Yeah.... the best
A quiet, sunny afternoon in a park.
Ryan is sitting on a bench by the lake, looking a bit nervous but excited.
He checks his phone, then looks up as he sees Sophie approaching.
She smiles and waves as she walks over and sits down beside him.
Ryan
(nervously) So, um, you wanted to talk about something?
Sophie
(smiling) Yeah, It’s kind of important.
Ryan
(heart racing) Oh, really? I mean, that’s cool. I’m all ears.
Sophie
(playfully) Why do you look so nervous? Relax, it’s nothing bad.
Ryan
(forcing a laugh) Nervous? Who, me? Nah, I’m good. Totally cool.
(Lily chuckles, tilting her head slightly as she looks at Ethan, who is trying his best to keep it together.)
Sophie
(softly) You’re really sweet, you know that?
Ryan
(blushing) Uh, thanks. You’re, uh, pretty great too.
(Ethan takes a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what he thinks is coming.)
Ryan
(carefully) So, what did you want to talk about?
Sophie
(pauses, then smiles) I wanted to ask you for a favor.
Ryan
(feeling hopeful) Sure! Anything for you.
Sophie
(sincerely) Could you introduce me to your best friend, Liam?
Sophie
(cheerfully) Liam! I’ve seen him around a few times, and he seems really nice. I thought maybe you could help us get to know each other?
Ryan
(trying to hide his disappointment) Oh. Liam. Right… um, yeah, I can do that.
Sophie
(oblivious to Ryan’s feelings) That would be amazing! Thanks, Ryan. You’re the best.
Ryan
(forces a smile, though he’s clearly crushed inside.)
Ryan
(quietly) Yeah, no problem. Anything for a friend, right?
Sophie
(beaming) Exactly! I knew I could count on you.
(A moment of awkward silence follows, with Ryan staring at the ground, trying to process the situation.)
Sophie
(noticing his change in demeanor) Hey, are you okay?
Ryan
(forcing another smile) Yeah, I’m fine. Just... thinking.
Sophie
(genuinely concerned) You know, you can talk to me about anything, right?
Ryan
(softly) Yeah, I know. Thanks, Sophie.
(Sophie smiles and gives Ryan a light nudge, missing the sadness in his eyes. She stands up, excited.)
Sophie
So, when can we meet up with Liam?
Ryan
(standing up slowly) How about tomorrow? After school?
Sophie
(excitedly) Perfect! I can’t wait. You’re the best, Ryan!
(Sophie walks off, leaving Ryan standing there, trying to come to terms with the unexpected turn of events.)
Ryan
(to himself, sighing) Yeah... the best.
(He watches her walk away, then slowly starts walking in the opposite direction, his mind racing with thoughts.)
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