= SCHOOL =
EMMA (sitting at her desk, distracted): Why hasn't he replied yet?
(She glanced at her phone again. It's been a whole day. Still no read receipt.)
EMMA (sighing): "Hey, what are you up to?"
(She stared at the unsent message, then quickly checked her phone again. Still nothing.)
(Emma's gaze drifted across the room, settling on Chris. He was laughing with his usual group of friends—relaxed, like nothing had happened. But what really caught her eye was Lily, the new girl, standing close to him.)
LILY (smiling, grateful): "Thanks for helping me out with the project, Chris. I really appreciate it."
CHRIS (smiling back, casual): "No problem, anytime."
(A couple of his friends nudged him.)
GUY 1 (teasing): "Look at Mr. Helpful! Helping out the new girl now?"
CHRIS (shrugging it off): "She just needed help with the project, that's all."
(Emma's fingers tightened around the edge of her desk. Her stomach twisted.)
GUY 2 (still teasing): "So, what, you helping her out after school too?"
CHRIS (nonchalant): "Nah, her house is near mine. She asked for help, so I did."
(Emma's gaze narrowed. Her throat tightened.)
He doesn't even care about me anymore…
= CAFETERIA =
(The lunch bell rang. Emma poked at her food absentmindedly. MAYA, sitting beside her, noticed.)
MAYA (teasing gently): "Now, now… Don't do that to the chicken, it's dead already. Eat."
(CHRIS approached the table, his usual grin in place.)
CHRIS (cheerful): "Hey, love. What's up?"
(Emma didn't look up. Her eyes stayed glued to her phone, lips pressed into a thin line.)
CHRIS (confused, after a pause): "What's wrong?"
(He glanced at Maya, who was sipping her drink silently.)
CHRIS: "Maya, why do I feel some tension here?"
(Maya didn't respond. Chris frowned slightly, unsure.)
(Emma let out a quiet breath, her lips twitching into a sarcastic smile.)
EMMA (sarcastic): "Oh, he feels the tension, huh? How did that happen?"
(Sensing the storm brewing, Maya stood up.)
MAYA (gently): "I'm gonna get a muffin."
(She patted Emma on the shoulder, her eyes silently saying, 'Let it out.')
CHRIS (genuine concern creeping in): "What's wrong, Emma?"
(Emma swallowed, trying to stay composed. Her heart pounded.)
EMMA (tight, controlled): "I texted you yesterday."
CHRIS (dismissive): "Oh, that. I was busy."
EMMA (bitter): "I heard. Loud and clear."
CHRIS (popping a chip in his mouth): "So, you know."
(Emma clenched her fists under the table.)
EMMA (trembling): "What do I do, Chris? I guess I was cursed to be attentive to the person I love… not like you."
(A nearby table burst into laughter. Chris snapped.)
(He slammed the bag of chips onto the table.)
CHRIS (angrily): "Great. Now the drama begins."
EMMA (shocked, eyes wideHe really doesn't get it).
CHRIS (cold, frustrated): "Why can't you be normal for one day? Just once, for the sake of your own sanity?"
(The words hit like a slap. Emma flinched. Her voice dropped to a whisper.)
EMMA (softly): "Stop it."
CHRIS (challenging): "Stop what?"
(Emma stood, heart hammering, eyes filled with tears.)
EMMA (quietly): "This relationship."
CHRIS (stumbling, stunned): "What? Over a text? Emma, don't say things you don't mean—"
EMMA (cutting him off, cold and sure): "Let's end it. No—sorry. I quit being your girlfriend."
(She walked away without looking back. Each step felt like tearing herself apart.)
(Chris stared after her, stunned. His friends approached.)
FRIEND (worried): "What happened, man?"
CHRIS (bitter, muttering): "It's better to be single anyway. Why the heck did I fall in love?"
FRIEND (warning): "Dude, really? Emma might hear you…"
(But Chris didn't care. Behind him, Emma did hear. She picked up her pace, tears spilling freely now.)
= HALLWAY =
Narration:
Suddenly, someone smacked Chris on the back of the head and dragged him by the collar
MATT (furious, dragging Chris down the hall): "What were you thinking?"
CHRIS (bitter, eyes burning): "It's always her. Always the perfect one. The good girl. She never messes up. But me? I'm the villain every time. She makes me feel like I'm the one who's broken."
(Matt sighed, letting Chris rant. There wasn't much he could say now.)
= AFTERNOON CLASSROOM =
Narration:
The rest of the day crawled by. Emma and Chris sat across from each other in silence. No words. No glances.
(Emma stared at the board, but her mind was far away.)
Why does everything feel so broken now?
(Chris sat with his head down, thoughts racing.)
What does she want from me? I'm not perfect.
The silence between them spoke louder than any fight. A quiet storm waiting to explode.
