EP5 - Developing, slowly

Dreamchasers  - Episode 5

“Developing, slowly”

## Scene 1

Ash, Kayla, Blake

The next day, Ash is thinking about a discussion with Dorothy about inviting Kayla somewhere. They just finished breakfast and are getting ready.

Ash: I’m going to invite Kayla to..

…\*sigh\*…

….to the..amusement park.

I need the courage today to be able to tell her when!!

Ash walks out of their flat. They see Kayla waiting in front of the flat again.

Kayla is smiling as usual. Seems like things are back to normal? That’s a good sign for Ash.

Suddenly, Ash’s face lights up when seeing Kayla like that once again. They felt really relieved, and 50% of their worries had vanished.

She thought it's unusual for Ash’s eyes to sparkle up on seeing her like that..

* Kayla: GOOOOD MORNING!!! Looks like it’s going to be a nice day, isn’t it?!

Kayla got thrilled due to seeing Ash’s expression.

* Ash: Morning…

Ash gave a slight smile.

Kayla smiled even more brightly and blushed a little as a response.

* Ash: uhm….How are you..?

* Kayla: Thanks for asking! I have a good intuition for today! I feel full of energy!!

* Ash: It's just a normal school day…

* Kayla: Who knows? Maybe it isn’t gonna be in a good way~!

Ash just remembered again that they have to announce the time of their hangout.

* Ash: I should tell Kayla that I want us to go to the amusement park at the weekend now…it’s a good chance..! Okay, Ash! You can do this!!!

* Ash: Oh and…Kayla…I want to…talk about the…outing…we are gonna h-have…

Kayla’s eyes sparkle.

* Kayla: OH??!

* Ash: I-I mean…I want to take you there…on th-this weekend…It’s a surprise where…

* Kayla: This weekend? Sure!! Any time is good for me!

Ash feels emotional.

* Ash:...I did it!!..I hope I can give her the best day and apology possible..I hope I can do my best…I will take care of Kayla and support her no matter what…I will never let her down again…never…ever…

* Kayla: I already can’t wait for it! Oh my god, what are you going to surprise me with? I am so excited!

Kayla starts slightly bouncing up and down in excitement.

* Ash: There shouldn’t be any problems with this at all..It’s going to be…just the two of us…after all…wait..

….Just the t-t-two of us?....That sounded corny…

Ash blushed in awkwardness.

* Kayla: Let’s get going to school now!! We don’t wanna be late, don’t we?

* Ash: O-oh..right…

## Scene 2

Ash, Kayla, George

In school. During a break, Ash is searching something in their locker, alone. Suddenly, George walks up to Ash.

* George: Ash…

* Ash: huh? oh…Hello..

* George: I need to tell you something. It’s about Kayla. Listen closely… and please don't mention this to anyone, not even Kayla.

Ash feels the weight already from this conversation. They already have a feeling that this is something really serious..

* Ash: …o-o….okay…

* George: So…you really have to be careful with her. You have to try to keep her calm as much as possible..You can't get her to be upset, okay? Also…Please pay attention to her hands..

* Ash: P-P….Pay attention….T-To h-her…..h-hands?

* George: If you notice something….if you could stop her in time, I think…Maybe…just maybe…

* Ash: I don’t g-get w-what y-you are t-t-talking a-about…

* George: I think you could get her back to normal if something happens..

* Ash: ….I am? But..I t-think I….d-do the opposite…I a-always make everyone w-worry about me…I'm useless…

* George: You’re not at all, have more confidence. You know…she told me about you inviting her somewhere yesterday. She was so cheered up after such a bad day…

* Ash: …I……………..cheered her up…?

* George: Yes, you did..You matter to her a lot. You influence her a lot. That's something you should know…

Ash quietly nods.

* George: Even though there might be something you haven’t noticed about her yet…please pay close attention. You might catch it.

George sweetly smiles.

* Ash: ….So-..Something I haven’t….noticed about her…?

* George: Yeah. So please, promise me you'll take care of her…And again…Pay attention to her hands…

* Ash: okay…I promise…w-whatever the r-reason m-….might be…for…t-the hand thing..I’m c-confused but I g-guess I will…

* George: Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

Kayla seems to be walking up to Ash and George.

* Kayla: Hey guys!!

* George: Hey.

* Kayla: Ashie, is the Literature Club meeting today? Do you want me to accompany you? I don’t mind at all…As long as I can help you!

Ash froze in response. George looked at Ash with a concerned look.

* George: Are you going to join the literature club, Kayla?

* Kayla: Uhhh…I don’t know…Reading and writing hasn’t always been my passion…but! I enjoy it as long as I'm making others feel happy too.!

Kayla smiles worryingly. Ash thinks she probably doesn’t want to be left alone again.

* Ash: because I was so stubborn to join the literature club back then…We couldn’t find an activity to do together. Now because I have decided to choose this path again, she wants to be with me even though she doesn’t like reading that much… she doesn’t try to change me now, she forcefully changes herself instead.. I feel like a horrible person now to drag her into this..

