Let's play drama!!

The Netflix Betrayal (Lovers/Friends) A: [slowly turns to B, eyes narrowing] “You… you watched it without me?” B: [guiltily avoids eye contact] “I… I can explain.” A: [deep breath, voice shaking] “We made a pact.” B: “Okay, but hear me out—” A: [holding up a hand] “NO! I trusted you!” B: [raising hands defensively] “It was an accident!” A: [arms crossed] “Oh, so you accidentally watched five episodes?” B: [winces] “Technically… it was six.” A: [gasps dramatically, clutching chest] “YOU ARE DEAD TO ME.” B: “But it was so good!” A: [clapping hands over ears] “DON’T TALK ABOUT IT! You cheated on me… with a TV show!” B: [guilty whisper] “I’m a monster.” A: [nodding, pacing] “Yes. You are. And to think—I was waiting for you! Resisting spoilers! Avoiding TikTok! Living in IGNORANCE for US!” B: [shrinking] “I’m sorry! I’ll rewatch it with you!” A: [crossing arms, shaking head] “It won’t be the same. You already know what happens. You’ll fake reactions. I’ll feel the lies.” B: [earnestly] “No, I promise! I’ll act shocked! I’ll gasp! I’ll pretend to cry at all the sad parts!” A: [raising an eyebrow] “Oh? So you cried?” B: [freezing] “Uh…” A: [gasping again, voice cracking] “You cried without me?! We were supposed to cry together!” B: [desperate] “I—I can cry again! Right now! Look! I’m tearing up!” A: [shaking head, whispering] “Too late. The damage is done.” B: [dropping to knees] “PLEASE! I’ll do anything! I’ll let you pick the next show! I’ll never watch another episode without your permission!” A: [narrowing eyes] “Anything?” B: [nods eagerly] “Yes! Anything!” A: [smirking] “Alright. For the next two weeks… you make the popcorn. And it better be perfect.” B: [swallowing hard] “W-With butter and sea salt?” A: “And caramel drizzle.” B: [hesitant] “Caramel’s kind of sticky—” A: [deadpan] “Two. Weeks.” B: [sighing, defeated] “Fine. Two weeks.” A: [sitting, grabbing the remote] “Good. Now let’s start from episode one. And I’ll be watching your reactions closely.” B: [nodding solemnly] “Understood.”

The Spilled Secret (Friends/Couple) A: [whispers, glancing around] “Okay, listen. This stays between us, alright?” B: [placing hand over heart] “Of course! I’m a vault.” A: [avoiding eye contact] “I may have… accidentally… broken your phone charger.” B: [blinking, then gasping] “WHAT?!” A: [panicked, looking around] “Shh! People are listening!” B: [dramatically clutching chest] “I trusted you!” A: [hands up defensively] “I tripped! Gravity did it!” B: [pointing accusingly] “Oh sure, blame science. I loved that charger!” A: “You loved a piece of wire?” B: [glaring] “That piece of wire never betrayed me.” A: [sighing] “Look, I already ordered a new one!” B: [arms crossed] “I demand emotional compensation.” A: [groaning] “What do you want?” B: “Get me coffee. Large. Extra whipped cream.” A: “Fine! But no sugar!” B: [gasping] “Now you’re just being cruel.” A: [grinning] “That’s what betrayal feels like.” B: [narrowing eyes] “Okay. Fine. But I want extra caramel drizzle.” A: [scoffing] “That’s robbery.” B: [smirking] “No. That’s justice.”

