The Art Of Denial Vertical fate part 3

[Location: Historical Site, 03:00 PM]

Akila white (Fl)

This place is actually kind of cool.

Gamal Ray (Ml)

I told you it would be useful.

Benny (fl bestie)

Look at you, Mr. Field Trip Organizer.

ben (ml bestie)

He’s probably got a whole itinerary for us, too.

Gamal Ray (Ml)

Actually… I do. We need to hit certain spots for the project.

Akila white (Fl)

You made a plan? Of course, you did.

[Gamal hands out printed maps of the site to everyone. Akila stares at the map, half-impressed, half-amused.]

ben (ml bestie)

Gamal, we’re not on a mission. We’re just students, remember?

Benny (fl bestie)

Exactly. Let’s explore at our own pace. Maybe we’ll find something that isn’t on your perfectly organized list.

Akila white (Fl)

Gotta say, I’m with Benny on this one.

Gamal Ray (Ml)

Fine. But if we don’t get the information we need, don’t blame me. [They start walking through the site. Akila walks ahead with Benny, but keeps glancing back at Gamal, who’s lagging behind with Ben.]

Akila white (Fl)

(whispering to Benny): You think he’s always this intense?

Benny (fl bestie)

(grinning): Only when you’re around.

Akila white (Fl)

What? No way.

Benny (fl bestie)

Oh, please. He tries so hard to act calm around you, but it’s obvious. He’s into you.

Akila white (Fl)

You’re imagining things. [Benny rolls her eyes, but says nothing, as they approach a large, weathered monument. The group gathers around it.]

Gamal Ray (Ml)

This is one of the key locations for our project. Take some pictures, maybe get some notes.

ben (ml bestie)

You and these “key locations”...

Akila white (Fl)

Hey, he’s right about this one. It’s pretty impressive.

[As Akila takes a photo, Gamal steps beside her, and their arms briefly brush. Both freeze for a split second before stepping back awkwardly.]

Akila white (Fl)

(nervously): So… do you think we need to get any more angles?

Gamal Ray (Ml)

Um, yeah. Definitely. Maybe from over there.

[He points to a shaded area by the monument, and they both move in that direction, still feeling the lingering awkwardness.]

Benny (fl bestie)

(whispering to Ben): Did you see that? They’re so bad at hiding it.

ben (ml bestie)

They’ve been bad at hiding it for years. It’s like a slow-motion train wreck.

Benny (fl bestie)

Speaking of slow-motion wrecks… [Benny leans closer to Ben, playfully nudging him. Ben tries not to react but ends up smirking.]

ben (ml bestie)

What’s that supposed to mean?

Benny (fl bestie)

You’re a mystery, Ben. All quiet and sarcastic. I’m starting to wonder what you’re really thinking.

[Ben chuckles and avoids her gaze, but there’s definitely a moment of tension between them.]

ben (ml bestie)

You probably don’t want to know.

Benny (fl bestie)

Oh, I definitely do.

[Meanwhile, Akila and Gamal are still trying to focus on the project. Akila crouches down to take another photo, but loses her balance slightly. Gamal instinctively reaches out, grabbing her arm to steady her.]

Akila white (Fl)

Whoa, thanks. I almost fell.

Gamal Ray (Ml)

You should be more careful.

[Their eyes meet for a second, and the atmosphere between them shifts. Akila pulls away first, brushing off the moment.]

Akila white (Fl)

Yeah, well… it’s not my fault these rocks are uneven.

Gamal Ray (Ml)

Sure, blame the rocks. [They share a small, awkward laugh before continuing their work.]

ben (ml bestie)

You guys almost done over there?

Gamal Ray (Ml)

Yeah, just a few more shots.

Benny (fl bestie)

Then let’s grab lunch. I’m starving.

Akila white (Fl)

You’re always hungry, Benny.

Benny (fl bestie)

It’s part of my charm.

ben (ml bestie)

Charm, huh? That’s one way to put it.

[Benny laughs, and there’s another small moment between her and Ben. Akila and Gamal glance at each other again, but quickly turn their attention back to the project as they wrap things up.]