* George: umm….Kayla, you don’t have to accompany Ash if you don’t like reading and writing that much. Blake or I could help them if problem with communication is the case.

Ash is quietly nodding in agreement.

* Kayla: Ah….

* George: Don’t worry, Kayla. I think they will manage to survive in the end! It’s not like they got in a bad group anyways. Everyone seemed friendly from what you told me about them the other day.

* Kayla: Yeah, yeah…

* Ash: Don’t worry a-about me. I think I c-can manage it on my o-own now. With George and Blake..

* Kayla: Okay..! Okay.. As long as you are fine with it… But if you need me, don’t be afraid to call..

Kayla smiles worryingly again.

* George: They don’t always have to rely on you, Kayla. Sometimes, all that's needed for someone to grow is to learn how to cope on their own.

* Kayla: Shut it, George…Anyways, Ash, did you ask Aoi for a hangout already?

* Ash: SHOOT—! I FORGOT—-!!! I’ll ask h-her r-right now!!! I AM SO S-SORRY!!!!!

* Kayla: Ah, it’s nothi-

Ash runs off.

## Scene 3

Ash, Aoi

Ash hurries to the rooftop. They see Aoi stare at the sky.

* Ash: AOI!!!!

Aoi looks at the hurrying Ash towards her.

* Aoi: Ash!!!! How did it go?!?!

* Ash: It-… IT WENT GREAT…!!!!

* Aoi: YAAAAYYY!!! I’M SO GLAD!!

* Ash: Thank you…again…you really a-are…a l-lifesaver….

* Aoi: Where did you invite her?

* Ash: ….Amusement park……

* Aoi: Wise choice~! That’s something everyone likes!!! Ohohoh, I wanna ride big coasters too!! Especially the ones that are really thrilling!!

* Ash: Big…coasters…?

Ash imagines an extreme coaster they have been on once with Julia.

* Ash: …….terrifying…
* I bet Kayla will do that to me as well…drag me along to those…
* ….E-extreme c-coasters….
* ….The theme park we are going to has those too…
* ….when I was looking at the website about the park’s attractions…
* …I saw the most t-terrifying c-coaster I e-e-ever l-looked at!!!!..that….Black hole one….

* Aoi: Black Hole coaster? Oh! That’s the newest coaster in that park!
* It’s really popular! People love it!!! Ah, one of my classmates told me about it! It brings you up REALLY high!
* And then!!!! KABAM!!! WOOOOOOSSHHH!!!
* It drops you down really fast and gets you into a tunnel!
* Then you turn upside down TWICE!

* Ash: S-STOP TELLING ME ALL THAT!!! That’s…m-making my f-fear worse….

* Aoi: okay, okaaayy….

* Ash: Also…I wanted to ask you something…Kayla….wanted to meet up with you…

* Aoi: meet up with me? Ah I would love to! but... I am kinda busy with a project for school. I'm really sorry Ash!

* Ash: Oh…okay….that’s fine….I’m sure Kayla will understand….

## Scene 4

Ash, Kayla, Blake, George

School just ended, it’s time for club activities. The literature  club will meet up again. This time Kayla will not tag along..

Ash, Kayla, Blake are walking next to each other. They happen to go to the school entrance.

* Kayla: It's a shame that Aoi can't show up…Maybe next time! Bye Ashie, bye Blake! Take care of yourselves!

* Ash: okay…I will… bye…

* Blake: Okay. Bye Kayla!

* Kayla: Bye~!

Kayla exits the school. Now it’s only Blake and Ash.

* Blake: It’s only us now. I have heard that George brushed off Kayla…

* Ash: I think…it is b-better this way…she probably forced herself to go only to watch over me…

* Blake: But now, we won’t have any interpreter to help us now if we stop talking. Ah, but don’t worry, I think I can handle this, maybe.

George seems to be running up to Blake and Ash.

* George: Blake, Ash!

* Blake: Hello.

* Ash: Hi…

* George: You two are going to the literature club?

* Blake: Yeah.

* George: Great! I am joining.

Ash smiles.

* Blake: You’re…part of the literature club too?!

* George: Yeah, but I couldn’t show up on the first day, haha…Kinda embarrassing…

* Blake: I didn’t expect that at all!

* George: I asked Kayla about the members on another day, she said the members are friendly.

* Blake: Mhm, they absolutely are.!

* George: I brought some snacks for the club in case you want to eat something.

* Ash: This isn’t going to be bad at all..knowing that George and Blake will have my back if something happens..

* Blake: George is much calmer than Kayla. He seems to be totally chill..and knowing his limits...unlike Kayla. Moreover, he seems to be stable and independent. Unlike Ash…It all shows just by looking at his posture and expression. George, what made you decide to join this club?

* George: I like the atmosphere of libraries. Moreover, I love to just sit down and chill with a book in my hand. Nowadays I have a lot of side work to do besides school and this seems like a good opportunity to recharge.

Ash just doesn’t know how to join this conversation and awkwardly stares.

