Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “Morning is a wonderful time to obsess over the things you can’t change. At least that’s how Keith is feeling.”

In an apartment decorated in black and white with red accents, Keith stares at The Circle screen in front of him. The TV mounted on the wall across from the couch has text at the top that reads:

CIRCLE CHAT IS OPEN

Underneath are the profile pictures of eight people. 

Keith says, “Circle, open up her profile.”

The screen switches to the profile of  a blonde young woman. In her photo she has space buns and is sporting a red bathing suit just like the ones on Baywatch. Her profile reads:

AGE: 25        OCCUPATION: Lifeguard

ABOUT ME: Just a former farm girl living in Miami and catching waves 🌊
I love to laugh, sing, and dance. Life's always more fun with a little razzle
dazzle ✨ I can’t wait to meet new people here, boys or girls… 💗💜💙

“She’s perfect, funny and challenging, the kind of girl you’d bring home to meet mom and dad - If I had parents - The only issue is…”

Keith walks right up to the screen and points a finger at the profile photo.

“Why can’t you be a dude?” whines Keith. “Like that guy…” Keith points at the handsome latino boy in the background of the pic. He’s wearing a matching red speedo, clearly also a lifeguard. “He’s exactly my type.”

Narrator: “Keith’s ideal man being one that wears a speedo is information we all know now. That’s the hot tea in The Circle this morning.”

He paces back and forth in front of the TV screen displaying his fellow player’s profile.

“At first she kinda seemed like a dick, to phrase it crudely, but since we’ve had some one on one chats I just feel...Ugh!”

Keith flops dramatically onto the coach. 

“And she defended me during Truth or Dare… What’s worse is I think she’s flirting with me for real. And Matt said she has real feelings for me.”

Keith stands back up.

“I have to come clean and tell her I’m a gay dude. We already voted last night so she can’t downvote me today if she’s mad. Unless the results make her an Influencer, then she can block me… Should I wait and see until after the rankings are revealed?”

Keith crosses his arms and walks to stand in front of the screen.

“I’ve made up my mind. Circle, open a private chat with Romelle.”

R        E         W         I        N        D

Narrator “Welcome to The Circle! This is the ultimate game in social media, and with $100,000 at stake, how you play is everything. Our eight players will live in this apartment, but they can’t hear or see each other. The only way to get to get to know each other is through a voice-activated platform called The Circle. When entering The Circle, they can choose to be whoever they want to be, themselves, another version of themselves, or someone completely different. Players need to compete in challenges, win friends, and gain influence. Just don’t get blocked and replaced by someone new. At the end the most popular player will win the $100,000!”

“Oh my god, oh my god,” says Lance as he opens up the door to his Circle apartment. “I can’t believe I’m here!”

He leaves his bag in the hallway so he can go around and explore his new digs. The place is cute. It’s bright and cheery with blue and yellow splashes of colour.

“Damn Daniel! This is so much nicer than my place!” says Lance. 

The excitement has him bouncing around from room to room.

“So many cameras,” says Lance, spinning around in the living room to count all the different cameras mounted on the walls. “Gotta make sure they get my good side.” He frames his chin with his pointer finger and thumb and raises a flirty eyebrow to the camera by the microwave.

Narrator: “Our first contestant looks like he’s trying to seduce a Hot Pocket.”

“Kidding! All my sides are good sides! Especially my back side.” Lance turns around and gives a little booty shake in the direction of the camera.

Narrator: “Now that we know how his jello jiggles, let’s get to know more about him!”

Closeup of Lance’s best sauve face.

“The name’s Lance.”

Lance sits inside a circle shaped hole in a blue wall with the name LANCE superimposed over his head.

“I’m twenty-five and I’m a lifeguard from Miami.” 

Lance walks across the screen in profile with the words 25, Lifeguard, and Miami superimposed on the background.

“I’m half Cuban and full on bi and very proud of both. I’m flirty. I flirt with everyone. It’s just my nature.”

Montage of Lance’s personal photos: He’s at the club, he’s dancing, he’s flirting, he’s hugging friends, he’s at Pride, he’s on the beach, he’s holding a surfboard.

“I know I can be a bit much. I’m loud, I’m energetic, I have a tendency to turn every conversation sexual.”

Lance talking to the camera with a colourful background.

“I know that whoever the future Mr., Mrs., or Mx. Lance McClain is, will appreciate me for me. But since this is a game and I want to come off as likeable as possible, I’m choosing to play as Romelle.”

Montage of photos of Romelle: She’s a lot like Lance, she’s at the club, she’s dancing, she’s flirting, she’s with her friends, she’s at Pride, she’s on the beach, they’re together in matching red lifeguard bathing suits.

“Romelle is an ex of mine, well…” Record scratch. “ She told me not to call her that because we only dated for a week and she’s deeply ashamed of that fact. But, since then, we’ve become besties.”

“Romelle is a fellow lifeguard. She is funny and gorgeous and everyone likes her.”

Lance talking to the camera with the words FUNNY, GORGEOUS, LIKEABLE superimposed over him.

“Which is exactly the person I need to be to win the circle. The real Romelle is a lesbian, but since I know I won’t be able to resist flirting with the guys, I’m playing her as bisexual.”

Shots of Lance dancing, laughing, twerking, and playing around in front of the colourful background.

“I would love to find love in The Circle. It’s something I’m always searching for. I’ve never found it as myself, so maybe I can as Romelle.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Inside his apartment’s bathroom, Lance is washing his face. He’s got nothing on, but a towel that’s wrapped around his waist. The Circle screen beside the sink chimes. Lance looks away from the mirror to read it.

“Allura has invited you to a private chat,” he reads out loud. “That’s already made my morning and I haven’t even spoken to her yet. Circle, open private chat with Allura.”

The chat opens.

“Message: Morning beautiful. Kissy face emoji. How are you on this fine morning? And send.”

ROMELLE  
Morning beautiful 😘 How are you on this fine morning?

The message pops up in the chat and Lance turns back to the mirror to pat his eye cream under his eyes.

“Should I tell her I thought about her last night? Or is that outside the rating of the show?”

Narrator:  “Um, maybe keep that one to yourself. You do know when the lights go out, the cameras keep running, right?”

Three little bubbles on Allura’s profile pic indicate she’s typing.

R        E         W         I        N        D

Keith stands in front of a bright red background and looks off screen.

“Look at the camera or look at you?” He looks directly into the camera and with a cocky smirk says, “Let’s do this.”

Closeup of that smirk.

“My name is Keith and I’m a male model.”

Keith sits inside a circle shaped hole in a black wall with the name KEITH superimposed over his head.

“I’m twenty-six and I’m from Dallas, Texas.”

Keith walks past a bright background with the words 26 and DALLAS superimposed behind him.

“I’ve never really felt like I had a purpose in life. I really don’t even know what I want.”

Closeup of Keith shrugging.

“But if I won the $100,000, I would have the funds to set myself and my brother up and I could finally figure out what I want out of life.”

Keith sitting crossed legged inside the circle shaped hole and looking broodily off screen in the most handsome way possible.

“Umm I never really chose modeling, it chose me. I got discovered out walking my dog, Kosmo.”

Still photo of Keith, Shiro, and Kosmo the Maremma Sheepdog.

“It’s a good fit for me though, because models just gotta sit there… walk over there… No one really expects me to speak or make small talk.”

Montage of Keith’s modeling photos: print ads for menswear, artistic shots with him in makeup, and different products like cologne. The last photo is him on a runway, it turns into a video of him walking it with his model strut and his disaffected face.

“I guess you could say I’m introverted. I have some walls up.” 

Closeup of Keith with two animated walls sliding up on either side of him.

“I think the key to winning The Circle is to really put yourself out there. Show people your heart. Too bad my heart is like…” 

Keith chuckles and looks off to the side, 

“Empty…”

He shakes his head and shrugs it off.

“Sorry, those are my ex’s words, not mine. So that’s why I’m going into the circle as a fellow model and my good friend Allura.”

Montage of Allura’s photos: print ads, stills from performance art, and the runway.

“Allura is the definition of ‘heart on your sleeve.’ She’s bold, she’s brave, she’s passionate”

Shot of Keith with the words BOLD, BRAVE, and PASSIONATE superimposed over him.

“She’s also the girl all the guys fall for and I very much wanna get some dumb guys to fall for Allura so they upvote her and I win.”

Keith tents his fingers together like a dorky cartoon villain.

“Also… bonus if the guy is cute, then I don’t mind flirting.” Keith smirks. “I don’t fall in love easily, but...” 

Keith sits inside the cut out circle and shrugs his shoulders.

“Allura might. We’ll see.”

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ALLURA
I didn’t sleep at all last night.

A message arrives for Lance before he overshares. He reads it out loud, “I didn’t sleep at all last night.”

“I’m going to take that as a good sign,” says Lance with a chuckle. “Message: I’m sorry to hear that, bae. If I was there, I would’ve sang you a lullaby. Wait… No, that’s too cheesy. Delete that last part. Okay, message: Just a bad night or was something on your mind? Then add one of those moon emojis and hastag tossing and turning and send.”

ROMELLE
I’m sorry to hear that, bae. Just a bad night or was something on your mind? 🌛 #tossingandturning

“I’m sorry to hear that, bae,” Keith reads out loud, “Just a bad night or was something on your mind? Hashtag tossing and turning.” 

“That’s so considerate of her to ask and yes, something is on my mind.” Keith runs his hands through his hair. “I really just need to come clean about being a gay guy. I’m not switching teams.”

Narrator: “Oh, Keith. You wouldn’t have to!”

“Message: I want to come clean about something.”

ALLURA
I want to come clean about something.

“I think I know what this is about,” says Lance. “Message: I don’t care where you put me in the ratings… I just care where I rank in your heart. Then heart emoji.”

Lance stares at the textbox. “Am I really putting myself out there like this? I think I have to. You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take. Circle, send message.” 

ROMELLE
I don’t care where you put me in the ratings… I just care where I rank in your heart ❤️

Lance blows out a large puff of air.

“I’m so nervous, I can’t remember where I am in my skincare routine.”

Romelle’s message sits on screen.

“I don’t know what to say to this,” says Keith. “On the one hand, my heart is like bursting knowing that she feels this way, but on the other hand, this isn’t a person I could really fall for.”

“Message: I’m so flattered, but I have to speak my truth. Maybe I’m reading too much into things, but before things go any farther, you have to know that I’m not a lesbian or have any kind of attraction towards woman.”

The message sits on screen in the textbox as Keith paces back and forth. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. Circle, send message.”

ALLURA
I’m so flattered, but I have to speak my truth. Maybe I’m reading too much into things, but before things go any farther, you have to know that I’m not a lesbian or have any kind of attraction towards woman.

“ ...not a lesbian or have any kind of attraction towards woman,” Lance reads out loud.

He smirks and chuckles. “Well, do I have good news for you,” says Lance. “This is it. I gotta come clean about who I really am. I’m hoping I can keep her as an ally when she knows the truth. Maybe she’ll hate me for deceiving her, but if there’s a chance she wants to make a go of this, I gotta try. Dallas to Miami isn’t that long a flight. I wanna know her in person. I want her to know me as a person. I gotta tell her.”

Lance rubs his hands together.

Narrator: “Hold on, Romelle aka Lance, because The Circle is about to throw a wrench into the works of an already complicated situation.”

“Circle message: I -”

A horn sounds as the words: ALERT! pop up on the screen, wiping away Lance’s private chat with Allura. 

“Noooo!” cries Lance. 

THE RATINGS RESULTS ARE IN

The next message from The Circle appears on the screen and he reads it out loud, “ The rating results are in. ”

“Dammit,” swears Lance. “What if I get blocked and I never get to tell Allura how I feel?” Thinking out loud he continues, “I guess she could be the one I visit before I leave, but then she’ll see…” He gestures down to his body. “Which, in normal circumstances is a gift, but in this situation might get me punched.”

There’s a hum as the words, back by that bi-pride coloured circle, change to: 

TONIGHT THERE WILL BE NO INFLUENCERS

Keith’s jaw is on the floor.

“What?! What does that even mean?”

The next message appears on the screen: 

INSTEAD THE BOTTOM TWO PLAYERS WILL BE INSTANTLY BLOCKED

“NO!” says Keith, tripping backwards and ending up on his ass on the couch. “They’re blocking two people tonight?”

He has double the chance of going home.

NYMA IS NEW AND CANNOT BE BLOCKED

"If Nyma isn't ranked," says Lance, counting on his fingers, "then out of the eight of us only seven are on the chopping block. The bottom two are blocked so that means..."

Lance holds up five fingers, but they're random ones on both hands.

"There are only five safe spots!"

Narrator: "Solid math."

A blue circle with the number 1 on it appears in the middle of the screen.

“I know who this is gonna be,” says Keith with an eyeroll.

The graphic shows the circle flipping over to reveal Hunk’s smiling profile picture.

“Of course its Hunk!” yells Keith. “Everyone loves that guy! He’s been an Influencer at least half a dozen times!”

“Good for Hunk,” says Lance, “He’s the nicest guy.”

“I don’t trust you,” says Keith, pointing at Hunk’s profile photo on the screen. “I bet you’re a catfish.” He gets awkward and adds, “and I’m saying this as a catfish, so I think I can tell.”

The number 2 appears on the screen. 

“Please, me or Allura, me or Allura,” Lance repeats to himself.

The 2 turns around to reveal… James’s profile picture.

“WHAT?!”

“That fucking guy!” yells Keith. His picks up a book and considers throwing it against the screen, but then thinks better of it and throws it down on the couch instead. “He’s such as asshole! I know that was him in anon-mode calling Romelle basic and Allura fake!”

“James has never broken the Top Four before,” says Lance, pacing into his kitchen to stand before the TV screen there. “There must have been some kind of ratings shake up or....”

“Everyone’s voting strategically…,” mutters Keith.

He sits down... Then pops right back up to standing.

“But then where does that leave Allura?” he asks, as he rubs his thumbs against the pad of his finger. “Or Romelle for that matter.”

Lance moves into the living room to view the biggest screen in the apartment.

“Only three safe spots left. Let’s go, Circle! Show us number three!”

As if on command, the blue 3 on screen turns around to reveal the profile picture of…

“Matt!” shrieks Keith when the next photo is revealed. “Where are all the girls?”

“Are all the ladies in the bottom four?” asked Lance. “Is this some kind of bro alliance? Am I not in on the bro alliance?”

Narrator: “If you don’t present as a bro, you don’t get invited to the bro alliance.”

That number 4 has appeared on the screen and its got Lance pacing.

“Only two safe spots left. If they’re not me and Allura, then what?”

The 4 turns around to reveal the profile picture of...

“Ina?” yells Keith. He flops down face first on the couch. “No, no, no. One of us is out.”

“In - whoops!” Lance has to bend down quickly to retrieve his towel as it falls. “I was so shocked, my towel fell off.”

Narrator: “There you go trying to make the show more adult again.”

“Either me or Allura is gonna get blocked from The Circle and I’m not even wearing pants.”

The screen switches to number 5.

“I don’t even wanna watch,” says Keith, making no move to cover his eyes.

Lance gets down on his knees and makes prayer hands.

“Please, please, please. I don’t wanna go home, but if it’s not me, give Allura the last safe spot. She’s the real real. She deserves to stay.”

The 5 turns around to reveal…

“Oh my god,” says Lance.

On screen is Nadia’s profile photo.

“Allura and I are the bottom.”

“That means Romelle and I are blocked,” says Keith.

6 and 7 appear on the screen. They turn around to show Romelle as the 6 and Allura as 7.

