Abed spends the week before the premiere watching and re-watching his film, picking out bits and pieces of the movie that he would change, things he envisioned differently, parts he was worried that people wouldn’t understand.
The night before, and the night before that, and the night before that, neither of them can sleep because of all the nervous energy. They end up playing board games and drinking special drink all night instead. Then they spend the days inhaling coffee like it’s air until, finally, the night of the premiere arrives. Bow ties are straightened - “Why a bow tie?” “Bow ties are cool” - dresses are zipped, and they’re off to the red carpet.
Lights flash, questions are asked, autographs are signed. To their own amazement, they somehow make it into the theatre without tripping over each other or anyone else - “God, I’m exhausted” “Mmhmm” “We need to stay awake” “Mmhmm”.
The lights dim, the movie starts. Everything runs smoothly. People laugh when they’re supposed to laugh, gasp when they’re supposed to gasp, and there’s even a few tears shed. All in all, a great success. The movie ends, the lights are turned on.
Everyone in the theatre files out except for two people in the front row who remain in their seats, leaning into each other, fast asleep.