* Blake: Same here. I’m a little bit nervous around the people because I am afraid I might make a bad impression.. My communication with girls is not on top..And this club is full of them. I am glad to see you here.

* George: Haha, glad to see you coming too! It's really pleasant talking with you.

* Blake: Looks like we are almost at the library.

Ash is trying to join the conversation.

* Ash: …mhm…

Ash feels nervous again because they are almost there and is worried about what might happen with themselves. They feel their heart rate increasing..

* Blake and George: Don’t worry, everything will be okay.

George and Blake looked at each other since they said the same thing at once.

* Blake: Pffff-

Seems like the boys ended up laughing at that sudden moment.

* Blake and George: \*laughing together for like 10 secs\*

Ash smiles.They are glad that the boys are having fun.

* Blake: Really Ash, there is no need to worry. We will be here for you.

* George: Ready and steady at all times!

Ash nods.

Looks like they arrived meanwhile.

* George: Let’s get going, shall we?

## Scene 5

Ash, Blake, Sheila, Julia, Belle, Lucas

In the library. The whole club is there. Wendy, Blake, Lucas, Ash, Julia, Belle, Jane, George, Sheila.

* Julia: Today we planned poem writing! The topic is about connecting feelings with natural elements. It can be written about anything.

* Blake: Poem writing..I have never written one before.

Sheila, who is sitting next to Blake, decided to talk in a short sentence.

* Sheila: I could teach you.

* Julia: I could give you a helping hand.

Blake feels awkward since two complete stranger girls had offered their help.

* Blake: Oh- I- Uh…ehehe…Oh…sure…! Ah.! thank you…!

Lucas seems to be intensively staring at the silent Ash. Ash does not notice they are being stared at since they are focused on writing.

* Lucas: That silent person….Why do they  look so…familiar?…..hmmmmm…..OH! Oh my god! It’s Ash from kindergarten and elementary school!
* I have to greet them!!

Belle walks up to Ash to check them.

* Belle: How’s it going? You seem focused! Can I take a peek?

Ash looks up at Belle with surprise. Then slowly nod.

* Belle: Oh, Ash has pretty handwriting. Finally someone whose handwriting I could read. Let’s see…

Belle reads the unfinished poem quietly.

“In the midst of the forest green,

A gentle breeze blew through the trees,

And there stood my dear friend, unseen,

As mysterious as the evening breeze.

For years she's been by my side,”

Ash is slowly getting embarrassed by Belle reading their unfinished poem.

* Belle: Oh damn,.... I can't wait for the full version.! (in a quirky way)

Julia walks up to Ash and Belle. Ash freezes right at that moment.

* Julia: Haha, Ash was always great with poems. They're so cute and heartfelt!

* Belle: really? Did they write poems to you?

* Julia: Of course they did! I wrote for them too.

Julia smiles sweetly.

* Belle: I want you two to get along again!

* Julia: I would love that too.

Ash uncomfortably stares.

* Belle: Did you start writing about Julia?

Ash aggressively shakes their head.

* Belle: Ohhh? then who?

Ash doesn’t respond. They just stare while they are white as the wall.

* Blake: AH! Julia! A-Am I doing….uhhh….uh… good?

Blake lifts up his notebook which he was writing in towards Julia.

* Julia: Coming.

Julia walked away. Ash felt relieved.

* Ash: Julia left my side…Thanks Blake for helping…

* Belle: Come on!! Who is it?

Ash realized Belle was still there, and they looked in surprise again. Though they didn't mind Belle’s company. Ash starts scribbling on a separate page.

* Ash: A childhood friend

* Belle: Childhood friend.?

Ash nods. Then they continue writing the poem.

* Lucas: Are you writing about me?!

Ash stares at Lucas. They do not recognise him at all so they stare weirdly.

* Lucas: Ash?

Ash shook from him knowing their name. Ash thinks they never met Lucas before. They start scribbling on a separate page again to write a response.

* Ash: HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?

* Lucas: Wait a second, you don't recognise me??

Ash shakes their head.

* Lucas: But we've met before! You know, in elementary school!!

* Ash: I do not think that happened….

* Lucas: I'm Lucas. Ring a bell?

Ash does not remember him at all.

* Ash: No

* Lucas: ……How did that happen…?

Lucas is utterly surprised. How come he remembers Ash, but Ash doesn’t remember him?

* Lucas: Don't you remember? We used to play with each other during breaks at school!

* Ash: Ahh you were the one bothering me…

* Ash: Yes, I remember now.

* Lucas: YES! I KNEW YOU WOULD AND DO YOU REMEM-…

And Lucas goes on rambling about memories that Ash couldn't even remember, they notice Blake staring at them with his eyes squinted.

* Ash: Blake? Is everything alright?

As Blake did not stop staring and didn't even react to Ash waving their hand they switch tactics and start scribbling on a new page in their notebook (Lucas still talking)

* Ash: BLAKE!?

Blake suddenly regains his consciousness which was probably lost in the abyss of his thoughts, he stares at ash startled and confused.