“Noooooo, I am so bummed right now,” whined Lance. He walks up to the screen where their profile photos are displayed. “I knew you were my ride or die, ‘Lura. Too bad it was die this time.”

He kisses his fingers then presses them Allura’s profile pic. Immediately the screen morphs into a red circle with the words:

YOU HAVE BEEN BLOCKED FROM THE CIRCLE

“That’s it…,” says Keith. “We’re both gone…”

The photos with the rankings morph to:

YOU HAVE BEEN BLOCKED FROM THE CIRCLE

“And just like that, it’s over.”

Dressed now, Lance starts packing up his stuff in the bedroom.

“I keep going over in my head how I ended up at the bottom of the ratings. I thought I got along with Matt, but I’ve suspected he’s playing more strategically than he’s letting on. Hunk, I would’ve thought rated me high, at least top three. But then again, Hunk likes everyone, so it’s possible Romelle isn’t that high for him afterall. Then there’s Allura...”

He stops and looks at the TV out of habit, but it still displays the message saying he’s blocked.

“...I thought I was Allura’s number one, but maybe that was just the game. Maybe she down voted me afterall. I dunno. I do know she was my top spot.”

Keith tidies up the living room.

“I hope I didn’t drag Romelle down with Allura. I’m the one everyone started to suspect during Truth or Dare. Romelle just backed Allura up, but that might’ve killed her reputation. Our alliance was supposed to be a secret, but I guess that made it pretty obvious to everyone that we’d split our loyalty between them and each other. I just wish -”

A horn sounds and cuts off Keith’s thought as ALERT! flashes on the TV.

“I think I know what this one is and I’m not stoked.”

Lance reads the words off the screen,  “Before you leave you will meet one person face to face.”

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOU WILL MEET ONE PERSON FACE TO FACE

He blows out a puff of anxious air.

“Who I want to meet is Allura, but I can’t because she’s blocked too. This is literally the worst case scenario!”

“What’s the point if I can’t meet Romelle?” says Keith, as he moves into his bedroom to continue packing. “I wish I could just meet her face to face and apologize. Tell her how funny and sweet and clever I think she is, but… I am way too gay and way too male for her. It just sucks.”

Keith zips up his duffle, finished packing already. He crosses his arm and looks at the message that’s still displayed on the screen.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOU WILL MEET ONE PERSON FACE TO FACE

“Who else can I meet?”

“I would like to meet Hunk,” says Lance, folding his clothes perfectly before placing them in his suitcase. “He’s so sweet, I wanna know if a guy like that is for real. Then I can find out finally if Shay visited him before she left and if he told her how he felt.”

“Maybe I’ll meet James and punch him in the face,” chuckles Keith. “It’s the kinda thing that would get me kicked off the show, but what are they gonna do? Block me again?”

Narrator: “Now, now, Keith. No need to resort to violence.”

“I kinda wanna ask Matt if he downvoted me,” admits Lance. “I could visit him. Or the new girl Nyma has a nice profile, but…” Lance sighs. “I don’t really want to flirt with anyone right now. Which… might be the first time I’ve ever felt this way. Huh.”

Keith’s in the bathroom fixing his hair. 

“I wonder who Romelle will go meet,” says Keith. “She was flirting with everyone at the start before we started talking. Then again, maybe she never stopped. Of course, then she might not have been blocked if she'd had others wrapped around her finger. I don’t know what to think. I guess I can meet her at the finale. She won’t even know who I am…”

Narrator: “Don’t worry, Keith, you won’t be able to recognize Romelle either.”

“I think I know who I want to meet.” He turns away from the mirror. “Let’s go do my final scene on this show or whatever.”

Keith walks out the bathroom.

“My mind’s made up,” says Lance, as he moves to the mirror to check his reflection. “It’s not who I wanted to meet, but al mal tiempo, buena cara.” He does a little touch up on his hair. “A good face to a bad time."

Narrator: “It is a good face. It’s just not Romelle’s face.”

Lance heads to his apartment door.

The screen splits showing him and Keith leaving their apartments at the same time.

Lance walks down the hall lit by fluorescent lights. He is a man on a mission. 

His stride - confident.

His fingers - guns.

He winks and finger guns the camera.

Narrator: “Ah yes, the camera loves you, Romelle aka Lance, but will whoever you’re about to pop in on feel the same?”

Lance reaches the door and gives the lightest knock before pushing it open. 

“Hello?” he calls out.

He walks into the apartment and down the hall. There’s no one in kitching/living room area. All the cameras spin to focus on him as he’s the only person in the room.

“HUNK?” he calls louder.

Lance goes to the hall and pokes his head in other rooms.

“Two bedrooms… Why does Hunk have two bedrooms?”

He comes back into the living room and looks around again.

“Where is Hunk?”

Keith walks down the hallway with an unaffected face.

Narrator: “We finally see that famous model walk. Werk it, girl! Or should I say boy?”

Lance plops down on the couch.

“Where is he?” Lance asks no one. “Late night gym sess or am I lost?”

Keith reaches the door at the end of the hall.

There’s a knock on the door. Lance startles at the noise. The door creaks as it opens.

“Hey!” Lance calls out.

Keith comes around the corner and stops when he sees Lance on the couch.

“Okay… you don’t look like your profile,” laughs Lance. He jumps up to give Keith a big hug. “C’mere!”

“You bastard,” says Keith, balling up his fist.

He takes a swing at Lance, but Lance dodges by jumping back.

“Whoa, Hunk! What the hell!”

“I’m not Hunk, I’m Allura and you’re a fucking dickhead, James!”

“You’re Allura?!” Lance blurts out.

Keith goes to swing again and Lance quickly backs up, throwing his hands up in surrender. “I’m not James! I’m not James! My name is Lance and I don’t play James!”

Keith drops his attacker stance immediately.

“This isn’t James’s room?”

“No, it’s Hunk’s,” clarifies Lance.

“Oh shoot, Hunk!” swears Keith, a grin breaking out on his face. “Dude, I am so sorry. I didn’t realize you play Hunk.” 

This time Keith goes in for the hug. Lance doesn’t return it because he’s so stunned and confused.

“I don’t actually play Hunk. I came to meet Hunk, but he wasn’t here, then you appeared.”

“So who are you?” asks Keith, leaning out, but not completely.

“M-me?” Lance stutters and blushes. “I’m, uh, I’m Romelle.”

Keith’s eyes widen. He’s just halfholding Lance in a hug and they’re both stunned silent.

“So…,” begins Lance.

The horn sounds and an ALERT! pops up on screen. He startles Lance so badly he grabs hold of Keith tightly. They both turn their heads to read the screen.

ROMELLE AND ALLURA, YOU BOTH HAVE BEEN BLOCKED FROM THE CIRCLE

“Romelle and Allura,” Keith reads, “you have both been blocked The Circle.”

HOWEVER, YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE

“However,” says Lance, reading he next message, “You have been given a second ch - are you kidding me?!”

“Whoa what?” gasps Keith.

“No way!” cheers Lance. He releases Keith to go do a victory lap around the room, while Keith stares in shock at the screen.

“We did it, Allura!” says Lance, running back into the living room.

“It’s Keith, actually.”

“We did it, Keith!” says Lance, scooping Keith into a real tight hug this time. 

They playfully twirl around. As they slow, Keith trips up and Lance holds onto him to keep him from falling. They look each other in the eyes, faces close.

Softly, Lance says, “So this whole time you and I have been…”

The Circle pings, drawing both of their attention.

IT’S TIME TO MEET YOUR NEW PROFILE

They both read it out loud together, “It’s time to meet your new profile.”

“Wait, we’re sharing?” says Keith.

A profile picture pop-ups on screen. It’s a grinning middle-aged man with slicked back red hair and a giant styled moustache.

“Who the fuck…?” blurts out Lance, as Keith bursts out laughing.

Narrator: "To Be Continued...."

Chapter Text

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “Allura and Romelle have left The Circle and their farewell videos have left the remaining players stunned.”

Pidge plops down on the couch in their living room with a bowl full of noodles. 

With their mouth full they say, “Circle, open Catfish Hunters Anonymous chat.”

The screen switches to a chat screen with three profile pics at the side.

“Message: My dudes! How are you feeling after seeing those back to back catfish videos? I am stunned! Add one of those head exploding emojis and send.”

MATT
My dudes! How are you feeling after seeing those back to back catfish videos? I am stunned! 🤯

JAMES
I knew our instincts were right on those two! There won’t be a single catfish left in the game by the time we’re through! 🎣

“There won’t be a single catfish left in the game by the time we’re through,” Pidge reads out loud. “Ha! Well, I’m not sure about that.”

Narrator: “There might be one teeny, tiny catfish left impersonating their brother.”

A message pops up from Hunk.

HUNK
I feel so bad they had to leave The Circle. 💔 They seem like such nice guys.

Pidge shakes their head. “This guy thinks everyone is the nicest. Which I can play to my advantage because he always needs help deciding who to rank the lowest.”

NYMA
They should’ve just come into The Circle as themselves. They would’ve done better. I can spot fake bitches a mile away. 🕵️♀️ #watchout

JAMES
They probably lack self-esteem. Being yourself in this game takes real confidence and integrity. 💪

Pidge holds up the middle finger to James’s message, while surpling up another mouthful of noodles.

“You’re lucky I need you, you pompous jackass.”

Narrator: “Uh, some of our players are getting a little too comfortable. Time for The Circle to shake up the game!”

The chat gets replaced with a message:

CIRCLE CHAT IS OPEN.

It then shifts to not six icons, but seven.

“Oh! Oh! Oh!” shouts Pidge, pointing at the screen. “New player!”

James stands in front of his TV in his bedroom and gawks.

“Who the fuck is this guy?!”

Close up of The Circle screen with the new player’s icon: A red-headed moustached middle aged man with the name CORAN underneath.

Hunk stands close to the screen inspecting the photo. 

“Aw. He looks so nice!”

Nyma looks up at the screen in the gym from where she’s working out on the treadmill.

“Whoa! He looks like the dude on the Pringles can!”

Narrator: “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”

Up on The Circle building’s roof, Keith is sitting in the hottub, while Lance removes his pants on the deck. He’s taking his sweet time, bending away from Keith so his ass is pointed towards him.

Keith’s eyes, however, are on The Circle screen. He jumps, sitting up straight and pointing.

“Dude, dude, dude, dude! This is it! Circle chat is open! Our profile is live!”

“What? Let me see!”

Lance goes to jump in the hottub, but his pants are still around his ankles. He ends up tripping over the side and diving face first into Keith’s lap. 

Narrator: “Just two dudes chillin’ in a hot tub. No feet apart because… wellllll…”

Keith grabs hold of Lance’s shoulders and pulls him up above water.

“Are you okay?” asks Keith.

“I’m okay! I’m okay!” says Lance, shaking off the water.

He settles down to sit in the hot tub. Near Keith, and looks up at the screen.

“I’m so excited to bring Coran into the game!”

“That name sounds so made up,” says Keith.

“We didn’t get to pick the name. Just the details.”

“Don’t get me started on the details we added.”

R        E         W         I        N        D

Still standing in their new living room, Keith and Lance are gripped in each other’s arms. Keith’s laugh fades into a throat clear as he awkwardly steps out of the embrace.

“We need to fill in the details of our new profile,” says Keith.

He backs away from Lance and drops down on the couch.

“Hold on,” says Lance, staying put. “I am still absorbing the shock.”

He does a full body shake like a dog.

“Okay, I’m over it,” says Lance. “Let's do this!”

He bounces down onto the couch and when he looks at Keith, his face reddens.

“Do - do - do the filling in of the profile,” stutters Lance.

“Okay,” says Keith, obliviously, “where should this guy be from?”

“The moon?” suggests Lance.

“No, but seriously.”

“How about New Zealand?”

“Very funny,” says Keith.

“I’m… serious.”

“I know New Zealand isn’t a real place.”

Narrator: “Oh dear, hunny sweetie angel…”

“You’re joking,” says Lance.

“We’ll just have to agree to disagree,” says Keith.

Narrator: “Way to break negative stereotypes about models and their intelligence, Keith.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Lance leans forward in the hot tub, missing Keith checking out his shoulders.

“Circle, open our profile,” says Lance.

CORAN

AGE: 47        OCCUPATION: Mechanic and Part-time Band Manager

ABOUT ME: G’DAY MY FELLOW CONTESTANTS! I’M A WORLD CLASS
UNCLE, FASHIONISTO, AND EXPERT IN THE OCCULT! I LOVE TEA AND
YODELING. I LIVE FOR MY NIBLINGS AND CAN’T WAIT FOR THEM TO
SEE ME ON THE TELLY!

“That’s too many capitals!” says Keith

“He’s a boomer. He doesn’t know how to type.”

“It’s talk to text,” says Keith.

“He was shouting enthusiastically at The Circle!”

“No one is that enthusiastic.”

“Coran is! That’s the beauty of Coran!”

“They’re gonna know. We’re making him too obviously a catfish.”

“But he’s so obviously fake, that he circles back to real.” 

“No one would fill out a profile like this!”

“Exactly! That’s why it’s gonna work.”

Narrator: “Lance might just be a genius… or a total trainwreck. Let’s find out what our other contestants think of this player!”

HUNK
Hey Coran! So glad you could join us! 

CORAN
G’day! So pleased to be here!

Pidge drops their empty noodle bowl on the coffee table and rubs their hands together.

“His profile is sus. Let’s get some details from him.”

MATT
Welcome! So where are you from?

Lance shifts closer to Keith and speaks from the side of his mouth.

“We need to come up with a town name,” he whispers. “Just New Zealand is too general.”

Keith looks at him, eyes flicking up and down.

“You know you don’t have to whisper, right? They can’t hear us.”

“Right,” says Lance, sliding several feet away. “Used to being alone.”

“Why would you whisper while you’re alone?”

“No reason!” snaps Lance, blushing.

“Okay so, we need to string a bunch of syllables together to make up a town,” says Keith. “Oh, I know! Message: New Zealand. Exclamation point. From a little town called Kalamazoo and send.”

CORAN
New Zealand! From a little town called Kalamazoo.

“No, no, no,” says Lance, pointing at the screen. “What city is actually real!”

A message pops up on screen from Nyma:

NYMA
Isn’t Kalamazoo in Michigan?

Lance reads it out loud, “Isn’t Kalamazoo in Michigan? Oh no…”

“I got it, I got it,” says Keith, quickly. “Message: Fun fact -”

“Oh, that’s good!” Lance says, interrupting. “That’s very Boomerish!”

“- Kalamazoo, Michigan is named after Kalamazoo in New Zealand. They are sister cities. Send.”

CORAN
Fun fact: Kalamazoo, Michigan is named after Kalamazoo in New Zealand. They are sister cities.

“I don’t know if they’re gonna buy that, dude,” says Lance.

“How are they gonna prove us wrong? Google it?”

Narrator: “I’m sure that’s the first thing our contestants will do when they leave The Circle, google Kalamazoo, New Zealand.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “It's been a long day for our Circle contestants. In Coran aka Keith and Lance’s apartment, our new roomies get used to their living situation.”

Keith is in bed reading a book. Lance passes by his room, brushing his teeth.

“Goodnight, Lance” says Keith.

Lance slaps a hand on the door frame and pulls his toothbrush out of his mouth to say, “Buenas noches, bonito!”

“Whoa… beautiful?”

“Oh,” says Lance, bashfully. “You speak Spanish?”

“I’m from Texas. That part of my profile was true.”

“Well, I’ve been calling you beautiful since day one,” says Lance.

“That’s what Romelle called Allura,” corrects Keith.

“Right…,” says Lance. “And we are not those people.”