The Forgotten Anniversary (Lovers/Spouses) A: [smiling sweetly] “Babe… do you know what today is?” B: [sweating] “Uh… Wednesday?” A: [raising an eyebrow] “AND?” B: [nervous chuckle] “Uh… the 15th?” A: [crossing arms] “AND?” B: [desperate, smiling] “…A beautiful day because I have you?” A: [stone-faced] “It’s. Our. Anniversary.” B: [gasps dramatically] “I KNEW THAT.” A: [tilting head] “Oh really?” B: [nodding furiously] “Of course! I would never forget!” A: [narrowing eyes] “Then why didn’t you say it first?” B: [clears throat] “Uh… I was testing you.” A: [arms crossed, tapping foot] “Oh, is that so?” B: [nodding] “Yes! Gotta keep the romance alive with, uh… element of surprise!” A: [smirking] “Alright. Then tell me… what’s the surprise you planned?” B: [blinking rapidly] “Uh… dinner!” A: “Where?” B: [panicking] “Uh… your favorite place!” A: [leaning in] “Name it.” B: [sweating, heart pounding] “Uh… The… Food Palace?” A: [crossing arms] “That’s not my favorite place.” B: [snapping fingers] “Oh! I meant—uh—The Fancy Fork?” A: [shaking head] “Nope.” B: [fake confidence] “Right, right! Of course, not that one! I totally meant… Chez Magnifique?” A: [raising an eyebrow] “That place closed two years ago.” B: [gasping] “What?! That’s so sad! We should, uh, honor it by—by ordering takeout in its memory!” A: [sighing, pinching the bridge of nose] “Just admit it. You forgot.” B: [pausing, then grinning] “But what’s forgetting if not an opportunity to improvise?” A: [rolling eyes] “Unbelievable.” B: [grabbing hands] “Listen. I may not have planned ahead, but I have something even better.” A: [skeptical] “Oh really? What’s that?” B: [gesturing dramatically] “A night of spontaneous romance!” A: [deadpan] “You just made that up.” B: [grinning] “Yes, but doesn’t it sound exciting?” A: [sighing, shaking head] “You’re lucky I love you.” B: [hugging A] “Luckiest person in the world, actually.” A: [softening] “Fine. But you owe me a real date this weekend.” B: [grinning] “Deal. And this time, I promise, I’ll actually plan it.”

The Restaurant Disaster: A Fancy Feast Gone Wrong [Scene: A and B walk into an incredibly fancy restaurant. The lighting is dim, the music is soft, and the waiter is wearing an outfit so elegant it looks like he should be hosting a royal ball. A looks extremely confident. B looks skeptical.] B: [raising an eyebrow] “Okay, this place is fancy. Like, ‘we-shouldn’t-be-here’ fancy.” A: [smugly] “Oh, come on. You said I could pick the restaurant this time, so no complaints!” B: [glancing at the chandelier above] “Fine, fine. What’s it called again?” A: [proudly] “Le Mystique De Cuisine.” B: [impressed] “Ooo, fancy. What’s their specialty?” A: [avoiding eye contact] “Uhh… well… the menu was in French, so I kinda just—” B: [suspicious] “Just… what?” A: [nervously laughing] “I, uh, may have pointed at random dishes.” B: [panicking] “WAIT—what did you order?” A: [pulls out receipt] “Something called Escargots à la Bourguignonne.” B: [stares in shock] “You… ordered snails.” A: [blinking] “I—I thought it meant something buttery!” B: [grinning] “Oh, they’ll be buttery. Buttered snails.” A: [horrified whisper] “I have betrayed myself.” B: [laughing] “No, no, this is perfect. You’re always talking about ‘trying new experiences.’” A: [whispering] “I meant safe new experiences! Like new ice cream flavors! Or different brands of potato chips!” B: [mockingly] “Oh no, no, no. This was your decision. You chose this path.” A: [sobbing internally] “Why am I like this?” [The waiter arrives, setting down an expensive-looking plate. The snails are beautifully arranged, glistening in garlic butter. A stares at them like they just insulted their entire family lineage.] B: [grinning] “Well? Dig in.” A: [poking a snail with a fork] “It’s looking at me.” B: [laughing] “No, it’s not.” A: [whispering] “It knows I fear it.” B: [holding up phone] “Oh, I am absolutely recording this.” A: [groaning] “I hate you.” B: [cheerfully] “No, you don’t. Now, open wide.” A: [shutting eyes, dramatically shoving a snail into their mouth] “OH DEAR GOD WHY—” [Pause. A’s face contorts through a rollercoaster of emotions. Chewing. Swallowing. Contemplation.] B: [eagerly] “Sooo?” A: [staring blankly] “I have been lied to by my taste buds.” B: [laughing] “Is it that bad?” A: [dramatically laying head on table] “I have eaten garlic-flavored rubber.” B: [dying of laughter] “Oh, this is the best meal I’ve ever had—and I haven’t even eaten yet.” A: [weakly pointing at B] “This is your fault.” B: [grinning] “Excuse me? You picked the place.” A: [groaning] “Next time, we’re getting burgers.” B: [mockingly fancy] “Ah yes, Le Royale With Cheese.” A: [shaking head] “I need new friends.”