Ash does not understand the reaction and they stare back at Blake confused.

Now they are staring at each other confused.

Ash scoots over to Blake to see what he has come up with.

* Ash: Soo.. what did you write?

* Blake: Ah I don't know, it doesn't seem right… Can you take a look at it?

* Ash: sure.

Ash is looking down at the wonkiest, sloppiest work of writing they have ever seen so far and tries to think of a way to word the criticism nicely.

* Blake I think we should start from the beginning. for example the choice of topic.

why would anybody write about nosebleeds

Ash is in complete silence thinking how to fix this atrocity created by their friend.

* Blake: Why, is the topic not good? I used to have so many nosebleeds in elementary school. It was horrible.

* Ash: That's it! I know!

You know… some people can't handle blood. Even just mentioning blood can make them pass out…

…You should choose something more…adequate to the topic since it's about feelings.

* Blake: But it is about feelings! the horrible feeling of a nosebleed in the middle of an important test!

Blake prepares to read his work out loud and Ash is looking for ways to not let this happen.

Julia starts speaking very loudly startling the whole group

* Julia: Everyone! Attention please!

* Julia: Due to the lack of time provided for club activities today, the session has ended but if you wish to continue writing your poems you can stay in the library.

Julia steps down from the stage and walks up to Belle

* Julia: the anxiety! I can't handle this, Belle! Do you want to switch, maybe?

* Belle: C'mon Julia you were great! you're definitely a leader and Aaron knew that!

* Julia: Ahh but it's so frustrating!!! i can't handle this many people it's so… agh nevermind

* Belle: Have some confidence! For now though, let's go home. I have so much to do.

Julia and Belle has left the room along with some of the others

* Blake: so let's continue where we left of-

* Ash: OH BLAKE I AM SO HUNGRY LET'S GO EAT SOMETHING

* Blake: Whuh-???

Ash starts dragging Blake by his arm along with them as they head outside. George is watching these two in amusement and giggles in the background.

## Scene 6

Ash, Blake, Belle

As they got outside, Belle suddenly appeared in front of them. (Julia wasn’t there)

* Belle: Hey Ash!!

* Ash: WHAH!!! I THOUGHT YOU WENT HOME!!!

Ash stops right at that moment, being shocked. They still do not let go of Blake because they don’t want Blake to read up anything from that monstrosity.

* Belle: What is up with you and Julia? You seem to be frozen when she is around. How about you and her try to get along? She’s desperate to be friends with you again!

Ash didn’t reply. They just replied with an expression of unpleasantness.

* Blake: uhhh….well I-I mean….

* Belle: I want a reply straight from Ash!

* Ash: Friends…With me?

Blake doesn’t want to be involved in this and looks back at the library.

* Blake: Could you let me go now?

* Ash: No.

Belle is trying to convince Ash to be more open and less nervous around Julia.

* Belle: Ash, you know how honest Julia is! If she didn’t like you as a friend, then she wouldn’t even try to fix your friendship between you and her!

Ash sees a good point in Belle’s statement, but still has doubts.

* Belle: Julia told me how wonderful you are! And how she tried to chase you down in the halls on the first day when she wanted to talk to you..

Ash seems to be embarrassed about this. A slight blush shows up on their cheek.

Julia told good things about them to Belle?

They realized it was really that way. A girl whose intention was only to talk properly, while they just ran off.

Blake is just awkwardly staring since he clearly knows he wasn’t supposed to be here, getting involved in Ash’s private life.

Blake wanted to do something about it and tried to slide his hand out of their grip

* Blake: Slowly while they are distracted,…I will…. WHA?!

Ash is even more gripping on to his arm refusing to let him go in any way.

* Blake: ….Man….(while sigh)

* Belle: You can't continue this for very long, you know. Not talking to her at all and using that book when she's near.

* Ash:…..my notebook? B-but…

* Belle: You know you can do better than that. She knows that as well. Blake, why aren’t you encouraging them?

* Blake: …I would r-rather! Uh ... .not force…them about what to do…ahaha…

* Belle: I want you all to get along and be friends with each other. Julia wants that too. Additionally, she seems to have a liking for every member in the club!

* Blake: uhhhhh….Ash might feel ... awkward about m-meeting up with Julia after uh… whatever reason they broke up! Right?

Ash is nodding to Blake’s statement.

* Blake: See?

* Belle: Oh come on Ash! You don’t have to always back off! Does she seem like someone who would bite you if you exchanged words with her again? Absolutely not! Have some spirit!

Ash looked down on the floor. They now seem really troubled. Then they start walking off, still dragging Blake along with them. Belle shouts after them.

* Belle: Please consider my suggestion!!!

## Scene 7

Ash, Julia

At home. Ash lies down on the bed and feels glued to that bed right from that moment. They start thinking about the relationship between Julia and them.

* Ash: I should talk to Julia again.? But….I'm clearly someone who isn’t enough for her….