Lance stalks off without another word.

Narrator: “That might be the most dejected I’ve ever seen someone on The Circle.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Thunder rumbles as rain begins to fall outside The Circle building.

Narrator: “The sun has set on another day in The Circle. With Nadia gone, we are down to six contestants. Well… seven when he count both Keith and Lance.”

Lance is at the table eating salad in the kitchen.

Keith is in the bathroom showering and humming to himself.

“Looks like our resident will-they-won’t-they’s are trending more won’t-they tonight. Let’s shake things up with an…”

ALERT!

The horn sounds and the Alert pops up on screen. Lance sighs.

“Right in front of my salad.”

IT’S TIME TO PLAY A GAME IF YOU DARE.

“...if you dare,” says Lance, reading out loud. “Keith! Did you see the alert?”

Keith walks out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist.

“What did you say?” he asks.

Lance has fallen silent, looking at Keith’s hip bone area.

“Hey, an alert,” says Keith, not noticing Lance’s staring.

YOUR TOY BOX IS OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR.

Lance jumps up to stand.

“Delivery!” he shouts excitedly.

Lance bolts for the door and Keith follows excitedly after.

“Wait!” says Lance, turning on Keith to stop him. “You put clothes on. I’ll get it.”

“Right!” says Keith, heading away.

“I cannot keep looking at those cute nips and not ask if I can lick one,” Lance mumbles to the door before opening it.

Narrator: “TMI, Lance. TMI.”

Lance grabs a large box from the hall and scurries happily back into the kitchen. He sets it down on the table as Keith returns from his bedroom wearing shorts and only shorts. Lance sucks in his breath when he sees him.

“What’s in it?” says Keith.

Flustered, Lance says very loudly, “Let’s do it! I mean, let’s open it!”

Narrator: “Did I just hear that correctly?”

They open up the box and pull out the objects inside.

“Candles… wine,” says Lance. “Are we having a date?”

Keith pulls out a box and shows it to Lance. It says OUIJA on it.

“Maybe with a spirit,” says Keith.

A horn sounds as a new message pops up on screen:

TONIGHT WE ARE HAVING A CIRCLE SEANCE.

“Tonight we are having a circle seance,” Keith reads. “Sweet!”

PREPARE YOURSELVES.
THE SEANCE WILL BEGIN SOON.

Keith and Lance look at each other and then knock into each other on the way to their rooms.

“I need to get my crystals!” yells Keith.

In Nyma’s apartment she unpacks all her candles.

“I love burning stuff.”

Hunk is vibrating with anxiety.

“I hope we can keep the lights on.”

Pidge draws the curtains closed in the living room.

“I wanna contact my brother and ask him why he sucks. He’s not dead. I just miss bugging him.”

Keith returns from his room dressed all in black and wearing fingerless gloves. Lance is lighting the black and white candles all around the coffee table, he stops to gawk at Keith.

“You wearing eyeliner?” asks Lance.

“Yeah, so?” asks Keith, sitting down on his knees beside Lance.

“Nothing. Looks nice. Do you think I have time to do winged liner?”

“Does anyone ever have enough time to do winged liner?” asks Keith.

Keith sets down several different crystals on the altar Lance has set up. Lance takes a gulp of a goblet of wine and stands up.

“You’re right,” he says. “I’ll just change.”

A horn sounds and a new message appears on the screen:

CONTESTANTS MUST CHOOSE ONE PLAYER
TO LEAD THE SEANCE.

Lance sits back on his knees as The Circle chat opens.

HUNK
Coran

MATT
Coran #mymancoran

NYMA
Coran 🔮

“Everyone’s picking us!” says Lance, running his hands through his hair.

“Because we put Occult Expert in our profile.”

“You mean you put it in our profile!”

“It’s okay,” says Keith, putting a hand on Lance’s wrist. “I got this.”

Lance stares at Keith’s hand on his wrist. 

INA
Coran

JAMES
Matt

“James doesn’t think you do,” says Lance with a frown.

CORAN WILL LEAD THE SEANCE.

Keith releases Lance’s wrist to crack his knuckles. 

“I’ll show him. Circle message: Good evening, friends. I would like to start tonight with a cleansing meditation. Send.”

CORAN
Good evening, friends. I would like to start tonight with a cleansing meditation.  It is important to have a positive energy. In your minds, picture a white light of protection surrounding you… your space… and this apartment building as our circle is a large one tonight.

Hunk sits cross legged on the floor.

“Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts.”

In James’s apartment he’s struggling to get his lighter to work.

“I haven’t even lit all my candles yet and they’re going on without me.”

Keith and Lance sit with legs crossed, knees touching. Their eyes are closed. Keith looks more relaxed than Lance.

“Negative energy will not be allowed or tolerated,” says Keith, in a calm, soothing voice. “Only happy, positive spirits and energies are welcome to communicate with us. Send message.”

Pidge is spinning the Ouija board’s planchette around. 

“When do we use these things?”

On screen another message appears from Coran:

CORAN
I require your focus, my friends.

Pidge’s eyes widen.

“How’d he know?”

“Message: Now,” says Keith, “Everyone place two fingers on your planchette.”

Lightning cracks outside the The Circle building.

Hunk is the only person who didn’t turn off his lights. When the lightning cracks outside his balcony, his lights shut off. Hunk shrieks.

“The power went out!”

Narrator: “Um yeah, except the cameras still have power and so does The Circle. Oh, sweet Hunk, you are being messed with. That’s what The Circle does best.”

A message appears on screen Keith and Lance’s living room screen:

HUNK
I’m getting scared!!! 😰

This time it’s Lance who responds.

“Circle message: Trust us, Hunk and stay positive. Peace sign. Send.”

Keith looks sharply at Lance.

“What?” asks Lance.

“You said ‘us.’”

“Fuck!”

CORAN
Trust us, Hunk and stay positive. ✌️

Hunk reads the message out loud, “Trust us, Hunk and stay positive.” He nods. “Message: That’s right. We’re all in this together. Staying positive.”

HUNK
That’s right. We’re all in this together. Staying positive.

“I think we dodged that one,” says Lance.

Keith and Lance have two fingers each on the planchette of their Ouija board. Their pointer fingers touch. Lance swallows. Keith lets out a puff of air.

“Message: I am going to ask a question and I want everyone to hold it in their mind. Send.”

Nyma has her fingers on her planchette, eyes closed. She blinks her eyes open and looks at the message on screen.

CORAN
I’m going to ask a question and I want everyone to hold it in their mind.

“I keep closing my eyes and forgetting I need to read what’s being said.”

CORAN
First we ask if there is a spirit with us tonight?

Nyma says out loud, “Is there a spirit with us tonight?... Hello?”

Pidge looks down at their immobile planchette.

“It’s not doing the thing.”

Hunk is visibly shaking.

“Please don’t move, please don’t move, please don’t move…”

Keith and Lance’s planchette is moving.

Narrator: “Friends, we have contact…”

“If it moves to the no,” says Lance, “we’ll know they’re lying.”

The planchette creeps towards the YES.

“You’re moving it,” says Lance.

“I’m not,” says Keith.

“Yes, you are! I can feel you tugging!”

“That’s the spirit,” says Keith, nudging Lance with his shoulder. Lance nudges him right back as the planchette shoots the rest of the way to YES.

Lance and Keith hold eye contact, faces close, then Keith clears his throat.

“Message: The answer I received is yes. Did anyone else get a yes? Send.” He looks at Lance and says, “So weird to run a seance this way and not see everyone.”

“As opposed to only not seeing the spirits?” teases Lance.

Messages arrive from everyone else.

HUNK
No

MATT
No

INA
No

NYMA
No

JAMES
YES!

“Two yes’s,” says Lance to himself. “I wonder if his apartment is close to ours and we’ve got the same spirit or if we’re dealing with two.”

“Message,” begins Keith, “Now that we’ve established a connection, we will begin asking more personal questions.”

CORAN
Now that we’ve established a connection, we will begin asking more personal questions. Say out loud, “Welcome. What is your name?”

Nyma looks around.

“So, um, what’s your name?” She frowns. “Days of talking to myself and now I feel silly.”

Pidge looks up at the ceiling.

“Yo! You got a name?”

Narrator: “Good thing Coran aka Keith and Lance are taking this seriously.”

The planchette drifts to Keith’s side of the board.

“You’re moving it,” hisses Lance.

“I am not.”

Lance yanks the planchette in the opposite direction.

“Don’t tug on it!” screeches Keith. “You need a light touch!”

“You’re not touching it light! Your knuckles are white!”

“They’re always white! I’m pale!”

They begin nudging each other again with their shoulders and break out into giggles. Their heads dip closer together, eyes meeting each other instead of looking at the Ouija board.

“I definitely… feel… something,” murmurs Lance, shifting his gaze to Keith’s lips.

“Yeah...same,” whispers Keith.

There’s a bloop as a new message arrives. Keith turns to the screen. Lance frowns.

JAMES
Mine is spelling out a name!

Keith leans forward, his attention now fully on the screen.

“Message: Good, James. Let us know what they are spelling. Send.”

JAMES
A
L

“Al?” says Lance. “The spirit is named Al? Is he ‘our long lost pal?’”

Keith shushes him. “James is still typing!”

JAMES
L
U
R
A

“Whaaaaaat?” gasps Pidge.

“Allura as in Blocked Allura?” asks Nyma.

“This doesn’t mean Allura is a g-g-ghost, does it?” stutters Hunk.

Lance’s jaw drops.

“No way!” he gasps.

Keith launches to his feet.

“He knows!” growls Keith. “He knows who we are and he’s fucking with us!”

“Whoa, Keith, calm down,” says Lance. “There’s no way he could know. He’s probably just fucknig around.”

Not listening, Keith says, “Message: James, what is your game bringing up a blocked player? S-”

“STOP!” bellows Lance.

He stands up and grabs Keith by the shoulders.

“Keith, think! Coran entered The Circle after Allura was blocked! He’s never heard that name before and we have to play this as Coran.”

Narrator: “Oh and it’s a quick save by Lance!”

Keith drops his head down and sighs.

“You’re right. This isn’t worth losing $100,000.”

“Well, fifty, because we’re splitting it, but yeah. Circle, delete message.” Lance nods at the screen. “I’ll wrap up the seance as Coran. You go lay down and clear your head.”

Keith steps back out of Lance’s grasp.

“Yeah… yeah okay…”

Keith begins to walk to his room, then pauses.

“Thanks Lance,” he says, softly. “I’m glad we’re paired together.”

“You’re sure you wouldn’t I rather be Romelle?” jokes Lance.

Keith looks confused as he answers, “Why?”

“Hot girl partner?” Lance says with a shrug.

After a beat just starting, Keith says, “They chat is going crazy, you should say something.”

“Oh… right… The game.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “It’s a relief to know The Circle isn’t really haunted. Not by ghost anyway.”

Keith is in bed reading a new book. Lance passes by brushing his teeth.

“Night Lance!” calls out Keith.

Lance stops and pulls his toothbrush out of his mouth. Instead of staying in the doorway, he takes a step inside the bedroom.

“You doing better?” he asks

“Yeah, thanks for stopping me from blowing it.”

“Of course, it’s my money on the line too.”

Silence falls. Lance doesn’t retreat.

“Can I tell you something?” he asks.

Keith puts his book to the side.

“What’s up?”

Lance walks up and settles down on the edge of Keith’s bed.

“Beyond the name, everything in my profile was true. I am a farm kid. I am twenty-five. I do live in Miami and I like to meet new people. Boys and girls.”

“Okay,” says Keith, drawing his knees up to his chest.

“When I was talking to you before, I was going by Romelle, but I wasn’t being her. I was me.”

“Okay.”

Narrator: “Keith’s gone monosyllabic. That’s not a good sign.”

“So I guess what I would like to know,” continues Lance, “is if you were being you or if you were being Allura?”

“I was… mostly myself.”

Narrator: “He speaks in sentences. Almost…”

“And right before we got blocked, you said you’re not a lesbian - well, obviously - or attracted to women in any way.”

“Yeah...”

Narrator: “We’re losing him again!”

“Then other thing I’d like to know is if that was the truth or if you maybe swapped your gender preference?”

Narrator: “At this point, I’d like to remind everyone watching at home that Keith pinpointed a photo of Lance in a thong as ‘his type.’”

Keith looks like a deer caught in headlights.

“My, uh, statement still stands,”he says, shyly.

“‘Kay,” says Lance with a nod.

Narrator: “The monosyllables are contagious.”

“So,” says Lance after they sit in silence gazing at each other. “Would it be okay if I kis-”

Keith dives forward and cuts Lance off with a kiss. Lance tosses his toothbrush to the side and takes Keith’s face in his hands to kiss him harder. 

Narrator: “FINALLY! And I speak for all of us when I say that.”

After several moments, Lance pulls back and says, “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment you told me you’d played Allura.”

“I couldn’t tell,” says Keith, honestly.

“You couldn’t tell?!” shreeches Lance. “Keith, everyone at home watching has been wondering why the bi disaster can’t stop drooling at the hot emo model long enough to form sentences!”

“You sentence good,” says Keith. “And I’m famously bad at this stuff.”

“Well, I’m great at it.” Lance thinks better of this. “That sounded slutty.”

Keith laughs.

“You know,” says Lance, “that seance kinda spooked me. I don’t think I will be able to sleep tonight… at least not alone.”

Keith kisses him again. They begin shifting, without pulling away from the kiss. Keith pulls back his covers and Lance clambers under the blankets.

Narrator: “Whoa okay! We’re gonna cut away now because I don’t think they remember they’re being filmed. Let’s see if any of our other contestants are doing something equally as exciting.”

Inside Nyma’s bathroom, she’s flossing her teeth.

In Hunk’s room, he settles down in bed with his teddy bear.

“Night, night, Bear Boh Bi.”

In Pidge’s room, they’re passed out on top of their bed, asleep with the lights still on.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “A new day is dawning in The Circle. I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to check in on Coran aka Keith and Lance’.”

Lance’s bedroom is empty.

Narrator: “Hey, where is Lance?”

In Keith’s bedroom, him and Lance are asleep in his bed. They are wrapped up together and at the very least shirtless.

Narrator: “Well, this is a Circle first.”

They stir, Lance lifts his head from Keith’s chest and looks down at a blinking Keith.

“G’day, bonito.”

Keith laughs. “G’day, fellow Kalamazooian.”

“I need to confess something,” says Lance, very seriously.

Freaked looking, Keith asks, “What is it?”

“I was moving the Ouija board thingy last night.”

“You asshole,” says Keith, with a laugh.

Lance starts laughing too. Keith hits him playfully with his pillow.

Narrator: “Aw. Ain’t they cute? I’m sure our other contestants are having a good morning too.”

******

Pidge is passed out in the exact same position on their bed. They snore and cough themself awake.

Narrator: “Okay, that’s boring. Luckily, The Circle always has something exciting in store.  

******

Shot of a set of legs in high heels walking down The Circle hallway with a bag in tow.

******

Back in Coran’s apartment, Lance is arranging breakfast foods onto a tray. He picks it up and starts to carefully walk it towards the hall. He nearly walks right into Keith.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!” says Lance, “What are you doing out of bed?”

“You’re out here.”

“Yeah, but I was about to go in there, with breakfast in bed for you.”

“I’ll eat it here.”

Keith takes the tray and turns to put it down on the table. He sits down.

“Hey! You can’t eat at the table.”

“But I’m already at the table.”

“Yeah, but eating food I prepared for you at the table warrants a, ‘Thanks for the grub, man,’ but eating the food I prepared for you in bed warrants a, ‘Thanks for the romantic breakfast, you sexy, sexy man!’”

