Outside Cleave Hills High School, Elena and Zoey stand engrossed in a conversation about the upcoming general test for all grades, scheduled for the following Wednesday. The warm sun casts a golden glow over the scene, its rays dancing across their faces. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, mingling with the scent of freshly cut grass. Elena's gaze drifts off, and she spots her brothers standing near the football pitch, a few meters away.
ELVIS: Eric, come on! You can't let one setback hold you back. Practice starts in 15 minutes. You need to be there.
ERIC: I'm not going anywhere near that pitch, Elvis. Not after what happened on Wednesday. I'm still trying to process it all.
ELVIS: Everyone's moved on, Eric. You're the only one still dwelling on it. You need to let it go and focus on the future.
ERIC: You think it's that easy? I'm the one who screwed up in front of the entire school. I'm the laughingstock now.
The tension between them is palpable, like a thick fog that clings to their skin. Elena and Zoey approach them, their footsteps echoing through the air.
ELENA: Hey, guys. What's going on? You both look like you're in the middle of a heated discussion.
ELVIS: Just Eric being dramatic. He's still sulking about the tryouts.
ERIC: Forget about it, okay? Go for your practice, Elvis. I'll catch up with Elena.
Elvis nods and heads off to the pitch, his teammates calling out to him in excitement. The sound of their cheers and the rustling of their jerseys creates a lively atmosphere.
ELVIS: Later, guys! I've got to go!
Elena watches him go, a proud smile on her face. She takes a deep breath, feeling the warm sun on her skin.
ELENA: I'm going to support Elvis. See you two later!
As Elena follows Elvis, Eric and Zoey are left standing alone. The air seems to thicken, and the sounds of the schoolyard fade into the background. Zoey's expression softens as she turns to Eric.
ZOEY: Hey, Eric. I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. I didn't mean to make things worse for you.
ERIC: Thanks for apologizing, Zoey. That means a lot to me.
The conversation flows easily from there, with Zoey and Eric discovering their shared passion for music. They stand closer, their voices taking on a more intimate tone.
ZOEY: You're a singer? That's amazing! I've always loved music.
ERIC: Yeah, I love singing. And I play the piano and guitar too. It's my escape.
ZOEY: That's incredible. You should join a band. You'd be a natural.
Eric hesitates, unsure if he's ready for that step. But Zoey's encouragement gives him confidence.
ERIC: Maybe I'll consider it. It's not something I've thought about before, but it sounds like a great opportunity.
As they talk, Eric finds himself feeling more at ease with Zoey. But their conversation is interrupted by a sudden loud groan of pain coming from the pitch.
ERIC: What was that? Sounds like someone's hurt!
ZOEY: Oh no, let's go check it out!
They share a look before racing to the pitch to see what's going on. The tension is palpable as they hurry towards the source of the sound, their hearts racing with concern.