-Flaskback-

In the park, sitting next to each other. Ash was writing something down - probably some poem at sorts. Meanwhile Julia, she is just staring at Ash writing while having a more serious expression on her face.

* Julia: Ash.

* Ash: Hm?

Ash gives a slight smile to Julia.

* Julia: Do you think I should be honest if it means hurting the other person? Or maybe…surely. Though I don't want to do that.

Ash starts thinking. They do not think it is aimed at them, so they reply with the first thoughts coming up in their mind.

* Ash: I admire you for being honest with others...I probably won't be able to tell the truth to others, not without it  taking a long time…Like….a REALLY long time..

* Is that a thing you want to tell the other person really badly?

* Julia: It is quite important. For both sides. It’s just simply….truth. About myself. I recently realized it.

* Ash: Truth may hurt…but…telling lies isn't a good idea either... After some time, the truth will uncover itself eventually, won’t it?

* Moreover, you are a great person! I am pretty sure the person will still accept you as you are.

Julia already knows she is a great person - It’s not “herself” it's her “feelings”. She knows now right that it’s her feelings with Ash she wasn't really clear with until recently.

She cannot help but to worry. Because the person she is talking about is Ash - She knows right that Ash might accept her, but after telling Ash “the truth” might make Ash stay away from her: Who knows for how long? We are talking about a very fragile person.

* Julia: Right…

Small awkward silence.

* Ash: Would you like to tell me what you were thinking of sharing with that other person..?

Small awkward silence again.

Flashback end

* How open was I back then?
* Maybe a little too open…I shouldn't have been like that…ugh…

Ash is rolled on their bed looking sideways. They stare at the wall…

* Talk to her again…Well I mean…she didn’t try to cut me off when we met again…moreover, I tried to cut her off, and then she chased me in the halls!! That would be weird if she didn’t want to talk..

But-.....Even if I tried talking to her… I would be shaking…I wouldn't look in her eyes…I doubt I could say a word…I can't react the same way I used to when she is around….

I’ve been stuck on this goddamn breakup for almost a year now..what is wrong with me??

Ash sat up and reached out to their phone nearby.

She didn’t cheat, she didn’t treat me badly either. It must have been my fault to end up like this…

Ash looks at the glowing screen displaying their phone wallpaper.

How the hell can I get myself to move on? I need a quick solution..Maybe browsing on the net might help.? I've done that already many times though…

Maybe asking Kayla or Blake about this? ah, no..that would be an awkward topic to have in general..

Ash slightly blushes on the thought of thinking of this.

* I keep embarrassing myself over and over! I won't bring myself into this pit of shame again…..

-another flashback-

Julia and Ash are on a lunch break in middle school.

* Julia: Hey, I just saw a joke on the internet earlier and I thought I might tell you about it.

* Ash: Yeah?

* Julia: A priest asks the convicted murderer at the electric chair, “Do you have any last requests?” “Yes,” replies the murderer. “Can you please hold my hand?”

Ash’s mind processes Julia’s joke for a few seconds. When they realize, they became shocked instead of laughing happily.

* Ash: WH-...ahahahahaha, ha. That was…very funny.

Julia saw Ash’s look which gave it all. Ash didn’t like her joke.

* Julia: Ah, dang. I hoped you would like it.

* Ash: Ha…sorry, I was a little bit nervous, didn’t mean to make it sound sarcastic..

* Julia: You’re really bad at pretending, Ash. Though I understand.

* Ash: Y-you want me to apologize? I-I’m genuinely sorry….

* Julia: I didn’t say a word about wanting you to apologize! You just don’t like dark jokes, I understand.

* Ash: I’m sorry..you’re right. I don’t..like dark jokes….

* Julia: You can stop saying sorry, you know? It’s not a big deal, having your own taste in jokes isn’t wrong. Someone likes my jokes, someone doesn’t. That’s just how it is.

Another flashback..

Ash and Julia are now at middle school during the club session. They are peacefully sitting close to each other and the young pair were reading two different books.

* Julia: Hey. Do you have a dream about your future?

Ash looks up from the book they were reading.

* Ash: What?

* Julia: You know…Something you wanted to do or be like in the future. It’s nice to have a goal in your life to chase after, isn’t it? I never knew your dreams…So…What's on your mind, Ash?

* Ash: What's on my mind..? I never really thought about my future..
* Well…we'll go to high school soon, after all…We will get measured for powers…i doubt i will have any…

* Julia: I have one thought about my future. It's for me to be a great doctor one day. In the Heroes’ league. If I have the right power of course… Are you going to join the League?

* Ash: Heroes’ League this…Heroes’ League that…I don't plan on joining at all.. I don't get the hype…

* Julia: Then what is your big dream?

Ash got lost in their thoughts. After a few minutes, this was their answer:

* Ash: Ah..l don't have any..I never thought of anything..or never realized it…I don't really have anything to chase after…

Ash told Julia in the end in deep embarrassment. They soon had a flushed red cheek.

* Julia: What if you get powers and so you will be enrolled in a special school?