“Hey…” Keith reaches out and grabs Lance’s hand. “Thanks for the romantic breakfast, you sexy, sexy man!”

Lance blushes and looks away.

“Funny, that sounded way less cheesy when I said it,” he chuckles.

“Will you sit down and have a romantic breakfast with me already?”

“‘Kay.”

Lance leans down and kisses Keith on the top of his head, then heads over to the stove where the rest of the eggs are.

“Oh hey, Circle chat is open,” says Lance, pausing to look at the screen. “And we have Ina’s replacement already. See. Seven profile pics.”

“What does the new player look like?” calls out Keith.

Lance doesn’t respond, just stares at the screen. 

“Lance?”

The plate Lance is holding clatters down onto the counter.

“Are you okay?” asks Keith, standing up. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Not a ghost…,” mutters Lance. “So, uh, you got blocked from the game right?”

“Well, once, wait… we’re not blocked again are we?”

Keith strides over to look at the screen.

“No…,” he gasps. “What?”

The profile photos are: Matt, James, Coran, Hunk, Ina, Nyma, and Allura.

“W-w-why is Allura back there?” asks Lance.

“Am I Allura again?” asks Keith, panicked. “I don’t wanna be Allura again. I wanna stay here with you.”

Keith grabs hold of Lance. Lance grabs him right back.

“I’m not letting them take you,” insists Lance.

In the workout room, James nearly drops the weight he’s holding on his foot.

“What the fuck? Did I summon her back? That was a prank! The stupid thingy never moved!”

Pidge sits at their table, with a mouthful of cereal.

Swallowing, they say, “That’s not her though. We already know it’s that guy, Kyle.”

Up on the rooftop, in the hottub, Hunk claps his hands together in delight. 

“Oh, he got another chance! Good for him!”

Nyma paces in front of her screen in the livingroom.

“We voted him out! How is that possible?”

Keith and Lance are hugging each other tighter now.

“Maybe it’s a glitch,” says Keith, “or maybe someone else is using my photos.”

Narrator, clearing throat: “Let’s meet the player using quote, unquote ‘Keith’s photos.’”

Silhouette of a woman against a pink background.

“Can I have your attention, please?”

Closeup of the back of a head with long silver hair. 

“Will the real Allura please stand up?”

She rotates around to show that this is indeed, the actual woman from the profile.

“My name is Allura. Yes, that Allura.”

Allura sits inside a circle shaped hole in a pink wall with the name ALLURA superimposed over her head.

“My friend Keith was using my photos to pose as me in The Circle. But…”

The music pauses as the camera zooms in on Allura’s bemused face.

“... obviously he did a bad job at it.”

She breaks into laughter as the music resumes.

“Keith got blocked and now I’m stepping in to play the game the right way.”

Full body shot. Flashbulbs go off around Allura as she moves in slow motion, striking poses.

“I’m from Dallas, I’m twenty-seven, and I am the superior model.”

The words DALLAS , 27, and MODEL are superimposed behind her.

“And, most importantly, I’m approaching this game with a vengeance.”

Closeup of Allure blowing a kiss at the camera with the word VENGEANCE superimposed behind her.

“That $100,000 will be mine.”

Narrator: "To Be Continued...."

Chapter Text

Narrator: “Welcome back to The Circle! All our players are gagging like they’ve seen a ghost, but it has nothing to do with the seance last night. Our newest arrival is giving them deja vu all over again!”

Allura stands in her living room. She tents her fingers, looking at The Circle chat.

“Time to introduce myself. I’m sure none of them will trust me right off the bat, so I need to win them over.”

She shifts on her feet and squares her shoulders, preparing herself.

“Circle message: Hello everyone! I’m sure it comes as a shock to see my name. Let me explain. When my friend Keith got invited to join The Circle, he asked to use my photos. Unbeknownst to him, I was invited shortly after. I really wanted to go into The Circle as my authentic self, which caused a problem as I’d already agreed to allow Keith to use my photos. A compromise was struck, if he was knocked out, I would replace him as me.”

 

ALLURA
Hello everyone! I’m sure it comes as a shock to see my name. Let me explain. When my friend Keith got invited to join The Circle, he asked to use my photos. Unbeknownst to him, I was invited shortly after. I really wanted to go into The Circle as my authentic self, which caused a problem as I’d already agreed to allow Keith to use my photos. A compromise was struck, if he was knocked out, I would replace him as me.

Lance reads the message out loud, “I would replace him as me…” He turns to Keith. “Did you know about this?”

“Has anything about my reaction made it seem like it?” asks Keith.

He shakes his head and walks away.

“It’s not her,” Keith mutters. 

Responses from the other players pop up one by one.

NYMA
🐟

JAMES
🎣

MATT
Nice try, Kyle.

“I think some other players agree with you,” says.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Allura drops chunks of frozen fruit into a blender. She looks over at the screen in the kitchen when she hears it chime.

“Coran has invited you to a private chat,” she reads aloud. “Interesting.” 

She puts on the lid and turns on the blender. It whirs for a few seconds, then she shuts it off.

“Circle, go to private chat.”

A message from Coran pops up.

CORAN
G’Day, Allura! I want to officially welcome you to The Circle!

“Look at that profile photo,” says Allura. 

She pops off the lid of her blender and takes a sip. 

“He looks friendly, doesn’t he? Circle message: Thank you for the warm greeting, Coran. I appreciate the warmth after an awfully chilly group chat. Then add that um, that cold looking emoji, the icy faced one and send.”

ALLURA
Thank you for the warm greeting, Coran. I appreciate the warmth after an awfully chilly group chat. 🥶

Allura takes her smoothie and sits down at the table, sweeping her silver hair behind her back. 

CORAN
I thought they were odd, but I wouldn’t say chilly.

ALLURA
Oh, they were cold. I understand. They don’t believe I’m myself.

CORAN
I do believe part of the game is there being a few catfish. 🎣

ALLURA
That was my friend, Keith. He didn’t want to play as himself. But this is the real me now.

CORAN
For what it’s worth, I believe you are you. I’m curious about this Keith. He left the game before I arrived.

Allura mumbles to herself, “Oh, he wasn’t here. That’s probably why he actually believes me.”

ALLURA
I wonder if they liked him better than me.

CORAN
Doubtful if he was voted out. But I am curious, what is he like?

 

---

Lance sits on the couch in his and Keith’s apartment. Keith comes out of the bathroom in a towel.

Narrator: “Is that boy ever not showering? He lives in a towel.”

“What are you doing?” asks Keith.

He moves in to read the screen. His demeanor tense.

“Just chattin’ up your bestie to get the inside scoop on my new man,” says Lance, staying casual.

“No, leave the chat,” orders Keith.

“What? Don’t you want to hear what she says about you behind your back?”

“That’s not her, Lance!” shouts Keith, pointing at the TV.

“In that case, she won’t know shit and we catch ourselves a catfish. Look, she’s typing.”

A horn sounds . The chat is swept away and replaced by:

ALERT!

“Alert!” shouts Allura, as she wipes the smoothie moustache from her upper lip. “And we were just getting into it!”

Lance flops back on the couch. “Aw man!”

“Good,” says Keith, holding his towel up with one hand.

“Since when are alerts ever positive?”

IT IS TIME TO RATE YOUR FELLOW PLAYERS

Keith looks to Lance. “Oh god, this is it.”

BECAUSE ALLURA IS TECHNICALLY NOT A NEW PLAYER…

“I don’t like where they’re going with this,” murmurs Lance.

SHE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RATINGS

Allura slams down her empty cup.

“What?!”

“How is that fair?” asks Lance.

Keith shrugs.

“Well, that’s in then,” says Allura, flopping back in her seat. “I’m out. They all hate me.”

“We have to rate her number one,” says Lance. “Otherwise, she’s gone.”

Keith doesn’t say anything.

Allura puts her face in her hands. 

“They didn’t even get a chance to know me. This is so unfair!”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: Over in Coran a.k.a. Lance and Keith’s room, Keith is bringing those modeling makeup skills to the relationship.

Keith and Lance sit cross legged on their couch. Lance has his eyes shut as Keith applies eyeliner for him.

Narrator: “You know what they say? Boyfriends who paint together, slay together.”

“I don’t think we should message anyone unless we’re together,” says Keith, suddenly.

“Why?” asks Lance, eyes starting to open.

“Eyes closed,” says Keith, with a laugh. “We’re better at staying in character when we’re together. If our plan is to be as non-threatening as possible and skate by on mid-ranking votes until the final, we have to be careful with our communications.”

“You mean with one person in particular.”

“Testing her is going to make her suspicious and if she’s the real Allura, she might figure out it’s me behind Coran.”

“I don’t see how that would hurt us,” says Lance.

“It’s a game. We need to play it and stay focused.”

“You wouldn’t let me rate her very high. How does that factor in?”

No answer.

“You’re done,” says Keith, capping his eyeliner.

“Am I pretty?” asks Lance.

“Always,” says Keith.

Keith leans forward and kisses Lance. He tries to take it horizontal, but Lance wiggles out and gets up.

“We can’t go to the bedroom!” Keith calls after him. “Lights on means the cameras are rolling.”

Narrator: “Yeah, they still run at night, but that’s cute you think you have any privacy at all. We put a camera in the bathroom for crying out loud!”

“I’m just checking myself out in the mirror,” says Lance from the bathroom. He pokes back out. “Can I ask you something? One Aussie to another?”

“We’re from New Zealand, but go ahead.”

“Am I crazy or are you being extra avoidant on the whole ‘talking to Allura’ thing?”

A horn sounds .

ALERT!

Lance points to the screen. 

“You and that horn are in cahoots!”

“I don’t control the alerts, Lance.”

THE RATING RESULTS ARE IN

Allura is up on the roof in the hottub.

“So much for a relaxing soak,” she moans.

THE TOP TWO RATED PLAYERS
WILL BECOME INFLUENCERS

“At least the instant block is gone,” says Keith. “If we end up at the bottom, we might still be saved.”

“I’m not ready for this,” moans Allura, sinking down lower in the water. “Keith, I understand how hard it was for you now!”

Narrator: “Still is for him. He’s going through the same thing.”

A blue circle with the number 7 on it appears in the middle of the screen.

Lance dances on his toes. “Please not Coran!”

Keith is tense, rubbing his thumb against his finger. Lance notices and takes his hand to hold.

The graphic shows the circle flipping over to reveal Allura’s smiling profile picture.

“Nooooo!” cries Allura, allowing herself to sink all the way under water. She bursts right back up. “Oh, bullocks! My hair!”

“Oh, fuck no!” says Lance, spinning on Keith. “This is your fault.”

“How is this my fault?”

“Everyone hated you as Allura and now they hate her too.”

Keith’s face falls. He turns to walk away.

“I’m going to watch the results in my room.”

“Wait!” calls out Lance, running after him and tackling him in a hug from behind. “I was joking! I have a big mouth!”

A smile creeps back onto Keith’s face.

“I know you do.”

He spins back around in Lance’s arms. Lance tips his hips against his.

“Oh, I know you know I do.”

They kiss.

Narrator: “Boys, you’re missing the results.”

Keith pulls back and says, “Shit. We’re missing it.”

On screen, Ina has been rated 6 and James has been rated 5.

“We’re top four,” says Lance, taking Keith’s hand and pulling him back into the living room.

A blue circle with the number 4 appears in the middle of the screen. It turns around to reveal Nyma’s profile picture.

“Top three!” shouts Keith.

“Top three, baby!” cheers Lance.

A blue circle with the number 3 appears in the middle of the screen.

“Number three would be perfect,” says Keith, “Then we wouldn’t have to block anyone and turn anyone against us.”

“Fuck that. Let’s block James.”

Keith laughs. “Okay, yeah, that would feel good.”

The blue circle turns around to reveal Matt’s profile picture.

“That means we’re one or two,” says Lance, excitedly. “Coran made Influencer!”

“We made influencer!” 

Keith hugs Lance.

A 1 and 2 inside blue circles appear on the screen, they turn around to show Coran as number 2 and Hunk as 1 .

“We’re two,” says Lance.

“Two is perfect,” says Keith.

He pulls Lance into a deep kiss.

Narrator: “Of course, not everyone is happy with the rating results.”

Up on the roof, Allura is underwater again. Air bubbles up to the surface of the hot tub.

Narrator: “Um, does she need a lifeguard? Should I call Lance to resuscitate her?”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Keith and Lance enter the Hangout.

“This is romantic,” says Lance.

He goes to sit in one of the two chairs set up for them in front of the The Circle screen.

“Is it?” asks Keith.

He sits down too. Lance lifts up one of the two goblets set out for them.

“There’s wine.”

“Actually, I’m two years sober,” says Keith. “So mine should be…” He sniffs the second goblet then takes a sip. “Yep. Diet Grape Soda.”

“Diet?” repeats Lance, making a face.

“I’m a model, Lance. I gotta avoid the sugar.”

“I’ll give you sugar,” says Lance, leaning in and kissing him. “Oh wait, if I take a sip, can I kiss you after?”

“Yeah,” says Keith with a nod. “I’m not going to Hulk out and snatch your wine or anything.”

“I like Hulk’s though,” says Lance.

Lance moves from his seat and sits on Keith’s lap, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.

“Sober, huh? I gotta add that to my Keith Fact Sheet.”

“You have a fact sheet for me?”

“I gotta sort out the difference between you and Allura, right?”

Keith frowns.

A horn sounds. A message appears onscreen:

INFLUENCERS CORAN AND HUNK
HAVE ENTERED THE HANGOUT, BUT
CANNOT DISCUSS WHO TO BLOCK

“What the fuck?” gasps Keith.

Lance sighs. “We were so close to getting rid of James.”

Allura is sitting on her bed in PJs, with a scarf wrapped around her hair. 

“Influencers coran and hunk have entered the hangout, but cannot discuss who to block,” she reads aloud. “What does that mean? Will no one be blocked?”

CORAN AND HUNK CAN EACH SAVE TWO PLAYERS

“Save players?” Lance looks at Keith.

“Well, who do we…?”

Keith shakes his head, looking lost.

Narrator: “With Seven players remaining in the game, two of them Influencers and each able to save two…”

“Whoever doesn’t get picked gets the chop.”

Allura shifts onto her knees and presses her hands together.

“Coran, please… You are the only one here who trusts me. Please save me and let me prove myself to everyone else.”

INFLUENCERS MUST CHOOSE WHO TO SAVE NOW

“Fuck. It’s gonna be public and everything,” grumbles Keith.

“Should we each pick one person to save?” asks Lance.

“Seems fair,” says Keith.

Hunk is already typing.

HUNK
It is extremely difficult to only pick two. I truly believe every single player deserves to be here and to win…

“No one is that nice,” says Keith.

“Have a little faith in people, Keith.”

HUNK
My first choice is James.

“Dammit!” swears Keith.

“There goes our chance to boot him.”

“It’s our turn,” says Keith.

“You can go first,” says Lance. “I want another minute to think.”

Allura is in the same position on her bed, watching the little bubble to indicate Coran is typing.

“Give me this chance. Please,” she begs.

“Circle message,” says Keith.

“Remember to stay in character,” Lance reminds him.

“For my first choice, I would like to save…”

CORAN
For my first choice, I would like to save… Ina.

“Noooo,” cries Allura. “Oh Coran, we had such a nice chat. Won’t you please pick me as one of the two?”

“Why Ina?” asks Lance.

“She drives me the least crazy,” answers Keith.

Lance gasps. “Less crazy than me?”

“You drive me the good kind of crazy.”

Keith tips up his chin and Lance leans down to press a kiss to his lips.