= AFTER SCHOOL =
(The final bell rings. CHRIS stands by the door, eyes flicking toward EMMA as she walks past. A mischievous glint flashes in his eyes.)
CHRIS (making faces behind her back, muttering under his breath): "Pfft. Classic Emma. Act like I don't exist."
(EMMA, noticing through the classroom window, narrows her eyes. She catches the reflection, turns sharply, and walks off without acknowledging him.)
CHRIS (frozen, scowling): "I can't believe she just… didn't even look at me."
(MATT appears and casually smacks Chris on the back of the head.)
MATT (deadpan): "Dude. Seriously?"
CHRIS (rubbing his head, tone shifting from anger to mock indignation): "You… you hit me twice!"
MATT (already walking off, smirking): "You know how to count."
(Chris glares, then sprints after him.)
CHRIS (shouting): "Hey! You come here!"
(They dash through the school gates, laughter cutting through the lingering tension.)
= AT THE CONVENIENCE STORE =
(MATT skids to a stop in front of a convenience store, panting.)
MATT (catching his breath): "I need to pick up something."
CHRIS (crossing his arms, mock stern): "Fine. But you better buy me a Coke."
MATT (with a theatrical sigh as he heads inside): "No choice then..."
= AFTER THE CHASE =
(CHRIS leans against a table outside the store, flipping through a small photo book pulled from his bag. A smile plays on his lips.)
(MATT exits the store, a chilled Coke in hand. He places it in front of Chris with a teasing grin.)
MATT (smirking): "Change of heart?"
(CHRIS looks at the Coke, dramatically pouts, and wipes an imaginary tear from his cheek.)
CHRIS (melodramatic): "You… you really remembered..."
(MATT freezes, eyes wide in disbelief.)
MATT (startled): "What? What the...?"
(CHRIS bursts out laughing, dropping the act.)
CHRIS (between chuckles): "You should've seen your face!"
MATT (laughing too, shaking his head): "I swear, you're something else."
(He tosses the Coke bottle. CHRIS catches it effortlessly, cracking it open.)
CHRIS (grinning): "Thanks. Not bad for a guy who hits people."
MATT (rolling his eyes, still smiling): "Only when they act like you."
(CHRIS's smile fades a little as he stares down at the bottle.)
CHRIS (softly, serious now): "I love her, man. I miss her."
(MATT stops, surprised by the sudden honesty.)
MATT (thoughtful): "So, what—you going to sit here whining about it to me, or actually go talk to her?"
CHRIS (sighs, leaning back): "The only time what you said makes sense… still ..."Nah. I'm going to wait for her to think about today. Then, Tomorrow... I'll talk to her then."
(MATT stretches and stands.)
MATT (dryly): "You know what? Like your ego, time also runs without a break."
(He starts to walk away.)
MATT (calling back): "Enjoy your time today—with your ego."
CHRIS (with a smirk): "Oh, don't worry. It's a lot more entertaining than your advice."
Narration:
Then Chris started walking towards Emma home, to sort out the problem.
EXT. STREET CORNER – NEAR EMMA HOUSE
Chris walks determinedly, then suddenly freezes.
He sees Emma standing outside a café with maya, talking to a boy about their age. They smile and exchange something. Chris doesn't catch the boy's face.
A bitter lump forms in his throat.
CHRIS
(under his breath, frustrated)
Chhh… what the hell is this?
He clenches his fists, backing away slowly.
CHRIS
(to himself)
No, no... I can't do this. Not now.
The sky darkens suddenly. Rain pours down heavily. Chris runs toward a nearby temple for shelter.
EXT. TEMPLE – DAY
Inside, Chris stands under the eaves, catching his breath.
Lightning flashes, illuminating an old wooden board near a stone well.
The board reads:
"Write your wish on this paper, then throw it above the well — Deva's Wishing Well."
Curious, Chris walks over, grabs a stack of paper pinned to the board, and reaches into his bag for a pen.
He sits on the stone bench and hears faint metal creaking nearby. He looks up but sees nothing.
He starts writing his wish.
Suddenly, a gust of wind lifts the paper from his hands.
Chris lunges forward, trying to catch it—but crashes into someone.
CHRIS
(bowing quickly)
Sorry! Didn't see you there.
The stranger doesn't stop or look back, just walks away.
Chris's eyes catch movement — the cat he'd been carrying jumps from his arms and darts off.
CHRIS
(confused, watching the cat)
What the…?
He glances back at the retreating figure, then bends to pick up scattered paper.
As he resumes writing, the metal creaking comes again.
He turns sharply and spots the cat standing precariously on the metal grate over the well.
Its leg is caught in rusty wire.
The cat struggles, claws scratching metal, then starts to slip.
Chris rushes forward.
CHRIS
(panicked)
No, wait!
He bends down just in time to grab the cat before it falls into the well.
His eyes catch his reflection in the water beneath the grate — pale, tired.