* Ash: Heh…Uh..I highly d-doubt I have any p-powers. Even if I do get any,….Which is k-kinda unbelievable in my point of view…I might not get involved with the Heroes’ League by any chance…..uh…

* Julia: Ash…You need to set up a goal for yourself sometime soon. It will make you feel like it's worth it to keep on living and feel more driven in your daily activities. I'll help you achieve it, once you have one, okay? I'm pretty sure that you will get an awesome one..

Julia gives a slight worried smile.

* Julia: Remember that you will always have me, okay? Even if you don't have a goal, keep on going for me and others.

Julia then turns back to her book.

* Ash: She's been awfully worried about my wellbeing lately…Have I shown signs that I am not okay?

Flashback end.

* Ash: Even now, I still don't have anything to dream for..my only goal which is not really much of a goal..is to be able to communicate normally like others do… moreover, i felt like and still feel like i am treated like a porcelain vase..Am I this sensitive? I wish I could change myself into something better…like anyone else…

## Scene 8

Julia, Belle

Julia is traveling home on the bus. She got a call from Belle.

* Belle: So I did it! I waited, then I tried talking to Ash…

* Julia: Belle, you never change…But how did it go then? Did they say something?

* Belle: Ash’s deskmate tried telling me that Ash feels really awkward about everything between you two. Well, Ash didn’t seem to believe me when I told them about your thoughts….Sheesh…

* Julia: We are talking about Ash after all. You need to be more patient.

* Belle: But I want you to be friends again! I can't let them slide away or waste their potential! You didn’t even get to finish your talk when you spoke with them last time!

* Julia: You already know that it's hard to make them get back on their feet. That's why I was afraid of telling them the truth.

* Belle: I’ll try convincing Ash again tomorrow!

* Julia: Belle, you don’t really have t-

* Belle: I’ll make them talk with you! You'll see!

Belle suddenly hung up.

* Julia: \*sigh\*… I wish I could have explained things better. I knew Ash’s reaction would be this…But I wish I could have.

## Scene 9

Ash, Kayla, George, Katelyn, Zane

Another morning, Kayla POV. She wakes up, dresses up and looks at herself in the mirror.

* Kayla: Ah, school..ouh..my head hurts…the weather must have changed…aarrgghh….

She makes sure she doesn't leave anything in her room then heads to the living room. George and the siblings’ mother and father could be seen. They are at the dining table eating breakfast.

* Kayla: Mom…

Katelyn now turns her attention to Kayla.

* Kayla: My head hurts..

* Katelyn: Oh, sweetie. Wait, let me get you something…

Kayla’s mother seems to walk to a cabinet and takes out some medicine.

* Katelyn: Take these. But only take them after breakfast.

* Kayla: Did the weather change again.?

* George: Not really..it might be your stress levels again…You should calm down somehow. It’s Friday anyway.

* Kayla: uh…What stress levels?! I never said that I'm stressed!

* George: Just eat and try to concentrate on your friends..

Kayla after eating, used up a medicine tablet. Then she tried to shake off her pains and get out of the flat. She looked at the clock on her phone screen, and realized she was still on time. She marched in front of Ash’s flat and waited after.

* Kayla: Okay Kayla, concentrate. CON-CENT-RATE!! Smile and your headache will go away! I can't make Ash worry..

Kayla smiled, but there was a kind of awkwardness in it.

* Kayla: This isn't gonna go well…let’s try to just follow what George said…Blake, Ash,George…Blake,Ash,George…and Sophia? Uh…Blake,Ash,Sophia,George…Blake, Ash,Sophia,George

…Blake,Ash,Sophia,George…BlakeAshSophiaGeorge…

BLAKEASHSOPHIAGEORGE!!!!! HOW COME I ONLY HAVE 4 FRIENDS AND ONE OF THEM IS MY BROTHER?!

Now Kayla instead of smiling, she looks shocked. Now she feels her head hurting more. That is the moment when Ash opens the door and sees Kayla staring into the air with those widely opened eyes.

Kayla noticed that Ash opened the door, and tried to put on a smile again.

* Ash: Good morning, Kayla.

* Kayla: HEEEEYYY!!! GOOD MORNING!!!

* Ash: What were you surprised about?

* Kayla: I..I was thinking how many people are in our friend group! We need more people!!!!!

* Ash: Kayla please no…The group has enough people already..

* Kayla: Aaaaasssshhhh…\*while sigh\*

* Ash: You are a little…..uhh…impulsive today… Kayla, are you gonna get more strangers into this?? It’s bad enough that you brought in Sophia-

Kayla and Ash chatted while walking down the stairs. They arrived at the ground floor. Suddenly, a green guy walked out of one of the ground floor’s apartments and closed the flat’s door. Ash immediately recognised him…so they shut up in that momentum.

* Kayla: Ash?

Ash tried to show random hand signs to not talk and point over to that guy. The guy noticed those two at that moment. His flat expression became full of fury…

Ash jumped behind Kayla.

* Zane: What are you two doing here.? Powerless freak and boom-boom girl?

