Bottled Up School Scene Script 2

EXT. SCHOOL - COURTYARD - DAY

Ran breathes heavily, glancing on as the tar fades away from Aoi’s silhouette as if it never existed to begin with. She almost collapses with relief if it weren’t for the girl standing before her. 

A heavy silence falls over the two. 

Aoi appears calmer than before, quieting down from her angry tirade. 

CLASSMATE A

I don’t know what came over me...

I’m sorry, Ran. 

Ran chuckles nervously and waves her hands placidly in front of her. 

RAN

No worries! I mean, no harm done,

right? 

(beat)

Do you... 

Ran takes a deep breath before: 

RAN (CONT’D) 

Um, do you want to, maybe, talk

about it? O-Only if you want to! Of

course... 

A shaky laugh escapes her as Ran tensely waits for Aoi’s response. 

CLASSMATE A

It’s nothing. It’s just...

Aoi heaves a frustrated sigh. 

CLASSMATE A (CONT’D) 

...school and all. We have a couple

tests coming up--

RAN

Wait, we have tests?! I had no idea! 

Ran’s outburst shocks even Aoi, who, after a few seconds of processing, begins to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. 

RAN (CONT’D) 

Hey, I’m being serious here! 

As Aoi’s laughter subsides, she adds, in a softer voice: 

CLASSMATE A 

I need to do well, that’s all. 

RAN

Yeah, I get you. But, y’know, I think

it’s fine to take it easy, too. 

(beat) 

You work really hard already, and

that’s pretty admirable. Don’t you also

go to cram school? 

CLASSMATE A 

Yes, but you don’t get it. I have to--

RAN

Says who? 

(beat) 

The way I see it is, you’re smart. You

work hard. Shouldn’t that be the most

anyone can ask of you? 

CLASSMATE A

I... haven’t thought of it like that. 

RAN

Take it easy, Aoi. I got your back. 

In true Ran fashion, she gives Aoi a big grin and a thumbs up. 

Aoi cracks a similar smile. 

CLASSMATE A 

Thanks, Ran. I owe you one. 

RAN

Happy to help, Aoi! 

(beat)

We should hang out sometime!

Sakura recommended this--

Suddenly remembering the errands her mom wanted her to run, Ran cuts herself off abruptly. 

RAN (CONT’D) 

Oh shoot, I totally forgot about the

groceries. I’ll catch you next time, Aoi!

See ya! 

With a final wave, Ran takes off with her things. 

Aoi watches her leave with a touch of worry on her face. When Ran is out of earshot: 

CLASSMATE A

But Sakura always says she’s busy

when I ask... 

END SCENE.