The Case of the Stolen Hoodie (Couple/Friends) A: "Okay, explain this. Why are you wearing my hoodie again?" B: [casually sipping tea] "I don’t know what you’re talking about." A: "That is literally my hoodie! The one I couldn’t find this morning!" B: "Maybe it found me." A: "This isn’t some romanticized fate situation! This is theft!" B: [gasps dramatically] "Oh my gosh. You’re accusing me of stealing?" A: "You steal ALL my hoodies! I have photographic evidence!" B: "Okay, okay. Maybe some of them accidentally ended up in my closet." A: "Accidentally?! So they just walked over there on their own?" B: "Listen, I was cold! Your hoodies are so big and cozy!" A: "They are big and cozy because they are MY SIZE!" B: "And they smell like you. It’s comforting!" A: "Then why don’t you give it back?" B: [hugs hoodie tighter] "…I have bonded with it now." A: "OH MY GOD." B: "It has become a part of me. If you take it back, you take a part of my soul." A: "You are so dramatic!" B: "I learned from the best." A: "Fine. Keep it. But if you take my new hoodie—" B: "No promises."

The Great Pillow Fight of 3 AM (Couple/Friends) A: [sleeping peacefully, snuggled under the blankets] B: [tosses and turns, sighing loudly] A: [groggily] “What… are you doing?” B: [huffing] “I can’t sleep.” A: [burying face in pillow] “So? Let me sleep!” B: [poking A’s arm] “What if we talked about life?” A: [grumbles] “What if we didn’t and slept instead?” B: [staring at the ceiling] “What if pillows had feelings? Do they feel pain when we squish them?” A: [lifting head, glaring] “I swear to God—” B: [grinning, grabs pillow, throws it at A] “Wake up and suffer with me!” A: [getting hit, slowly turning to B, voice dangerously calm] “Did you just… throw a pillow at me?” B: [grinning mischievously] “I did.” A: [sitting up, picking up pillow] “You want a war?!” B: [dramatic gasp] “Oh, it’s ON.” A: [narrows eyes] “We fight to the death.” B: [grabbing another pillow, standing on the bed like a warrior] “Prepare yourself for ultimate defeat!” A: [whacks B] “Feel the wrath of my sleep deprivation!” B: [laughing, blocking with pillow] “Your technique is weak, young one!” A: [yawning mid-swing] “It’s because I’m EXHAUSTED, THANKS TO YOU!” B: [dodging a hit, giggling] “That sounds like a you problem.” A: [lunging forward, tackling B with a pillow] “SAY THAT AGAIN!” B: [gasping dramatically, flopping onto the bed] “I’M HIT! MEDIC!” A: [laughing, standing triumphantly on the bed] “Bow before your pillow overlord!” B: [weakly reaching for another pillow] “Never… surrender…” A: [raising pillow high] “Then prepare for your doom!” B: [throws blanket over A] “SURPRISE ATTACK!” A: [flailing] “TRAITOR!” B: [giggling, pinning A under the blanket] “Do you concede defeat?” A: [muffled under blanket] “Fine! You win! JUST LET ME SLEEP!” B: [releasing A, snuggling back into bed, satisfied] “Victory is mine.” A: [grumbling] “Victory means nothing if you’re still awake.” B: [sleepily] “Actually… I think I’m finally sleepy now.” A: [deadpan] “Oh. Now you’re sleepy. NOW.” B: [murmuring] “Goodnight… loser.” A: [sighs, finally closing eyes] “Unbelievable.”