* Kayla: STOP CALLING US THAT!

* Zane: Who are you to give me orders? Also answer my question, local nuclear bomb.

* Kayla: LOCAL NUCLEAR-……

Ash grabbed Kayla’s shirt when she started to lift her arm up to take a hit on the guy.

Kayla is trying to hold the urge back to hit him in the face because of Ash.

* Kayla: ….WE ON THIS BLOCK!!! What's wrong with that!?!

* Zane: Well, congrats to those people who moved you two here. Very nice job they did…Too bad your friend will move because the results might have been falsely positive…

* Kayla: IT'S NOT FALSE!

Ash watched those two with extreme distress.

* Ash: W-w-w….w-w…!

Ash tried talking but it seemed like their bravery was gone in that millisecond.

* Zane: Cat got your tongue?

Zane turns to Kayla.

* Hah…this person really has no chance of being anyone in the future.

* Kayla: THEY HAVE A CHANCE!! STOP HARASSING MY BEST FRIEND!

She takes a step closer to Zane being ready to fight. Her hand seems to be lighting up with that power she had earlier…

Ash remembered what George told them about Kayla.

They jumped after Kayla and grabbed onto her wrist.

* Ash: N-NO! Please…

In that second, Kayla’s power was gone from her hands.

* Kayla: …gghhhh…

Ash was about to cry.

* Ash: d-don’t…

Zane stares at those two in surprise.

* Zane: What's the drama now??? You know what, I'm not going to bother trying to understand.

Zane walks out of the block.

* Kayla: WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM AFTER WHAT HE SAID?!

* Ash: I-I SAW Y-YOU…AL…MOST…U-USING T-THAT….

Ash is trying to hold back their tears.

* Kayla: "That?"…you mean my hand?

* Ash: …..Y-Y..Y-Y-You….d-d-don’t…k-kn-know.? Bu-….b….b…but….T-That was….s-so…c-c-….

Kayla noticed how upset Ash became. She started to look worried.

* Kayla: …Ash…

Ash bursted out in tears and I’m that moment they covered their face in order to hide their expression.

* Kayla: Hey....uh ... .Let's forget all this.! Alright? Uh…

Kayla is trying to get Ash back on the track.

* Kayla: I…I don’t know what I'm doing…I'm sorry I frightened you…

She comes closer to Ash then touches the two hands in front of Ash’s face and takes them down slowly.

* Kayla: Whatever I did I'm sorry!

Ash takes out the notebook and writes in it.

* Ash: Kayla…I don’t want anyone to fight…and to be hurt…

* Kayla: It's okay now!!! there is no fight.! See?! I'm not fighting! Now come here.!!

Kayla hugs Ash.

* Kayla: Why did I scare them so much? Before, when I fought in middle school they didn’t react so heavily..

* Kayla: Can you tell me what scared you? This seems unusual..You usually don't stand in when I go and fight..

* Ash: W-w-well…y-you… Wait I..can't…or can I tell Kayla about the power?

Ash backed off and wrote in their notebook again.

* Ash: Do you really want to know?

* Kayla: Of course I want to know! Since it made such a disaster..

* Ash: I want to be brave, so I tried to stop the fight... Moreover, you seemed to be pushing your limits… You could have blown up this guy…or this part of the building…

* Kayla: WAIT, WAS MY POWER ACTIVATING WITHOUT ME NOTICING?

* Ash: I thought so, at least… sorry for crying…I never wanted to burst out like that… I’m annoying

* Kayla: Hey now, don’t judge yourself so harshly. I think everyone would be scared if I blew up the building…aha…even myself…
* …Ouh…

Kayla held her head while slightly squirming.

* Ash: Are you okay?

* Kayla: Oh, aha, yeah. My head just hurts a little but it ain’t much. I thought it was the climate, but George thinks I'm stressed. I don't care about which one is true…

Ash tries to get a hold of themself, then tries to be comforting.

* Ash: Do you want me to get you something? Or help bring your stuff to school?… whatever it is, I'll help you… It will be okay…

* Kayla: Aww, thank you for your offer to help, but I already got some medicine for my head. I just need to wait until it works…

* Ash: May I take some of your work…? May I ask if you have taken the pills for the…uh…I forgot the name of it..you know…the one you recently started taking weekly…

* Kayla: Oh no you don’t have to! I will not give you some extra work. Also, uh…I don’t know when I took those pills last time, ehehe…I forgot when…

* Ash: Kayla..Did you?

Kayla smiles at Ash in a sheepish and goofy manner. Ash wasn’t surprised.

* Ash: Looks like someone is forgetful… (while sigh)
* Come on, we are going back to the flats to get you those things.

Ash starts to drag Kayla upstairs by her wrist.

* Kayla: WHAT NO WE CANT BE LAAAATTEEEEE!!!! AAAASSSHHHHH!!!! STOOOPPP!!!!

Kayla slightly blushes while being dragged up while being slightly panicked.