HUNK
I feel terrible only having one more to save. This person has been a good friend to me. My second choice is… Matt.

“Oh man, Nyma is gonna be so pissed the boy trio didn’t save her,” says Lance.

“It’s your turn, baby,” says Keith. 

“Okay,” says Lance.

“Just remember to think strategically.”

Allura sits on the edge of her bed, hugging a stuffed pink lion.

CORAN
Crikey! This was not an easy decision. For my final pick, I’d like to pick...

“Please...please, please, please.”

CORAN
Allura.

Allura drops back onto her bed with a huge sigh and a laugh.

“Coran… Coran, you gorgeous man!”

NYMA HAS BEEN BLOCKED FROM THE CIRCLE

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Keith bursts into their apartment.

“Why did you save her?” he yells.

Lance comes scurrying in after him.

“Why wouldn’t I save her?”

“Because,” says Keith, spinning back around, “she could be a random stranger using the same photos I brought to The Circle!”

“Or she could be your best friend and if you hadn’t refused to speak to her, maybe we could’ve figured that out!”

“I have a gut feeling!”

“What about my gut, Keith!” demands Lance. “It told me to trust you. It’s gotta be worth something.”

Keith chuckles dismissively. “It told you to trust Allura.”

“Yeah, that’s what I already - “

“You thought I was her!” Keith bellows.

Lance stares at him, confused. “Wait… are you actually jeal- ”

“I’m gonna sleep alone tonight,” says Keith, quickly.

“Oh,” says Lance, thrown. “That sounds like you wanna break up with me.” He slaps a hand over his mouth then says, “Shit. That was an inside thought. I say all my thoughts outloud without meaning to.”

Narrator: “It is The Circle. Who can blame ya?”

“Hey,” says Keith, dully.

He strolls over and rubs Lance’s shoulders.

“I didn’t mean it that way. This is a me thing, not a you thing. I just need a bit of time alone.”

Lance nods, still frowning. “You’re an introvert. Another thing for my Keith list.”

“Goodnight,” says Keith. He presses a soft kiss to Lance’s lips, then heads for his door.

When it’s closed, Lance deflates and drops down onto the couch.

“Shortest. Relationship. Ever.”

Narrator: “Aw, Lance, baby, don’t give up hope.”

A horn sounds and a message appears on screen.

NYMA IS ON HER WAY TO MEET ONE OF YOU

“ Don’t come here,” warns Lance.

He rolls over and tucks himself against the back of the couch.

“I’m so heartbroken right now, I don’t even wanna be here.”

Allura sets up a teapot and two cups on her coffee table.

“I’m fine with it being me,” she says. “I’m flying so high right now!”

Lance starts and sits up on the couch, looking towards the door.

After a moment he relaxes.

Allura sits on the couch, waiting. There’s a knock on Allura’s door. She jumps up in reaction.

“Hello?” calls out Nyma’s voice.

Allura leans to look. Her eyes light up.

Nyma creeps into the hall, freezing when she sees Allura.

“Oh my god! You’re real!” gasps Nyma.

They both run towards each other and hug.

“Come in, come in,” says Allura, taking Nyma’s arm. “I’ve made you a cuppa.”

“Oh my god and you’re British,” says Nyma, following along. “I thought you were from Texas.”

She drops down on the couch and Allura pours the tea.

“I live in Dallas, yes, but it was Keith who was the real Southerner. I imagine he played me as mostly himself, but with my photos and gender.”

Excitedly, Nyma says, “Speaking of Keith, I have the tea there! He had a little girlfriend while he was on the show.”

Allura hands over the tea as she makes a face.

“Keith is gay,” says Allura, matter-of-factly. 

Narrator: “A well-established fact on The Circle.”

“Well, the girlfriend turned out to be a guy.”

“Well, now I need to know everything,” insists Allura.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “It’s a new day in The Circle. Let’s check in on the lovers and see if they’re… well, still lovers.”

Lance lies in bed, though he’s awake. He’s moping. There’s a knock on his door.

“Yeah?”

Keith enters carrying a plate with a piece of toast with jam smeared on it.

“Hey,” he says, sitting on the bed. “Does this count as sexy breakfast?”

Lance, still facing away, smiles. He spins in bed, takes the plate and sets it beside him on the bedside table. He then pulls Keith down on top of him in a fit of giggles.

Narrator: “And that’s my cue to exit.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Keith and Lance sit on the floor, playing Jenga on the coffee table.

ALERT!

“Alert!” yell out Keith and Lance together.

Their game of Jenga falls down at that same moment. Lance shrieks and Keith starts laughing.

IT’S TIME TO PLAY THE CAPTION GAME

Allura’s in the bathroom straightening her hair.

“It’s my first game!” she cheers, then her face falls. “And I’m in the middle of doing my hair.”

PLAYERS MAY CHOOSE ONE PHOTO AND THE
OTHERS WILL CAPTION IT

Lance sits down on the couch, as Keith picks up the pieces.

“You would immediately clean that up.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re serial killer clean! Your room looks like no ones touched it! I wouldn’t know you sleep there, if I hadn’t seen it myself.”

“Subtle way to say you’ve slept with me.”

Lance grins and raises his hand up for a high five. Keith accepts and high fives him.

“Does that mean we get to look at Coran’s album?” asks Keith

“Yes! I am dying to see more of our Circle baby.”

“Aw, we’re parents,” says Keith with a laugh.

“Our middle-aged uncle-vibes redheaded midwestern American Kiwi baby.”

“Circle, open Coran’s photo album.”

Allura scurries into the living room. Half her hair is natural and the other half is straightened. 

“Circle, open my photo album!”

Coran’s photos date back decades, showing him looking younger and younger with the hair that was trending at the time.

“Oh, oh! Flock of Seagulls hair!” shouts Lance.

“Yesss,” Keith agrees with a hiss. “Circle, we’d like to select the photo in the bottom right corner.”

“Please and thank you,” adds Lance.

Allura looks stunning in all her photos.

“Should I be shady and pick one with Keith?” asks Allura, tapping her finger on her chin.

Narrator: “First up is Hunk!”

The photo is of Hunk beaming behind a table full of food he’d prepared.

ALLURA
Did you bring enough for the rest of the class?

Matt’s photo is of him and his sibling Pidge.

NYMA
Twins alert!

ALLURA
I didn’t know Matt came in a diet version.

Allura’s photo is of her and Keith in a modeling show, walking side by side down the runway.

“I’m so nervous to hear what they have to say!” admits Allura.

CORAN
Oh, to be one of the beautiful ones!

HUNK
Werk it, girl!

INA
I do my little turn on the catwalk.

“So far so good.”

JAMES
Are you standing beside a mirror there, Kyle? #IknowacatfishwhenIseeone

NYMA
Smells like catfish in here. 🎣

MATT
There’s a stereotype that models are fake. This time it’s true.

“And there it is,” says Allura, frowning. “I don’t like these three. Downvotes for the lot of you!”

Narrator: “Last up is Coran.”

Coran has his Flock of Seagulls hair, his blazer, his shoulder pads, and he’s leaning all that freshness against a graffitied wall.

ALLURA
Coran, Coran! The Gorgeous Man!

“Now that I like,” says Lance, bumping his shoulder against Keith.

THE WINNER OF THE CAPTION CONTEST IS...

Allura clutches a throw pillow to her chest.

“C’mon… I was the only funny one. Most of them were mean.”

ALLURA

“Yes!” says Allura. She slams the pillow down on the ground. “Smashed it!”

AS THE WINNER OF THE CAPTION CONTEST
ALLURA HAS WON A DATE NIGHT WITH
ONE PLAYER OF HER CHOOSING

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

“What do you mean you’re not coming?”

Lance stands in Keith’s doorway, hugging a giant stuffed bear that’s almost as big as him.

“She sent us a gift and everything!” continues Lance.

“I’m not going on a date with an Allura imposter,” says Keith.

He sits on his bed, looking at his book rather than Lance.

“Why not? I have! It’s great. Been there, done that right?”

Keith drops his book down.

“What does that mean?” he demands.

“I mean you were an Allura imposter and I’m dating you, so… Pretty great.”

“So you’re ready to date the next Allura imposter?” asks Keith, crossing his arms over his chest. “You seem really invested in her being real.”

“Because it would be a fun twist, right?” says Lance, excitedly. “You were her and now she’s her… I wonder if Romelle is here somewhere. Ina’s kinda been on the downlow, right?”

“You’re gonna be late,” says Keith, picking back up his book.

“I'll be as late as I need to be as long as I’ve convinced you to come with. C’mon! It’s The Circle! We gotta do all the weird shit like a date between a middle-aged moustachio and a supermodel!”

This time Keith throws his book to the side.

“Allura’s not a supermodel, she mostly does print! And we’re not dating, Lance. We’re just hooking up, so you’re free to go date Allura.”

Lance stands there stunned. 

Narrator: “Whoa. Drama, thy name is Keith.”

“Oh,” he says finally. “My mistake. I thought… I don’t know what I thought. I’ll see you when I get back.”

Lance walks out. The bear sinks lower and lower in his arms until he drags it into the kitchen and just stands there.

“How does this always happen to me?” he asks. “I come on too strong and - “

He cuts himself off, thinking.

“Did I though? What would Romelle do in this situation?”

Lance shakes his head.

“First off she wouldn’t be in this exact situation because she’s a huge lesbian and Keith is a dude… and kind of a jerk.”

Lance hoists the bear back up into his arms and marches back towards Keith’s door.

Keith has given up on reading and is just brooding.

Lance walks in and throws the giant bear at him.

“Whoa!” shouts Keith, knocking the bear to the side.

“You’re being a jerk!” yells Lance. “And I don’t think you’re actually a jerk, so what the hell is going on with you?”

“Nothing!” says Keith. “I’m just a jerk, you had it right the first time!”

“That’s it,” says Lance, throwing out his arms. “You’re not gonna defend yourself?”

“Nope, go date the real Allura,” mutters Keith. “Maybe then you’ll be happy.”

“Oh my fucking god, Keith! Are you jealous? Is this all because you’re jealous? Over someone I’ve never met?”

“What does that matter?” shouts Keith, sitting up. “You spoke to her!”

“For like two minutes!”

“No, for like a week!” says Keith, his voice getting emotional. “Every day and every night and you developed feelings for her.”

Lance is stunned then mutters, “You mean, you, not her.”

“I was pretending to be-”

“You told me you weren’t!” says Lance, cutting him off. “And I fell for you, because you were who I was talking to and you’re who is in this apartment with me.”

Keith bites his lip and looks away.

“What?” asks Lance.

“No, I really was being her, because Allura is the one who falls in love and I’m the one with the empty heart.”

Lance’s eyes well up with tears. 

“Well, I’m clearly Lance, not Romelle, because here I am being rejected again.”

Lance turns and rushes out of the room, holding back tears.

Narrator: “No, baby, no!”

Keith crawls under the covers and pulls them over his head.

“Don’t put this on TV. Just stop fucking filming, okay?”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “Up in the Hangout the date has already begun between Allura and Coran a.k.a. Lance and - well, just Lance.”

Allura sits in the Hangout. She wears a sparkly silver dress that matches her hair, which is now fully straightened and styled. She drinks from a wine glass and picks at the food on her plate.

“Circle message: Are you still there Coran? You didn’t answer my last question. Send.”

ALLURA
Are you still there Coran? You didn’t answer my last question.

The sound of the message arriving shakes Lance out of his head. He’s been staring at the second plate and the goblet that remain untouched.

“Circle message: Sorry, I was thinking about Keith. Send.”

CORAN
Sorry, I was just thinking about Keith.

Allura twists up her face.

“Now that is weird. Why would he be thinking about Keith?”

Lance sighs and rubs his eyes that are still swollen from crying.

“She’s probably wondering why I, of all people, would be thinking about Keith, but I don’t even fucking care at this point.”

ALLURA
Why are you thinking about Keith? I thought he was eliminated before you got here.

Lance leans back and sighs.

“I should just come clean… Naw fuck it. I’ll lie.”

CORAN
You might have missed this in my profile, but I am an expert in the occult. On top of that, I’m a wee bit psychic and I’m having a strong sense of who Keith is.

“A wee bit psychic?” Allura reads. “That’s something new.”

“Message: Is Keith someone who - No.”

Lance bites his lip and scratches his chin.

“I can’t ask that off the bat. Is Keith someone who…,” Lance glances at Keith’s untouched goblet. “Drinks diet grape soda?”

CORAN
Is Keith someone who drinks diet grape soda?

Allura’s jaw drops.

“That’s completely bonkers! How would he know that?”

ALLURA
He does! It’s disgusting. Dyes his tongue purple and everything.

Lance laughs.

“His tongue was purple yesterday. It would’ve been cute if we weren’t in a fight.”

Lance switches his wine goblet for the one with diet grape soda.

“Time to ask the big question now that she's warmed up to my supposed psychic powers.”

CORAN
Is Keith a jerk?

Allura slams her hands down on the desk. Her mouth hanging open, completely insulted.

“This man is no psychic, I can tell you that much! He’s a fraud! He might even be a catfish. Now watch out, Circle, because I’m about to go on a rant. The Keith Defense Squad has been activated!

Allura pulls her seat in closer.

“Message: I don’t know where you’re getting your information, pal, but my friend Keith is a wonderful, lovely human being with one of the best hearts of anyone I have ever known.”

Lance leans back, petting his chin, pensive.

“Message: But would he think of himself as the former or the latter?”

CORAN
But would he think of himself as the former or the latter?

ALLURA
To be honest, he probably would describe himself as a jerk or say he’s empty inside. He got hurt once and he really took it to heart. He’s sensitive, but he doesn’t want anyone to know that so he puts up walls.

CORAN
He thinks he’s protecting himself, but he’s really shutting out good things?

Allura nods. “Maybe Coran is more perceptive than I thought.”

“Message: I tell him all the time what he’s worth, but he doesn’t listen to me. I think he wants a relationship, but he doesn’t want to be vulnerable. I wish he’d meet someone who could bring those walls down. Send.”

Allura laughs. “I didn’t think we’d end up talking about my best friend tonight, but when a psychic chooses the topic, it’s best to invest.”

CORAN
I’ve always wanted that quality in myself. I often feel too vulnerable. I worry my emotions make me unlikeable because I come on too strong.

Allura presses her hands to her heart.

“Awww. He’s so open about himself. Message: I think you’re very likeable. I liked you immediately. Send”

ALLURA
I think you’re very likeable. I liked you immediately.

Lance frowns and sniffs.

“She’s either the nicest person or she’s flirting with me. I didn’t mean to give her that impression about Coran.

“Is it just me or does Coran give off an LGBT vibe?” asks Allura.

Narrator: “Wow, she’s good. Maybe Allura’s the one who’s psychic.” 

“Message: If the person is right, coming on strong won’t matter. The worst thing you can do is shy away from something that’s real.”

Lance has his face in his hands. He’s crying.

“Between the vibes and the questions about Keith, I wonder if he’s interested in him,” comments Allura. “He’s quite a bit older, but then again, if Coran wins the money, maybe I’ll set him up with Keith as a Sugar Daddy. Of course, Nyma thought Keith had already met someone in The Circle, but Nyma also insisted she heard someone in the next apartment shagging, when we all know we’re alone in our apartments.”

A chime as the next message arrives from Coran.

CORAN
Thank you for your wise words. I’m sorry, but I have to go.

“Go?”

Lance’s chair in the Hangout is already empty.

Narrator: “Hold on. We lost him. Let’s check Coran’s apartment.”

Lance throws open the door and runs into the apartment.

“Keith?” he calls out.