Suddenly, a bright light floods the well.
Chris closes his eyes, shielding them from the glare.
Through the ringing light, he hears the distant bell tower:
BELL TOWER
Ding… Ding… Dong.
Each chime marks the hour — 7 PM.
Chris's head sways.
His vision blurs.
His thoughts scatter.
The world around him grows distant, vague...
INT. MATT'S HOUSE – NIGHT
Rain lashes against the windows. MATT stands by the window, arms folded, staring into the storm.
Lightning cracks, casting fleeting shadows. The streetlights flicker twice, then go out.
MATT
(sighing, half to himself)
What the…?
He turns away, unsettled, and starts clearing the dining table.
The drip of water into the sink echoes in silence.
Suddenly, his phone rings, piercing the quiet.
He flinches.
MATT
(startled, muttering)
Who's calling now…?
He wipes his hands dry and checks the screen.
Chris mom number. His brows furrow.
He picks up, voice edged with suspicion.
MATT
Hello?
CHRIS'S MOM (V.O.)
Matt, is Chris with you? He isn't home yet, and he's not answering his phone. It's almost 8 PM…
Matt pauses, considering telling her the truth, but she sounds on edge.
MATT
He said he was headed to the library for a project. Maybe he just lost track of time. I'll tell him to call you once I see him.
CHRIS'S MOM (V.O.)
Alright… please do. Thanks, Matt.
Matt glances at the clock, frustration creeping in.
MATT
Yeah. No problem, Mom.
He ends the call and swipe through his phone.
MATT
(to himself)
That fool… Where the hell are you?
He dials Chris's number again — no answer.
Outside, the rain pounds harder.
MATT
(muttering)
Come on, man...
He instinctively swipes to contacts and taps Emma's name.
Phone rings.
MATT (V.O.)
Maybe he went to see her. Maybe she knows something. Maybe…
Call ends — no answer.
MATT
Dammit, Emma. Pick up!
He pockets the phone and quickens pace as thunder cracks overhead.
EXT. STREETS – NIGHT
Matt rushes through rain-slicked streets, soaked, frustration on his face.
He checks the convenience store — empty.
Runs to their hangout behind the gym — no sign of Chris.
MATT
(panting)
Where did you go, man…?
A deep, echoing bell toll sounds.
BELL TOWER
Ding… Dong.
It's 9 PM.
Matt stops, goosebumps rising.
He sees a small crowd ahead, murmuring.
His heart drops.
He pushes through.
There, Chris lies slumped on the wet pavement, eyes closed, unmoving.
MATT
Chris?!
He shakes him. Nothing.
Panic claws his throat.
RANDOM PERSON
He's breathing. Just out cold. Probably too much to drink.
MATT
What…?
RANDOM PERSON
Yeah, smell that? He reeks of alcohol. Poor kid probably passed out. I've seen it before. He'll wake up.
Someone in the crowd mutters disapprovingly:
CROWD MEMBER
These kids today… always on something. Drugs, alcohol, who knows what else.
Matt flinches at the accusation, leans closer, smelling the faint acrid scent.
MATT
(quietly, confused and angry)
What the hell did you do…
No time for judgment.
He lifts Chris, struggling under his weight, and hails a taxi.
INT. MATT'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – LATER
Matt stumbles inside, soaked.
He gently drops Chris on the couch.
Chris doesn't stir.
Matt stands over him, panting, water dripping.
MATT
(muttering, shaken)
What happened to you…?
He paces, then looks back.
Still out cold.
MATT
(softly)
You better have a damn good explanation for this when you wake up.
The storm roars outside.
Only silence answers.
INT. MATT'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Matt sits on the sofa edge, hands trembling, reaching for his phone.
It rings — Chris's mom.
He stares at the screen, dread building.
Hesitates.
Answers, voice forced calm.
MATT
Hello?
CHRIS'S MOM (V.O.)
Matt? Chris still isn't home! I've been trying to reach him. He's not answering his phone. Where is he?
Matt freezes, mind racing.
Impulsively:
MATT
Sorry, Mom — can't hear yo..u... — hello? Hello…?
He abruptly hangs up.
Stands, jaw clenched, heart pounding.
Rushing around, unsure.
He grabs the phone, texts:
"He's staying the night here at my place. He'll come home tomorrow."
Then:
"He went to the library earlier. You probably didn't get his text because of the power outage. His phone battery's dead."
One more lie:
"My battery's about to die too. I'll make sure he calls you in the morning, Mom."
INT. MATT'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Matt watches the phone buzz.
Chris's mom replies:
"These youngsters... fine."
Then typing dots appear — she's about to write more.
MATT
(tense, muttering)
Oh, no you don't…
He switches off the phone, tosses it on the sofa.
Exhales, rubbing his face.
Glances at Chris, still unconscious.
MATT
(quietly)
What the hell happened to you?