The Fake Argument in Public (Couple/Friends) A: [grabbing B’s arm, whispering] “Quick! Act like we’re arguing!” B: [blinking] “What? Why?” A: [urgent] “Just do it!” B: [dramatically gasps, clutching chest] “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!” A: [playing along, looking guilty] “I… I didn’t mean to! It just… happened!” B: [shaking head in betrayal] “I trusted you! And now you betray me like THIS?!” A: [dramatic sigh] “I swear, it was an accident!” B: [yelling] “You don’t just ACCIDENTALLY ADOPT A RACCOON!” A: [pauses, staring] “…Okay, now you’re just making it weird.” B: [whispers, smirking] “That guy was staring at us. He looked away now. Mission complete.” A: [groaning] “Oh my God, I hate you.” B: [grinning] “No, you don’t. You love me and my brilliant social tactics.” A: [crossing arms] “What even was the mission?” B: [shrugging] “I don’t know. You started it.” A: [facepalming] “I was trying to avoid talking to someone!” B: [grinning] “Well, mission double complete.” A: [sighing] “You’re impossible.” B: [grabbing A’s hand, walking away] “And yet, here you are, still hanging out with me.” A: [shaking head, smirking] “Unfortunately.”

**Title: The Mystery of the Missing Necklace** **Characters:** 1. **Emma** – A curious and witty detective. 2. **Liam** – A nervous but kind-hearted museum assistant. 3. **Sophia** – A confident and mysterious journalist. 4. **Mr. Grayson** – The stern and secretive museum curator. --- ### **Scene: The Grand Hall of the City Museum** (A priceless diamond necklace has gone missing from the museum's latest exhibition. Detective Emma arrives to investigate, while the museum staff and a journalist hover nearby.) #### **Emma:** (Examining the empty display case) Well, well… a priceless necklace vanishes in a locked museum. Either we have a ghost, or someone here has very quick hands. #### **Liam:** (Nervously adjusting his tie) I—I swear, I locked up last night! No one else had the key except for… (glances at Mr. Grayson) #### **Mr. Grayson:** (Clears throat, crossing his arms) Accusations won't solve anything, Detective. The museum has strict security measures. If the necklace is missing, it means someone bypassed them. #### **Sophia:** (Taking notes) A heist in a high-security museum… Sounds like a great story. Detective, any suspects yet? #### **Emma:** (Smirks) Oh, plenty. The question is—who had the opportunity? Mr. Grayson, where were you last night? #### **Mr. Grayson:** (Adjusts his glasses) At home. Alone. But I assure you, I would never risk the museum's reputation. #### **Liam:** (Mutters) That’s convenient. #### **Emma:** (Turns to Liam) And you, Liam? You had the key. Did you see anything unusual? #### **Liam:** (Shaking his head) Nothing! Well… except… I did hear footsteps after closing. But I thought it was just Mr. Grayson doing his rounds. #### **Sophia:** (Leaning in) Footsteps? Interesting. But I have a theory—what if this wasn't a simple theft? What if it was staged to look like one? #### **Emma:** (Eyes narrowing) Go on. #### **Sophia:** The museum’s finances have been shaky. What if someone arranged for the necklace to ‘disappear’—only to sell it later? #### **Mr. Grayson:** (Snaps) That is ridiculous! I would never— #### **Emma:** (Holding up a small golden thread) Then explain this. A piece of fabric caught in the display case. Looks like part of a glove… one often used by museum curators handling artifacts. (There is a tense silence.) #### **Liam:** (Eyes widening) Mr. Grayson… is there something you want to tell us? #### **Mr. Grayson:** (Sighs, looking defeated) Fine. I took the necklace—but not for money! I was trying to protect it. I received a tip that someone was planning to steal it for real. So I hid it in my office for safekeeping. #### **Sophia:** (Raises an eyebrow) Quite the noble thief. But why not inform the police? #### **Emma:** (Crossing arms) Because he didn't trust anyone… and maybe, just maybe, he was tempted to keep it for himself. #### **Mr. Grayson:** That’s not true! It’s in my desk drawer. Check for yourself! #### **Emma:** (Smirks) I believe you. But next time, let’s leave the crime-solving to the professionals, shall we? (Sophia scribbles down notes, Liam sighs in relief, and Mr. Grayson looks away, embarrassed. The case is closed… for now.)