He sees no one in the kitchen and living room and quickly moves on to Keith’s bedroom. Empty. No signs of anything Keith owns either. The unmade bed is the only sign anyone was even staying there.

“Is he - is he gone?” Lance looks directly at a camera, worry in his face and voice. “Did he go home?”

Lance becomes panicked. He runs into his bedroom and pulls his suitcase out of the closet.

“I’m leaving too! How big of a head start does he have?”

Lance freezes, hearing a noise. The sound of the door opening back in the hall.

Lance runs out into the hall to see Keith standing in the doorway. He’s soaking wet.

“Keith… what happened?”

R        E         W         I        N        D

The sound of the door shutting as Lance leaves for his date.

Keith pulls the covers off and gets out of bed, looking a mix of frantic and determined.

“I’m going up to the roof,” he says, heading out of the bedroom. “If anyone is already up there, tell them to move because I’m taking it.”

Up on the roof it’s raining.

Narrator: “It’s raining, it’s pouring, and The Circle is never boring.”

Keith bursts on to the roof, only noticing the rain when he’s standing in it.

“Fuck!”

Narrator: “Next time, check the weather forecast first.”

Keith shouts out into the rain, “Can I give up now please? Can you send a Producer so I can quit? I don’t want to be here anymore!”

Defeated, Keith sits on the fake grass and leans against the hot tub, getting wet from the rain.

Narrator: “This is a first. We’ve never had anyone volunteer to leave before, but… The Circle is prepared for this situation.”

A horn brings his attention to The Circle screen up there.

“I don’t want another fucking alert.”

KEITH, BECAUSE YOU’VE EXPRESSED
INTEREST IN LEAVING, THE CIRCLE
HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU

“Is it a way out that doesn’t involve scaling the building?”

IT IS A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM HOME

The screen turns into a video file. It’s a still of an empty chair with a play symbol. Keith stares at it for a long time.

Finally, “Circle, play video.”

A fit Japanese man walks into the frame and sits down.

“Hi Keith.”

“Shiro…,” mutters Keith.

“If you are watching this video, it’s because you’re considering leaving The Circle. The Producers asked me to record this as an encouragement to keep going.”

“Like I’m going to listen to you,” snorts Keith.

“I know you hate being told what to do. Ultimately it’s your choice whether you stay in or come home.”

Keith frowns deep like he’s holding back emotion.

“Either way, I’m already so proud of you.”

That’s enough to get Keith wiping his eyes.

“I know what you thought you were getting into. You thought you were hiding yourself behind Allura. That’s how you felt safe, but maybe now you’re coming to realize that you’re putting yourself out there.”

“I’m what?” asks Keith

“What I mean by that is, the other players might think you’re Allura, but to everyone at home watching, you are showing them the real you. I know that’s scary for you, I know not everyone you’ve cared about has valued who the real you is, but fuck them. All the right people will fall in love with you, Keith.”

Keith shakes his head.

“Now I can picture you shaking your head no…”

Narrator: “Wait, is Keith’s brother the psychic?”

“But I was there when you wrote the script for what you wanted to say in your intro. You said you wanted people to perceive you as Allura because she is bold and brave and passionate. But you don’t need to be Allura for that because you are brave just for joining The Circle.”

Keith wipes rain from his face.

“I don’t feel brave”

“You said you were looking for a purpose in life, but life’s real purpose is experience and the connections we make. You are doing that right now already. You are living with purpose, being bold and brave and passionate - and probably hotheaded because I’m sure you’ve ruffled some feathers by now - My point is, if you wanna come home, come home. You don’t need to win that money. You’ve already won just by showing up and connecting with people.”

The video finishes and the screen goes back to The Circle screensaver.

“Thank you, Shiro.”

Keith sniffs, wipes his eyes, and stands up.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Back to the scene in Coran’s apartment.

“Keith… what happened?” asks Lance, taking in his appearance. “Are you -?”

Keith steps inside, his feet quickening until he meets with Lance and pulls him in to kiss him. Lance returns it for a moment, then pushes him and steps back.

“Hold on! I’m not letting you end another fight that way! I’m really fucking mad at you! Keith, I thought you left! You keep your room so serial killer clean, I thought you’d moved out!”

“I know,” says Keith. He doesn’t seem worried, but giddy instead. “I’m so sorry you thought that and I’m so, so, so sorry I treated you that way, Lance. When I get too close to someone, I find an excuse to start fights and push them away.”

“Yeah, someone else implied that,” says Lance, looking guilty.

“But I don’t wanna push you away,” continues Keith. “Because I already won.”

Lance stares. “What?” 

“I won because I met you, Lance,” says Keith, taking his hands. “And you are so funny and gorgeous and - “

Lance’s eyes light up. “Likeable.”

“Loveable,” stresses Keith. “And if life’s purpose is experience and connections, then I’ve already won by connecting with you and getting to experience The Circle with you.”

Lance’s eyes well up with tears. He turns away to wipe them.

“God, I’ve cried a million times since I got here. I’m going to go down in Circle history as the biggest crybaby.”

Narrator: “There are worse things to be famous for. Wear the Crybaby title with pride!”

Keith uses their linked hands to pull Lance up against him, then hug him.

“Can you please forgive me?” Keith murmurs.

“I dunno,” says Lance. “What do your crystals say?”

Lance laughs as Keith pouts.

“Crystals don’t tell the future, Lance!”

“No, but Coran does,” says Lance, playfully tracing a finger down Keith’s chest.

“He… does?”

“He does now and Coran predicts I’ll forgive you.”

Keith smiles fondly at Lance.

“What does he predict further on?” asks Keith.

“Well, he’s saying for sure we’re sharing a bed tonight.”

“I meant further than that,” presses Keith.

“Okay, the next two nights,” laughs Lance.

Keith pulls him into another kiss.

Narrator: “All’s well that ends well, right kids?”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Keith and Lance are asleep together in Lance’s bed.

Narrator: “Good morning, Circle! I think a few of our players are sleeping in. Let’s wake them up with an…”

ALERT!

The horn sounds. They both stir, rubbing eyes and stretching.

“Nooooo,” groans Lance. “No alerts before coffee.”

Keith sits up to read the screen.

IT IS TIME FOR YOUR FINAL RATINGS

“It is time for your… final ratings?” reads Keith.

Lance gasps. “It’s not our last day here, is it?”

“Today we’re going to find out who wins.”

Keith and Lance stare at each other, wide eyed.

Narrator: "To Be Continued...."

Chapter Text

Allura’s voice is heard outside The Circle building.

“Oh… My… God!”

In her PJs, Allura paces back and forth in front of the screen in her bedroom. 

IT IS TIME FOR YOUR FINAL RATINGS

“How are we doing this already? I just got here! I need more time!”

Narrator: “Unlike a real circle, The Circle has to have an ending.”

Pidge jumps out of bed, excitedly.

“Oh, here we go! Matt is final six! What up?”

James marches through his apartment, hands held aloft in celebration.

“Yeah! Yeah!” he cheers. “That’s how we do!”

Hunk sits on his bed and buries his face in his pillow.

“I’m so nervous!”

In the bedroom, Keith and Lance are frantically pulling on clothes, to look presentable. Lance pulls his discarded shirt off the face of the giant teddy bear that’s slumped in the corner.

“Hopefully this means you didn’t see anything that’ll scar your innocence,” he says.

He waves his hand in front of the bear’s face as if searching for a reaction.

Narrator: “Surely, it was no teddy bear picnic sharing a room with Coran aka Keith and Lance last night.”

“Screen, screen, screen!” says Keith, pointing.

FIRST, PLAYERS WILL MAKE
THEIR FINAL PITCH

The view fractures into four as Hunk, Pidge, Allura, and James read out loud, “First, players will make their final pitch.”

Lance trips up, making his way to Keith and practically falls into his arm as the next message appears:

REVEAL WHAT YOU WILL DO WITH
$100,000 IF YOU ARE VOTED THE
WINNER OF THE CIRCLE

“Reveal what you will do with $100,000 if you are voted the winner of The Circle,” reads Keith.

“Or, I guess, $50,000,” says Lance.

“We can’t tell them what we actually plan to do,” says Keith. Lance stares. “...Can we?”

Allura flops down on the edge of her bed, wide eyed.

“We’re going to find out so much about everyone’s character based on what they say.”

James settles down at his kitchen table.

“Is that fair though? What if my reasons aren’t pure enough?”

Pidge buries their face in their hands.

“Shit. How do I honestly say what I’ll use the money for without revealing I’m a catfish? Do I make something up, like donating to charity?”

Hunk squeezes his pillow.

“I already know what’s gonna happen. I’m going to want everyone to achieve their dreams and won’t be able to pick!”

Narrator: “Not choosing isn’t an option. C’mon Hunk, you’ve made decisions before. You can do this now. First up is Ina.”

INA
I want to travel the world. Honestly, I’m afraid to venture on my own and my friends are my true family. The money would be enough for all of us to go on one big adventure together so I can see the world through their eyes. 

“...see the world through their eyes,” reads James. “Hmmm survey says?” 

James gives a thumbs down.

Narrator: “Next is Allura.”

Allura shifts back and forth on her feet as she stands in front of the screen.

“Circle message: My father was a philosopher and great ambassador for peace. He was even nominated for a Nobel Peace prize. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was younger. Ever since then, it’s been my dream to start a charity and continue his work to bring peace to the world. Send message.”

ALLURA
My father was a philosopher and great ambassador for peace. He was even nominated for a Nobel Peace prize. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was younger. Ever since then, it’s been my dream to start a charity and continue his work to bring peace to the world. 

Keith drops down onto the bed, covering his mouth. Tears fill his eyes.

“Keith?” gasps Lance, sitting down beside him. “Keith, what’s wrong?”

“That’s her. That’s Allura.”

Lance wraps his arm around Keith and rubs his shoulder.

“I feel like such a jackass for denying it.”

“Yeah well… at least you admitted it.”

“Hey!” says Keith, laughing through the tears.

He shoves Lance off of him, making him laugh too.

Narrator: “It’s Hunk’s turn to share what he’d do with $100,000. Personally I’d get it in ones and sleep on top of it like a dragon.”

HUNK
For me, family is everything. My sister lost her husband a year ago. She’s been living with her kids in my parent’s home. If I win the $100,000, I’d put a downpayment on a house for her.

“We’re not winning against that,” says Keith.

JAMES
I was accepted into Harvard Law school, but couldn’t afford the tuition and had to defer my enrollment for a year. If I win, I will be able to attend Harvard and become a lawyer and someday a judge.

Keith shakes his head.

“Yeah no, I don’t want him judging me.”

“You planning on committing a lot of crime in the future?” asks Lance.

“If I don’t win the money, I might have to resort to stealing a plane to come visit you.”

“Grand theft… aero?”

“That sounds like I’m stealing candy.”

“Candy from a baby,” says Lance.

“Then I’m a dark criminal indeed. Lock me up and throw away the key, Judge James.”

Narrator: “Enough joking around, boys. It’s your turn.”

“What should we say?” asks Lance.

“You have the good heart,” says Keith. “You decide.”

“Well, you have the best heart, but if you insist… Circle message: I have a boyfriend who lives across the country…”

Allura reads Coran’s message out loud. “I have a boyfriend who lives across the country - I knew he was down with the LGBT! - if I had the funds, I would visit him every chance I had or fly him to see me. Maybe even consider moving to his city. I can see us building a future together with the money.”

Allura presses her hands to her chest.

“Oh my heart! He is the sweetest man and finding love at his age! I am so touched.”

Allura gets up. She kisses her fingers then pressed that kiss to the screen on Coran’s message.

“You are my number one, Coran.”

Narrator: “Last, but not least - this is not a short joke - is Matt aka Pidge.”

Pidge exhales.

“Okay… Circle message: If I win the money, I will create a video game startup for trans and non-binary game creators.”

Pidge mumbles to themselves, “I need to tread carefully here… Circle continue message: Someone very close to me is non-binary and has lost work and been discriminated against because of their gender identity. I dream of making a safe space where their talent and the talent of others like them won’t be overlooked, but celebrated. Send.”

Pidge jumps up and starts wandering again. “I feel so close to exposed here, but at least I didn’t lie. When I say someone very close to me, I could mean Matt’s sibling or I could mean me because who is closer to me than me?”

Allura sits on her bed, hugging her knees.

“...Their talent and the talent of others like them won’t be overlooked, but celebrated,” recites Allura. “That’s really something beautiful and he’s doing that so someone he knows won’t be shut out of the industry? I’m so impressed. I think I have a second favourite.”

PLAYERS, IT IS TIME TO ENTER
YOUR FINAL RATINGS

Lance is up and bouncing with energy.

“Do we even know strategically what order we should do?” asks Lance.

“Allura - top, James - bottom.”

“That’s only two of five,” says Lance.

“I want to vote with my heart for just those two,” says Keith. “We can strategize the rest.”

“Aw Keith,” says Lance, big eyed. “You have a heart.”

“Don’t let everyone know that!” snaps Keith with a laugh. 

There’s a blue circle with the number 1 on the screen with the other five players’ photos to the right.

“Circle,” says Lance. “Lock in Allura as our number one.”

The circle turns around to show Allura’s profile photo with 1st on the top left.

“One down, four to go,” says Lance.

“Okay,” says Keith, “so we know Hunk, James, and Matt have a boys club and they’ll probably vote for each other.”

“So we do Ina as our number two?” asks Lance.

“That’s what I’m thinking.”

A circle with the number 2 turns around to show Ina’s photo.

Allura stands in front of the circle screen in her bedroom, bouncing with nerves.

“For me, there is no other choice for number one. He is the only person who has been a real friend to me. The others can get stuffed for all I care. Circle: I choose Coran as my number one!”

Pidge sits on their floor, cross legged. Their hands are pressed together, and resting against their chin.

“This is where I break the bro pack,” they admit. “I didn’t think this would be this hard, but I need to upvote my enemies and downvote my friends to give me an advantage.

Pidge sighs deeply, then says, “Circle, put Allura in the first spot.”

James drums his fingers on the kitchen table.

“Hunk and Matt have been my allies here. I need to put one over the other. It should be Hunk because I was the first person he saved last time there was a blocking, but… I really think he’s going to get a lot of the other’s votes. Circle, put Matt as my number one.”

The blue circle with the number 1 turns around to show Matt’s profile picture.

“Now do I put Hunk in second or put him lower assuming he’ll be everyone’s favourite?”

****** 

Hunk looks ready to cry.

“This is worse than choosing who to save!”

Narrator: “There, there, big guy! Just pick names out of a hat if it’s tearing you up this much. It’ll probably be a better strategy than whatever Coran aka Keith and Lance are doing.”

Keith has both his hands behind his back. Lance scratches his chin, considering him.

“Is it… five?” asks Lance.

“Nope, four,” says Keith, pulling his hands out from behind his back. He’s got two fingers up on each hand.

“Okay, so I was off by one, divide that by pi and that means…,” Lance stops to think. “Shit. I don’t remember how this was supposed to help us decide.”

“Me neither,” says Keith, laughing.

Narrator: Ummmmm… let’s come back when some real decisions have been made.

Allura runs her hands through her hair and blows out a puff of air.

“I did like what Matt said he’d do with the money. Circle, put Matt as my number two please and thank you.”

Pidge holds out their hands, seemingly weighing air in one hand against the air in the other.

“Fuck it. Coran seems like good middle ground material. Circle, put Coran as my number three.”

James leans back and puts his feet up on the table.

“This is a no brainer. She’s a catfish. Circle, put Allura as my number five.”

Keith and Lance are playing rock paper scissors. Keith covers Lance’s rock with paper.