* Ash: School can wait. I don't really like being there anyway…Now let me bring something of yours. From now on I might start reminding you of these uh ... .whatever they are…. I won't let you be like this…

* Kayla: ah…eheheh….ehehe….

## Scene 10

Ash, Kayla, Blake, Belle, Julia

Belle is ready to capture Ash at school. She is really determined to get them to talk with Julia. She is surprised that Ash didn’t arrive yet.

* Belle: 7:48….Ash still hasn't arrived…Dang It! They usually sit with Blake at this time! Blake is there but Ash isn’t…
* BLAKKKKKEEEE!!!!!!

* Blake: H-Huh?! B-Belle?!

* Belle: Where is your classmate?

* Blake: Oh…I just got a message that….uhhh…they are…..ehh….t-taking care of Kayla….because she…she forgot something…but…..uhhhhh…. they….uuuuuhm…w-will arrive soon…

* Belle: Ohhh…Ash taking care of the red haired girl?

* Blake: Y-yeah…uhh…she…forgot her weekly pills…

* Belle: (siiighh) ...I will try it in the next break then….

After class started, 1 or two minutes later Kayla and Ash stormed into the classroom.

* Ash and Kayla: SORRY FOR BEING LATE!

They both bowed at the same time then rushed to their own desk.

* Belle: These two…they are like two peas in a pod… I will not let that stop me from making Ash be friends with Julia again though!!!

The next break. Belle walks after Ash when Ash leaves the classroom towards their locker.

* Belle: Hhheeeeeeeeeyyyy~~~!!!

* Ash: Uwah?! How did you manage to scare me again??

* Belle: Did you think about what I said about you and Julia?

* Ash: Uuuuhhhh……well…..I'm not s-sure I'll be able to be…f-friends with her again… even If I wanted to…I can't say anything…I'm too bad for her anyways…

* Belle: Don’t be silly! I know you can, I believe in you! Come on!!

* Ash: But I will feel..weird…when I try…

* Belle: Why? Anxiety? But you can't overcome it if you don't face it!

Belle pouted at Ash.

* Ash: don’t stare at me like that…I can’t help it….how can…. I suddenly b-bypass my barriers out of n-…..n-nowhere?

* Belle: Would it help if Julia explained something to you that you never manage to hear out?

Ash stares with wide eyes. After a few moments of thoughts, they answer.

* Ash: It's still awkward…and I am a-afraid…

* Belle: I saw it on your face…You want it to be alright as well! You want to be friends with her again. Let yourself be! I will help you. What do you say?? HMMM????

* Ash: uhhh….

* Belle: It’s going to be alright I promise! Did she hurt you anytime in the club? No!
* You can even use that notebook! Just PLEASE talk to her already! In any way! It’s sad to see you two like this! I just want to help you by trying to convince you!!

* Ash: Belle-

Belle starts dragging Ash towards Julia who was walking nearby.

* Ash: GWAAAH!!!! WH-….

* Belle: JULIAAA!!!

* Julia: HUH!?

* Belle: I brought Ash to you!!!

* Ash:….gggmnnn….

Ash slightly groaned at Belle. Ash is trying to get out of her grip but she doesnt let them go.

* Julia: Belle you do not have to force things …It's okay…i told you already that all of this is unnecessary…

* Belle: Oh come on! This situation is so lame just by watching from the outside!

* Julia: I can't say that it’s not true, but…

Ash gave up on getting out of her grip. But in return, their heart started pounding when seeing Julia.

* Belle: Come on Ash! Do something! Say hi! Or…wave! Or write!

Ash was looking anywhere else but Julia. They obviously look very stressed now just by reading their facial expression.

* Julia: It’s okay Belle…you can let them go….

* Belle: JUST TELL THIS KNUCKLEHEAD THE TRUTH THEY RAN AWAY FROM!!

* Julia: Well, if it's what it takes for me to make you leave them alone…
* Even if you are not looking at me nor wanting to be near me, Ash, I have to make things clear…I hope you are willing to hear them out. I'm going to ask for your permission first though.

* Belle: WHAT? Permission!?!

Julia was examining if Ash was willing to listen. Ash didn’t respond in words, but the facial expressions or movements always helped. Julia is good at reading people. Especially Ash.

Ash slightly turns their head towards Julia and looks at her. Their eyes show intense fear. Then they quickly turn their face away again. As Julia read from Ash’s movements, it's a sign of approval that they looked her in the eye for the first time during that conversation.

Julia felt a little more relieved.

* Belle: Ashh….

* Julia: It’s okay, I don't need words.

Ash stopped moving entirely now.

* Julia: I'm glad that you're able to listen to me, Ash. I know it’s…uh…..pretty hard for you…

Belle let go of Ash now and steps back a few. Ash is standing right in front of Julia now, looking down on the floor.

* Julia: Remember all those times we had? I couldn't leave everything this unfinished. This will be your choice over how that story will continue. I will tell you a few things, then you are free to choose.

* Ash: …

Ash is still looking downwards. Looks like they are struggling with looking at her in the eyes a lot.

* Julia: So when you left that day…