The Mysterious Package A: [whispers] “Okay, who left this here?” B: [shrugs] “No idea. But there was a note.” A: [eyes narrowing] “A note?! And you’re just telling me this now?” B: [sliding a crumpled paper across the table] “I was… processing.” A: [reading] “‘For you. Open it.’” [looks up] “That’s it? No name? No instructions?” B: [grinning] “Exactly! It’s like a mystery movie! Maybe it’s a treasure! Or—oh!—a secret mission!” A: [deadpan] “Or anthrax.” B: [offended gasp] “Why do you always assume the worst?” A: “Because worst-case scenarios keep people alive, B! You don’t just find a mysterious box with a vague note and expect sunshine and rainbows inside!” B: [smirking] “Or maybe it’s a test of bravery, and only the worthy shall know its contents.” A: [flatly] “Or maybe it’s a severed toe.” B: [recoiling] “WHAT is it with you and body parts?!” A: [gesturing at the box] “I’ve seen things. Read things. This is exactly how horror stories start.” B: [crossing arms] “Fine. Then what’s the ‘smart’ thing to do? Call the police and say, ‘Excuse me, officer, we found a box and we’re too scared to open it’?” A: [pauses] “That actually sounds reasonable.” B: [mocking] “Oh my God. You are that person.” A: “A living person, yes.” B: [grinning mischievously] “Well, too late.” [suddenly rips the box open] A: [gasping] “ARE YOU INSANE?!” B: [staring into the box] “Huh.” A: [peeking inside] “…It’s a piece of paper.” B: “How mysterious.” [grabs it, unfolds it] “It says… ‘Look up.’” A & B: [exchange a glance, then slowly lift their heads] A waiter arrives, setting down an extravagant, towering dessert topped with sparklers. A small card is tucked beside it. B: [reading the card] “‘Surprise! Happy Friendship Anniversary! – From your favorite chaos gremlin.’” A: [groans, facepalming] “I hate you.” B: [grinning, grabbing a spoon] “No, you don’t. You love me and my brilliant surprises.” A: [sighing, but smiling slightly] “Unfortunately.”

The Emergency Snack Heist A: [whispering] “Okay, we have a situation.” B: [concerned] “Oh no. What happened?” A: [serious] “I ran out of snacks.” B: [blinking] “...That’s the situation?” A: [dead serious] “Yes. A dire one. I need backup.” B: [sighing] “You could just go buy more.” A: [leaning in] “No, because I’m broke, and you have a secret stash in your bag.” B: [freezing] “What? Pfft. No, I don’t.” A: [grinning] “Oh, but you do.” B: “I don’t.” A: “Then explain the crinkling sound I heard when you sat down.” B: [scooting chair back] “That was… the chair.” A: “Mmm-hmm. And the slight scent of chocolate? The unmistakable aroma of betrayal?” B: [nervously adjusting bag] “...I don’t know what you’re talking about.” A: [reaching for B’s bag] “Hand it over.” B: [clutching bag to chest] “NEVER.” A: [narrowing eyes] “Don’t make me do this the hard way.” B: “I will fight for my snacks.” A: “So will I.” B: “You wouldn’t dare.” A: [whispers] “I know where you hide them.” B: [gasping] “You wouldn’t!” A: [grinning] “Oh, I would.” B: [sighing, reluctantly opening bag] “Fine! But you get one.” A: [grabbing three] “Oops. My hand slipped.” B: [glaring] “You’re the worst.” A: [munching happily] “And yet, here we are. Still friends.” B: [grumbling] “Unfortunately.”