“How do you keep beating me with paper?” demands Lance.

“Because you are very obvious when you’re going to play rock,” says Keith. “That’s four out of seven. Shall we go for five out of nine?”

“No,” says Lance with a pout, “You win. We’ll do your order.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, fair is fair.”

“Circle,” says Keith, turning to the screen. “Set Matt as three and Hunk as four and lock them in.”

“I like Hunk,” mutters Lance, under his breath.

“Everyone likes Hunk,” says Keith, “that’s the problem!”

“Whatever, you already locked it in. I’m not restarting this argument!”

Allura sits on her bed and taps her finger to her chin.

“Do I like this Hunk character?”

Pidge claps their hands together.

“The time has come,” they say, dramatically, “for my greatest and most inevitable betrayal. Circle, put James last.”

“James is last,” says Lance.

“That we can agree on,” says Keith.

Allura throws up her hands and flops onto her back on the bed.

“Done! I’m happy with my order!”

Hunk is in the fetal position on his bed.

Narrator: “Did we break him?”

“Circle, I hate my choices. Please lock them in.”

Pidge throws their hands in the air like they just don’t care.

“Lock in those choices, biotch!”

Narrator: “Gasp! The Circle does not respond to such language!”

“I mean, lock in my choices please, Circle.”

Lance looks to Keith.

“Should I do it?” asks Lance.

“It’s cheesy, but go ahead.”

“Mic drop!” says Lance, miming dropping a mic on the ground. 

He turns and walks right out of the bedroom. Keith tries to hold back a laugh, but it rumbles out of him.

When he gets his laugh under control he says, “Circle, please submit our ratings.”

The view fractures into four again with Allura, Pidge, James, and Hunk.

Together they say, “Circle, please submit my ratings.”

Narrator: “That was a hard one. Hunk might never recover.”

Hunk lights up his bedding and crawls under.

“I just wanna wake up and discover this was a dream and I didn’t make all those hard choices.”

Narrator: “Hunk, baby, if this was a dream that would mean you’d have to do it all over again when you wake up.”

Hunk curls into a ball.

Narrator: “With the final ratings submitted, there’s nothing left to do but wait as the winner has already been decided.”

Allura is fully dressed and in her kitchen. She’s got her head stuck in the freezer.

“Oh look,” she gasps. “They left me ice cream. That’s bad.”

She pulls her head back out and twists up her lips.

“I’m not supposed to eat that.”

She grabs the pint of ice cream and pulls it out, letting the freezer door shut behind her.

Hunk’s out of his bed and pacing around his apartment.

“I don’t know what to do without myself. I don’t even feel like baking!”

Hunk stops in his tracks.

“I’m never not felt like baking.”

Pidge stands in front of their balcony door.

“Why haven’t I gone out here yet?”

They try it and it’s locked.

“Oh, that’s why. Too bad. Maybe I could yell over to the other apartments.” They nod understandingly.. “Yeah, that’s probably why they’re locked.”

James sits on the floor in his living room. He scribbles in a notebook that sits on his coffee table.

“I’m just getting my revenge list ready. You know, in case I don’t win.”

Narrator: Some are making constructive use of their time.”

Keith and Lance sit side by side on their couch. Keith reads his book, Lance sits in silence.

Out of nowhere, Lance says, “Should we make out until they announce the results?”

“Yeah okay.”

Keith throws his book to the side and tackles Lance.

Allura sits on the couch, scraping the last bit of ice cream from the bottom of the pint with her spoon.

A horn , much louder than usual, sounds. 

ALERT!

The view fractures into four with Hunk, Pidge, James, and Allura.

Together, they shout, “ALERT!”

Narrator: “One, two, three… Where’s Keith and Lance?”

In Coran’s apartment, the door to the bathroom opens. It’s Lance, wrapped up in a towel, who sticks his head out.

“Did we miss an Alert?” he asks.

From inside the bathroom, Keith replies, “It’s too steamy in here to read the screen.”

THE LEAST POPULAR PLAYER WILL
BE INSTANTLY BLOCKED NOW.

“Keith, you better come read this!” shouts Lance.

Allura reads out loud, “The least popular player will be instantly blocked now… Noooo… what?”

Pidge drops onto their couch and points towards the balcony.

“If that player is me, you’re gonna see a Pidge shaped hole in that glass sliding door.”

Hunk tries to shut himself inside his closet.

“I have a real bad feeling about this.”

On The Circle screen in his bedroom, the six remaining profiles.

Keith and Lance sit down on their couch, both with towels around their waists. They grab hold of the other’s hand at the exact same time and squeeze tight.

James takes a seat in his kitchen, eyes glued to the screen.

“This is where my hard work pays off. Only the real reals are going into the final five. No Catfishes allowed.”

Allura throws her used spoon towards the screen.

“Enough with the suspense! Just bloody block me already!”

On screen, James’s photo fades as a defeated tone sounds.

Allura gasps and jumps to her feet.

James slams his fists down on the table.

“What?” he bellows. “Fuck!”

Pidge’s jaw drops.

“When I put him in last place, I didn’t think everyone else would too!”

“Yes!” scream Keith and Lance in unison.

They turn to look at each other. This time it’s Lance who tackles Keith.

Narrator: “Okay, okay… don’t make me get the garden hose.”

Hunk’s room is silent. His closet is closed.

“Narrator: Someone needs to tell Hunk it’s safe to come out now.”

Allura shouts, “I just realized what this means! I made it to the top five!”

She screams and jumps up and down.

“I’m top five!” shouts Pidge.

They grab their framed photo of their brother.

“We did it, you sonofabitch!”

Narrator: “Did Pidge forget they share a mom?”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “The sun has set on the final full day in The Circle. Is it safe to check in on Coran aka Keith and Lance? They’re never wearing any clothes!”

Keith and Lance are fully dressed and innocently playing cards.

"Go fish," says Keith.

Narrator: “Oh… nevermind then.”

A horn sounds.

ALERT!

“Alert!” they shout together.

Keith turns to the TV. Lance takes this opportunity to peek at Keith’s cards.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Hunk is wrapped in a blanket, sitting on his couch. He looks like he just finished crying.

“Congratulations,” he reads.

YOU ARE A FINALIST!

Pidge jumps on their bed.

They cheer, “You! Are! A Finalist!

TOMORROW YOU WILL ALL MEET IN PERSON!

Allura stands before a chopping board in the kitchen.

She reads, “Tomorrow you will all meet in person!” She gasps. “I can’t wait!”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “The rain storms have finally cleared out and given way to a perfect last day in The Circle.”

In Allura’s kitchen, she’s making another smoothie, dressed in workout gear.

“I woke up with the biggest smile on my face. I never thought I’d make it to the finals and now I get to meet everyone.”

She turns on the blender. After a few seconds, she turns it off.

“When I meet Coran, I’m going to give him the biggest hug! I lost my father when I was a teenager and it feels really nice to meet someone who has that dad-energy.”

She pours out her drink.

“Maybe it’s silly to feel that way through a social media platform, but the man has dad-vibes.”

Narrator: “Lance? Dad-vibes? I heard Keith call him daddy, but otherwise there’s no dad-vibes there.”

Lance cooks bacon in the kitchen. He’s still in PJ’s, his hair is mussed, and he’s wearing glasses, which are new.

“I’m cooking Keith sexy breakfast because we stayed up half the night talking and he’s still asleep,” he says. “I forgot to put my contacts in solutions so…”

Lance points to the glasses on his face.

“Keith thinks I look like a sexy latino Harry Potter, so I’ll take it. Seeing as we’re moving out today, we had a lot of plans to make. Plans to keep seeing each other.”

Lance nods at his pan and smiles.

“We’re gonna make it work.”

Pidge eats a bowl of cereal at the coffee table. When they spill a bit, they just sweep the milk and flakes to the side.

“I’m excited to meet everyone, but I’m nervous. I sold myself as anti-catfish, when…”

They gesture to themselves.

“I am indeed the catch of the day.”

Narrator: “At least Hunk is in a better mood today.”

Hunk zips around his kitchen. He’s measuring ingredients, he’s preheating the oven, he’s stirring, he’s mixing…

Narrator: “He got excited when he finally realized he had someone other than himself he could bake for.”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Narrator: “At long last. The moment has come where our players will finally meet face to face.”

Pidge walks down the hallway in slow motion. They’re dressed in skater shoes, dark jeans, a floral button up with a lapel pin connected by a chain. They sport a button that says They/Them.

They enter the meeting space. It’s empty except for a table set up with five chairs and five spaces. Each has a place card designating where the players should sit. Pidge is the first to arrive.

“Allura, Coran, Hunk, Ina… and here I am. Matt.” 

Pidge sits down in their assigned seat. They sigh, anxious.

Hunk walks down the hallway in slow motion. He’s dressed in slacks, dress shoes, a purple designer shirt, a tie, and matching black suspenders.

Narrator: “Ohhhh I’m gonna say it. Hunk is fiiine.”

In his arms he carries several baking tins.

Narrator: “There ain’t nothin’ wrong with a man who can bake!”

Hunk enters the meeting space. Pidge perks up, then stands.

Hunk stops and stares for a moment.

“I recognize you from Matt’s family photo!” 

A smile breaks across Hunk’s face.

“You’re a real person!” says Pidge, excitedly.

They run over to Hunk and give him a hug. Hunk returns it wholeheartedly with just the one arm, as the other balances the baking tins.

After the hug, they settle down into their assigned seats.

“I’m Hunk. Obviously.”

“Pidge. My pronouns are they/them.”

Pidge points to their button. 

“He/him,” says Hunk, without skipping a beat. “So who’s matt to you? Obviously you’re related.”

“He’s my brother.”

“So why be your brother?” asks Hunk, lightheartedly. “You ranted a lot about not liking catfish, so why not be yourself?”

“Because I am non-binary and as much as I feel very secure and proud of who I am,” says Pidge, “as a non-binary person I’m already treated in real life like I’m pretending to be someone I’m not.” 

Hunk frowns and nods, allowing Pidge to continue.

“The Circle is about earning the trust of the other players and I didn’t want to risk there being people here who would be prejudiced against me… right away… without getting to know me.”

“We’d block them,” says Hunk, resolutely.

Pidge punches his arm.

“You hate blocking people!”

“I do!” whines Hunk. “And I had to block so many!”

“Yeah, sorry dude. Everyone liked you which meant you had to be the bad guy as an Influencer. It makes no sense.”

“Right?” agrees Hunk. “So that story about someone close to you not being accepted in the game industry.”

“That was me,” says Pidge.

He opens up one of the baking tins.

“I’m so sorry. Would you like a cookie?” he offers. “I made them circles. Get it?”

“Aren’t all cookies circles?”

Narrator: “While Hunk and Pidge debate the philosophy behind cookie shapes. One model is strutting their way over to join them.”

Allura rounds the corner, dressed in a skintight blue dress. She flips her long, straight hair. She looks stunning and glamourous.

Narrator: “She might just give Keith a run for his money as The Circle’s model of the year. I was gonna give her a different title with the word ‘Top’ in it, but we’re not legally allowed to reference another reality show on this reality show!”

Pidge chews on one cookie that looks like a C. Hunk holds up another that looks like an O.

“It’s the hole in the middle that makes it like a The Circle-circle,” explains Hunk.

“The hole in the middle makes it a donut.”

The door opens and Allura peeks in.

“Hello?” she calls out, drawing their attention.

Pidge and Hunk gasp.

“She’s real!” bellows Pidge, bolting from their seat. Hunk gets up too.

Allura rushes into the room and catches Pidge in a big hug.

“I don’t know who you are!” she laughs, “But I am so happy to meet you! And you!”

She lets go of Pidge and hugs Hunk.

“I’m Pidge, they/them and the big guy is Hunk, he/him”

Allura’s face lights up in delight. 

“I’m Allura, she/her. So Hunk is really Hunk - and quite hunky if I do say - And who do you play?”

“I play Matt,” says Pidge. “He’s my brother and an even bigger dork than me.”

“I thought he was quite handsome,” says Allura, playfully. “I don’t mind dorky.”

Narrator: “While Allura tries to bag a nerd, it’s time for the next surprise guest.”

Lance walks down the hallway in slow-motion, finger guns firing at every camera. He’s dressed in black pants, a black turtleneck, and a blue sequin zip up jacket. His eyeliner is winged to perfection. 

Keith walks a few paces behind him, perfect stoic model face. He’s dressed in black harem pants, a grey cropped turtleneck and a leather jacket.

Narrator: “That model strut is turned up to eleven, hunny!”

Pidge, Hunk, and Allura are sitting in their seats, eating cookies and chatting.

“Isn’t Keith going to be mad you made it to final and not him?” asks Hunk.

“I’d be salty as fuck,” says Pidge.

Allura shrugs. 

“I’m sure he’ll be a complex mix of happy, jealous, and furious with me for deceiving him. He’ll forgive me of course.”

There are several knocks on the door to the tune of Shave and a Haircut.

They all turn their attention to the door. Pidge knocks on the table twice to complete the diddy.

The door opens up halfway and Lance peeking into the room. He smiles.

They all gasp.

“Holaaaaaa,” says Lance, slipping into the room without opening up the door any further. 

“Who are you?” asks Pidge.

“Lance, but you might know me as Coran.”

Pidge slaps the table in shock.

“No way!”

“Oh my god, dibs,” mutters Allura.

She jumps out of her chair and so do the other two. Allura prances over to hug him. Pidge follows. Hunk holds back, looking thoughtful.

“Allura, how can you dibs him?” asks Pidge. “You were just flirting with Hunk and my brother, via me.”

“I’m dibsing him on behalf of my best friend.” 

Allura turns to look at Lance who is very much blushing.

“You really convinced me you were an old gay Kiwi with pyschic powers.”

“Wait…,” says Hunk. “I remember you from Romelle’s farewell video…”

Lance scratches behind his head.

“Yeah, I was also Romelle and it’s funny you should mention Keith because… well... ” Lance raises his voice and calls over his shoulder, “You wanna Ruveal yourself already?”

Narrator: “To be continued…”

Chapter Text

The door swings open fully to reveal Keith standing in the doorway, looking nervous.

Allura cries out in surprise. All at once, they both rush towards each other, slamming hard into a hug that turns into a spin. They slow down and just hug each other.

“You bastard,” says Allura. “What are you still doing here?”

“Watcha doing here Kyle?” asks Pidge.

Keith breaks out of the hug, but keeps his arm around Allura.

“It’s Keith. We got eliminated together,” he says, looking to Lance. “The Circle offered us a second chance with a shared profile.”

“So you were both Coran?” asks Hunk, excitedly.

“Yeah, we’ve been living together and playing together,” says Lance.

“Living together?” repeats Allura.

They all head to the table and sit. Keith takes Coran’s chair and Lance takes the one intended for Ina.

“He’s clean, I’m messy... he’s a model, I’m a lifeguard,” says Lance, real awkward. “We’re the original odd couple.”

Narrator: “Opposites attract.”

“A couple, you say?” asks Allura, leaning forward on her hands and raising an eyebrow.

Narrator: “Oh, she’s perceptive. Possibly the real psychic.”

“A couple of catfish,” says Pidge.

“And who are you?” asks Keith.

“Pidge, they/them. I played Matt.”

“So you’re a catfish calling the kettle fishy?” offers Lance.

“What?” says Keith, looking at Lance and laughing.

“So when I was speaking to Coran all those times,” says Allura, pointing to Keith. “I was really speaking to you? And you were asking me about yourself? Trying to find out if I’d say something bad about you behind your back?”

Narrator: “And on Netflix.”

Keith looks to Lance, confused.

