, Katie. Why not? As long as it's within budget, I'm fine with it.
HAYDEN: (nonchalant, staring at the menu) Doesn't matter, as long as they have comfy seats. And maybe an option to mute Katie when she sings.
FLORA: (gentle, smiling slightly) Hayden, you could at least pretend to be excited.
HAYDEN: (sarcastic) Excited? I'm already thrilled. Look at me, I'm overflowing with joy.
The two groups head off to their respective rooms, but not before one last exchange of glances.
VERA: (snickering, to Loïs and Amber) Do they really think they're going to have fun? Pathetic.
KATIE: (whispering to Hayden) If I hear them again, I'm dedicating a song just for them.
HAYDEN: (smirking) Now that I'd love to see.
Rich Kids' Room:
Spacious, luxurious, with white leather couches and a high-definition giant screen. Platters of fruit and refined drinks are arranged on a central table.
Hayden and His Friends' Room:
More modest but cozy, with a retro-futuristic theme. The walls are lined with shifting LED lights, and posters of 80s bands decorate the space. The couches are comfortable.
Inside Hayden's Room
The room is alive with colorful lighting effects, and Hayden's group genuinely seems to be enjoying the night. Tapas—including an assortment of small bites, spicy wings, and spring rolls—cover a low table, surrounded by couches where everyone takes turns after singing.
KATIE: (energetic, holding the mic) Alright, let's go full Beyoncé now! Who wants to join my performance?
MARY: (pragmatic, chuckling softly) Not me. Beyoncé is way out of my league. I'd rather do Ed Sheeran… but later.
HAYDEN: (nonchalant, crossing his arms with a smirk) Smart choice, Mary. Katie is already torturing our ears enough without extra help.
KATIE: (mock-offended) Shut up, Hay! You'll have your chance to butcher a song after me.
WILLIAM: (grinning, switching between English and French) Alright, Katie, show us what you've got! But after, I'm up. Can't let you steal the whole show.
FLORA: (gentle, encouraging) And I'll sing a duet with Mary, if she's up for it.
MARY: (smiling) Why not? Could be fun.
They go from one iconic song to another, with Hayden performing an overly dramatic rendition of Imagine Dragons, and William surprising everyone with a heartfelt Ed Sheeran cover. The atmosphere is lighthearted and fun.
---
Inside the Rich Kids' Room
Meanwhile, in a much more spacious and luxurious room, the vibe is entirely different. White leather couches surround a table filled with exotic fruit platters, high-end sushi, and champagne.
VERA: (arrogant, raising her glass) Honestly, no one deserves this place more than us. The others should be grateful just to be breathing the same air.
LOÏS: (bored, inspecting her nails) I hope Clyde doesn't take too long. Watching them panic a bit would be an entertaining distraction.
AMBER: (vicious, smirking) Imagine Mary or Flora's faces. We should record their reactions.
LIAM: (smugly) Relax. Clyde knows what he's doing. They won't see it coming.
---
Clyde Arrives and Enters the Wrong Room
In the dimly lit hallways, Clyde—a tall, muscular man with an intimidating stare and a menacing aura—wanders for a moment before abruptly pushing open the wrong door… and stepping into Hayden's room.
KATIE: (stopping mid-song) Uh… who's that guy?
CLYDE: (looking around, confused but provocative) Looks like I got the wrong room. But since I'm here… (he steps toward Mary).
MARY: (instinctively backing up) Sorry, but you've got the wrong place.
HAYDEN: (nonchalant but with a hint of anger) Yeah, man. Not your room, not your audience. The exit's that way.