The Elevator of Doom A: [presses elevator button repeatedly] “Come on, come on…” B: [leaning against the wall] “You know pressing it a hundred times won’t make it faster, right?” A: [panicking] “I just have a bad feeling.” B: [chuckles] “You always have a bad feeling. It’s probably fine.” A: [stepping into the elevator hesitantly] “That’s what people say before disaster strikes.” B: [rolling eyes, stepping in] “Relax. This isn’t a horror movie.” [Doors close. Elevator shakes slightly. Stops.] A: [eyes wide] “…Did you feel that?” B: [presses button] “Huh. It’s not moving.” A: [panicking] “SEE?! I TOLD YOU! THIS IS HOW WE DIE!” B: [calmly] “Or… the elevator just stopped.” A: [frantically pressing buttons] “PRESS EVERYTHING! CALL FOR HELP! START SCREAMING!” B: [laughing] “Okay, let’s not lose our minds. I’ll call maintenance.” A: [hugging self] “I should’ve stayed home. I knew it. This is fate punishing me for stealing your fries last week.” B: [raising eyebrow] “Wait… you stole my fries?” A: [nervously laughing] “W-we have bigger problems right now—” B: [gasping, fake betrayal] “I TRUSTED YOU.” A: [waving hands] “Forget the fries! We need oxygen conservation! No more talking!” B: [scoffs] “It’s an elevator, not a submarine. We have plenty of air.” A: [whispers] “How do you know?” B: [mock serious] “Because I’m brilliant.” A: [grabs B’s collar] “LISTEN TO ME. If we die here, I need you to promise me something.” B: [laughing] “We’re not dying.” A: [dramatic whisper] “Promise me… you’ll clear my browser history.” B: [grinning] “Absolutely not. In fact, I’ll make a PowerPoint presentation of it at your funeral.” A: [gasping] “YOU WOULDN’T DARE.” B: [smirking] “Try me.” [Elevator jerks back to life. Doors open.] A: [sprinting out] “I AM NEVER GETTING IN AN ELEVATOR AGAIN.” B: [walking out calmly] “But what about my fries?” A: [fake coughing] “Sorry, signal’s breaking up—can’t hear you—bye!” [runs away] B: [shaking head] “Unbelievable.”

The Elevator Survival Chronicles [Scene: Two best friends, A and B, step into an elevator. The doors close, and suddenly, the elevator stops with a jolt.] A: [eyes wide] “Okay. This is bad. This is really, REALLY bad.” B: [calmly pressing buttons] “Relax. It’s just a minor malfunction.” A: [frantically pressing all buttons at once] “WHAT IF IT'S NOT? What if this is how we go out? I CAN'T DIE LIKE THIS!” B: [grabbing A’s hands] “Stop pressing everything! You’re going to break it more.” A: [whispers] “It’s already broken.” B: [deep breath] “Okay, let’s just call for help.” [presses emergency button] [Silence.] A: [nervously laughing] “Haha… um. Why is no one responding?” B: [shrugs] “Maybe they’re on a coffee break?” A: [gripping B’s arm] “LISTEN TO ME. If we’re trapped in here for days, we need to think about survival.” B: [laughing] “It’s been two minutes.” A: [nodding] “Exactly. That’s two minutes closer to DEATH.” B: [rolling eyes] “We have air. We have light. We have our phones.” A: [checks phone] “No signal.” B: [checking phone] “Oh. Huh. No bars.” A: [screaming internally] “WE’RE IN A METAL BOX OF DOOM.” B: [laughing] “Calm down, drama queen. Worst case, we’re in here for an hour.” A: [gripping B’s shirt] “We’ll turn on each other before then.” B: [raising an eyebrow] “Dude, we’re not on a deserted island.” A: [serious] “No. But hunger makes people do things.” B: [deadpan] “You just ate a burrito ten minutes ago.” A: [holding stomach] “And now I have less than ten minutes before starvation sets in.” B: [laughing] “You don’t even look hungry.” A: [gasps dramatically] “Are you calling me FAT?” B: [facepalms] “Oh my god.” A: [suspicious] “Wait… do you have snacks?” B: [blinking] “What?” A: [leaning in] “I KNOW you always carry emergency snacks.” B: [protectively hugging bag] “No, I don’t.” A: [sniffing the air] “Then why do I smell peanut butter?” B: [shaking head] “You’re imagining things.” A: [slowly reaching for B’s bag] “Hand. It. Over.” B: [backing away] “I will fight you.” A: [narrowing eyes] “TRY ME.” [Just as A lunges, the elevator suddenly starts moving again.] A: [freezing mid-air] “Oh.” B: [smirking] “Guess we’re saved.” A: [fixing hair like nothing happened] “Well. That was fun.” B: [mocking] “I’M STARVING! WE’RE GONNA DIE! GIVE ME YOUR SNACKS!” A: [crossing arms] “Okay, rude.” B: [laughing] “Come on. Let’s go eat.” A: [grinning] “Fine. But I’m ordering double to recover from my trauma.” B: [shaking head] “Unbelievable.”