“Actually, it was just me,” says Lance, sheepishly. “I was pumping you for info.”

“Hmm, Nyma told me something very interesting when she came to visit me,” says Allura, looking between Keith and Lance. “She told me my Keith had a little girlfriend in the game who turned out to be a boyfriend.”

“Oh shit,” says Pidge, grinning.

“Allura and Romelle…,” says Hunk, looking between them.

Both Keith and Lance are avoiding eye contact with everyone, including each other.

“So?” pressed Allura. “What’s the status here?”

It’s Keith who raises up his hand from under the table to reveal he’s holding Lance’s hand.

“We’re dating,” says Keith, shyly.

“You’re dating?” screeches Allura, as Pidge says, “What?” and Hunk says, “Congratulations!”

“Yeah,” says Lance, “I thought I’d take him off your hands for you.”

“This is so exciting,” gushes Allura. “I had such a good feeling about you when I thought you were Coran and now… Fuck. I may cry.”

“Don’t cry over me having a boyfriend,” complains Keith.

“Yes, but it’s you, Keith!”

“Something wrong with him?” asks Pidge, amused.

“Commitment issues, daddy issues, mommy issues, adoptive parent issues, you name it!”

“‘Lura!” snaps Keith.

Lance makes a big show of letting go of Keith’s hand. Keith snatches it right back, causing Lance to collapse into giggles.

“Who wants cookies?” asks Hunk.

“They might be donuts,” counters Pidge.

Narrator: “While those five debate the definition of a donut, we have one final player about to join the party.”

Shot of legs walking down the hall and a guidance stick sweeping back and forth in front of them.

There’s a knock on the door. Everyone gasps and looks.

The door opens. In walks a woman with close cropped, purple hair. She sweeps her guidance stick back and forth while she enters the room. In her same hand she has a small notebook with a page open to some writing.

“Ina?” calls out Pidge.

“She doesn’t look like her photo,” says Hunk.

They all get out of their chairs. The woman has one hand held out as if to shake.

Allura is the first to reach her. She takes her hand and the woman’s face lights up with a smile. She lets go of Allura’s hand and waves.

“Hi, I’m Allura. Are you Ina?”

“Look here,” says Lance, noticing the notebook. He reads it out loud, “Hello, my name is Narti and I play Ina. I am DeafBlind, but you can communicate with me by writing block letters on my palm.”

Allura takes Narti’s hand and draws an H and a I in it.

“Hi,” she says as she does so, continuing to write. “I. Am. Allura. Would. You. Like. To. Sit?”

Narti smiles and feels to take Allura’s arm. Allura leads Narti to Ina’s chair. Once she’s sitting, she flips two pages in her notebook to a new message.

“I’d like to meet Hunk,” Allura reads out loud.

Hunk steps forward and takes Nartis' hand to write across in block letters.

“I. Am. Hunk. Nice. To. Meet. You. Narti.”

Narti waves her greeting, then flips the page to the message:

“I’d like to meet Matt,” reads Hunk.

Pidge steps forward and writes their greeting on Narti’s palm. 

“I. Am. Pidge. I. Play. Matt.”

Narti waves and flips the page to the message:

“I’d like to meet Coran.”

Keith and Lance both step up to Narti, each touching a hand. Narti looks visibly confused. She holds up two fingers.

“Yes. We. Are. Two,” Lance recites as he traces the letters on Narti’s hand.

Narti becomes very excited, holding up two fingers, then pointing to herself. She flips her notebook to the next page.

Allura reads the next message, “I am here with someone else too. Would you like to meet her?”

“Yeah,” say Pidge and Lance.

Allura traces out the yes on Narti’s palm.

“Hello?” calls out Hunk. “Anyone else out there?”

In walks a blond woman with freckles and blond hair in a pixie cut. Everyone gasps.

“That’s the woman from Ina’s photos,” says Hunk.

The woman walks up to Narti and takes her hand. Narti smiles and waves. 

Narti begins to speak ASL. As she signs, the woman interprets, “This is my interpreter, Ina. We used her name and photos for my profile.”

“Hi Ina,” says Allura.

“Nice to meet you,” says Hunk.

“Nice to meet all of you,” says Ina.

Narti holds out her two hands, facing each other, and Ina speaks using ASL, allowing Narti to feel the signs.

Narti nods and signs. Ina says, “I speak pro-tactile ASL. I touch to hear them, so it’s all through touch.”

“Wow!” says Hunk.

“I would love to know,” says Pidge, “how do you navigate the speech-controlled Circle?”

Ina signs Pidge’s question into Narti’s hands. Narti responds.

Ina says, “The Circle provided me with a braille display that vibrates when there’s an alert or a message. I use a braille keyboard to type out my own messages.”

“Cool,” says Pidge as everyone nods, fascinated.

“Ina helped me with visual challenges.” Ina signs against Narti’s hands as she adds, “Narti is very independent. I was mostly just there to fetch her display if it vibrated while she wasn’t near it.”

Narti playfully swats her and responds.

“I was a great moral support, according to Narti.”

“This will sound very hypocritical, coming from me who has played not one, but two different people in this game,” says Lance, with a laugh, “but why not come into The Circle as yourself?”

Ina signs this to Narti as Lance speaks and Narti responds.

“I have a lot of friends online,” Ina says, “Social media can be a great equalizer because we are all using technology to speak to each other. I wanted to play at being someone else and see how far I could get in the game… Apparently to the final five!”

Everyone laughs.

“Cheers to that,” says Allura, picking up her glass and holding it up. “To the final five!”

The others sit down. Keith grabs a chair from the wall. He sits and Lance takes his lap for his seat. Those who have drinks raise them.

“May this be a start of many lifelong friendships,” says Hunk.

“Here, here!” says Lance.

They drink.

Narrator: “They’re a great group. It’s definitely a toss up to see who will win the grand prize. And as the day comes to a close, it is time for the finalists to leave the circle.”

Michelle Buteau (The Narrator) is up on The Circle’s roof, addressing the camera.

“After they leave, they’ll reunite on our finale stage. I am so excited to meet everyone in person!”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

Michelle walks through a hallway shaped from curving led lights. She addresses the cameras.

“We are so close to finding out the winner of The Circle. Who is taking home that $100,000? Let’s find out!”

She steps out onto The Circle’s finale stage. One area has a bar set up with people sitting or standing around it. Among them is James, Nyma, Nadia, and others.

“My name is Michelle Buteau and please give a hand to our blocked players!”

The studio audience claps and cheers.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

“It’s time to meet our final five,” says Michelle. “Our first finalist is the woman who was a fake but became real, please welcome Allura!”

Allura walks down the hall  in a black leopard print bodysuit with a tailing skirt and a silver harness. 

She comes out onto the stage and waves at all the Blocked Players. James gives her the stink eye.

Michelle greets her with a big hug.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

“Next is the man I plan to marry,” says Michelle. “That’s right, he can bake and he’s not afraid to cry, so I’ve decided I’m keeping him. I’m speaking of course about our own Hunk!”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

“Small, but mighty is how I’d describe our next finalist. They are under five feet, but they make a huge impression. They are non-binary and sassy as all hell, please welcome Matt aka Pidge!”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

“Hailing from Detroit, please welcome the two who stole our hearts, Ina and Narti!”

The studio audience claps and cheers.

Ina leads Narti down the light hall and onto the finale stage. Michelle greets them by taking their hands.

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

“From the pair that stole our hearts to the pair that stole each other’s, please welcome Romelle and fake Allura aka Coran aka Keith and Lance!” announces Michelle.

The studio audience claps and cheers.

Keith and Lance walk out holding hands. Keith is in black fitted pants, a black button-up, and a gold blazer. Lance is dressed in a teal pantsuit and black and white floral shirt. Keith has gold eyeshadow and Lance has teal.

Lance waves to the audience. Keith greets Michelle with a hug first, then Lance.

“You look so good!” says Michelle.

“Thank you,” says Lance. “My boyfriend dressed me!”

They sit down in a sitting area with two couches.

Michelle drops her hands down on her knees and sighs. “You two…”

Keith looks away and covers his laugh.

“Us too,” says Lance with a grin.

“You have no idea how relieved I am that you two didn’t break up again before the finale!”

This gets them both laughing.

“Give it time,” says Keith, making a show of pulling his hand away.

“I have to say, I was very invested in this,” MIchelle gestures between the two of them. “And I’m sure our audience at home has been too. So let’s have the tea. Lance, you came into The Circle looking for love… was this your doing?”

Lance leans in towards Michelle, “I thought this was your doing.”

“My doing?” repeats Michelle, surprised.

“The Circle’s doing,” says Lance. “You had to have known what was going to happen when you put us in close proximity.”

“Hunny,” says Michelle, “no one could’ve predicted all that went on in that apartment.”

The audience cheers.

“Yeah, but you put me with this,” says Lance, gesturing to Keith.

Keith rolls his eyes.

“Take me back,” says Michelle, “You had real feelings for Allura,” she does air quotes. “Tell me what went through your mind, when you discovered Allura was in fact this man right here.”

“I believe what went through my mind was WOW and JACKPOT! And I almost said that out loud too, because I got so used to saying my thoughts out loud for The Circle while living alone, that I just barely remembered to filter them.”

“Hmmmm, that was you with your thoughts filtered?” asks Keith.

Lance gives him an angry look.

“Okay, so when you saw him and not Allura…,” begins Michelle.

“I was like, Allura who?” jokes Lance. “But the problem was, I didn’t know if he was gay.”

“That’s weird,” says Keith, leaning back.

“You don’t read gay, Keith!” snaps Lance. “And you weren’t acting interested in me.”

“That true, Keith?” asks Michelle.

“Oh, he’ll never tell you,” says Lance. “He’s all poker faced.”

Lance pokes Keith’s cheek, right in the dimple.

“I assumed you were disappointed that I wasn’t her,” says Keith, being very honest.

“Booooo!” shouts Allura from her seat near the Blocked Players.

Lance pretends to be taken aback.

“Lance, is that true?” asks Michelle.

“Hell no!”

“Now Keith...,” says Michelle.

“Yeah?”

“Keith… you came into The Circle declaring you wouldn’t fall in love and that your heart was empty… Do you stand by that?”

Keith starts laughing, “What do you want me to say?”

Michelle and Lance yelling in unison, “Say no!”

“No, I was wrong,” says Keith, still laughing. “I think I just needed someone who showed me I was worth it, ya know?”

The audience “aw’s.”

“So sweet,” says Michelle.

“Notice he doesn’t say anything about me,” says Lance. “Just what I showed him.”

Keith firmly grabs Lance’s hand.

“I needed to meet someone who is as gorgeous and funny and lovable as Lance.”

Louder “aw’s” from the audience.

“So this is something that has a future?” asks Michelle. “Have you made plans? Lance, you’re in Miami, Keith, you’re in Dallas…”

Keith and Lance look at each other.

Lance speaks for them, “Since we’ve left The Circle, we have visited each other’s cities and we did so with the idea that Miama has runways and Dallas as water. We can both work in either.”

“And?” presses Michelle.

“We’ve decided where we’re gonna live,” says Keith, “But we’re gonna leave it at that.”

“Also,” says Lance, “We introduced the real Allura to the real Romelle and maybe they hit it off?”

Lance makes a big show of shrugging.

“Is that true, Allura?” Michelle calls out.

“These lips are sealed,” says Allura. She mimes zipping up her mouth.

“Speaking of things better not spoken about,” says Allura. “You two, ahem, seemed to be getting up to some activity after lights out.”

Keith and Lance start laughing so hard, they collapse against each other, giddy, laughing into each other’s shoulders.

“You did remember you were being filmed, right?”

“Not after dark,” says Lance.

“What about in the shower, hmm?”

“That… that was all innocent,” says Keith.

“I heard you two at night!” yells Nyma. “We shared a wall!”

“Well, don’t believe everything you hear,” says Lance, brushing it off.

“Yeah, but -” begins Nyma.

“Ny, be cool!” says Lance. “My parents are watching!”

F     A     S     T         F     O     R     W     A     R     D

The couches have been moved out and the finalists stand in a line: Keith and Lance, Hunk, Allura, Pidge, and Ina and Narti.

“This is it,” announces Michelle. “We are about to reveal the winner of The Circle.”

One by one the finalists take each others’ hands and squeeze tight.

“One or two will walk away with $100,000!”

A horn sounds and a message pops up on the screen behind Michelle:

ALERT!

The six out of the seven finalists jump. 

“I did not miss that sound!” complains Lance.

Ina signs against and Narti responds.

“We’ve had enough alerts,” says Ina.

TIME TO REVEAL THE WINNER

Michelle reads out loud, “Time to reveal the winner.”

“I can’t look!” cries Hunk.

“Are you all ready?” asks Michelle.

“No,” says Lance.

A blue circle with the number 5 appears on the screen.

“In fifth place…,” says Michelle.

Lance spins away and turns his body against Hunk’s.

“I don’t wanna see.”

“Me neither,” says Hunk.

The blue circle turns around to reveal Ina’s profile photo.

“Oh…,” pouts Allura.

Ina signs against Narti’s hand. Allura approaches and hugs one, then the other.

Nartis signs and Ina says, “Thank you for everything.”

“Great game, you two,” says Michelle. “You did awesome!”

Ina leads Narti off to the side with the blocked players.

Ina’s profile is replaced with the number 4.

The remaining five fidget and shift, holding each others’ hands tightly.

“In fourth place…,” says Michelle.

The circle turns around to reveal Allura’s profile photo.

“No!” Keith and Lance say in unison.

Allura hugs them both at once.

“You did amazing, real Allura!” says Michelle.

Allura blows a kiss and moves off to join Ina and Narti.

Allura’s profile is replaced by the number 3.

“I officially hate this,” says Pidge.

“In third place…,” says Michelle.

The circle turns around to reveal Coran’s profile photo.

“Fuck,” swears Keith.

Lance shakes his head. “For a second there, I forgot that was us.”

This gets the audience laughing.

“Aw, Coran, Coran, the gorgeous man,” says Michelle, “You two played such a good game.”

“It’s okay,” says Keith, taking Lance’s hand to lead him away. “We already won.”

Lance kisses Keith’s hand as they walk over to join Allura.

“Hunk and Pidge,” says Michelle, stretching out her arms.

The two of them approach and each take one of her hands to hold.

“You are the final two. Your fellow players have rated you the most popular in The Circle and the winner of the $100,000.”

A blue circle with a 1 replaces Coran’s profile photo.

“Circle… tell us who the winner is.”

The circle turns around to reveal Matt’s profile photo with the word WINNER underneath.

Everyone screams and cheers. Pidge stares at it in shock.

“Congratulations!” says Hunk, clapping a hand on Pidge’s shoulder.

He pulls Pidge into a hug. Keith, Lance, and Allura all rush over to join in on a group hug.

Confetti rains down from the ceiling as Pidge’s face morphs into happiness. All the blocked players come over to congratulate them.

Pidge begins laughing, unable to believe it.

Michelle takes hold of them.

“Pidge, you did it!” she says. “How do you feel?”

“I’m shaking,” says Pidge, showing their shaking hand. “I can’t believe it. I have the money to make my dreams come true.”

“I think I speak for your fellow players when I say, we are so, so happy for you.” Michelle looks to camera. “That is it for The Circle! I’m so gonna miss Hunk’s positive spins, Pidge’s ability to sleep anywhere, Lance’s twerking, and Keith’s constant showering and walking around in that tiny towel. From all of us here, thank you so much for watching!”

She turns to hug Pidge and everyone presses in for a huge group hug.

Keith and Lance break off first from the group. They step to the side, hold each other close and kiss.

CREDITS ROLL