"The Space Between Us" [Scene: A quiet diner late at night. The neon sign outside flickers, casting a soft blue glow on the window. Inside, two old friends—Ethan and Mira—sit in a booth. A half-eaten plate of fries between them. The air between them is thick with things unsaid.] --- ETHAN: [stirring his coffee, avoiding her gaze] "I didn’t think you’d actually show up." MIRA: [half-smiles, but there’s no warmth in it] "I almost didn’t." ETHAN: [nods, sighs] "Yeah. Fair." MIRA: [leans back, arms crossed] "Why now?" ETHAN: [finally looks up] "Because… I got tired of rehearsing what I’d say if I ever saw you again." MIRA: [laughs quietly, but there’s a sharpness to it] "And? Is this going the way you rehearsed?" ETHAN: [shakes his head, chuckles] "Not even close." MIRA: [studies him] "You look… older." ETHAN: [smirks] "That happens. Life, stress, bad decisions." MIRA: [softly] "Yeah. Bad decisions." [Silence. The hum of the old diner radio fills the space. Ethan drums his fingers against the table. Mira watches him, waiting.] --- ETHAN: [quietly] "I shouldn’t have left like that." MIRA: [nods slowly] "No, you shouldn’t have." ETHAN: [swallows, leans forward] "I thought… I was doing you a favor. That if I just—disappeared, it would hurt less in the long run." MIRA: [raising an eyebrow] "Oh, so you ghosted me out of kindness?" ETHAN: [groans, rubbing his face] "God, when you say it like that—" MIRA: [interrupts, voice steady] "Because that’s what it was, Ethan. One day, we were us. And the next? Nothing. No calls. No messages. Just gone." ETHAN: [voice barely above a whisper] "I know." MIRA: [exhales, shaking her head] "You don’t just get to walk back in here and—what? Expect me to be grateful you finally decided to face me?" ETHAN: [softly] "No. I don’t expect anything." MIRA: [stares at him, searching for something in his face] "Then why are you here?" ETHAN: [licks his lips, hesitates] "Because… I missed you." MIRA: [laughs, but it’s bitter] "You don’t miss people, Ethan. You just miss how they made you feel." ETHAN: [winces] "Maybe. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real." MIRA: [looks away] "Real would've been staying. Or at least telling me why you couldn't." ETHAN: [jaw clenches] "I was a mess, Mira. I didn’t know how to stay without ruining you in the process." MIRA: [softly] "That wasn’t your call to make." [A long pause. Ethan looks down at his hands. Mira blinks rapidly, as if trying to push something back.] --- ETHAN: [clears throat] "I thought about calling. A hundred times. A thousand." MIRA: [tilting her head] "And?" ETHAN: [smirks, but it fades quickly] "And I kept telling myself you were better off." MIRA: [quietly] "You don’t get to decide what’s better for me, Ethan." ETHAN: [nods, ashamed] "I know." MIRA: [voice shaking slightly] "You left me with questions that didn’t have answers. You don’t know what that does to a person." ETHAN: [softly] "I do now." [She looks at him then, really looks. Something in his face—guilt, regret, something raw—makes her swallow hard.] --- MIRA: [finally breaking the silence] "So… what happens now?" ETHAN: [shrugs, a sad smile playing on his lips] "That’s up to you." MIRA: [watching him for a long moment] "I don’t forgive you. Not yet." ETHAN: [nods, taking it like a punch to the gut] "I wouldn’t either." MIRA: [picking up a fry, pointing it at him] "But… you’re paying for dinner." ETHAN: [grinning, despite himself] "Deal." [And just like that, the space between them—while still heavy—feels just a little bit smaller.]

"Trapped and Talking Nonsense" [Scene: Two best friends, JORDAN and LUCAS, are trapped in a tiny elevator. It’s been 30 minutes. Tension is rising. Or maybe it's just boredom.] --- JORDAN: [pressing buttons frantically] "Okay, so pressing all the buttons at once does NOT make it go faster." LUCAS: [deadpan] "Wow. Shocking discovery. Truly groundbreaking." JORDAN: [glares] "You could be a little more supportive." LUCAS: [crossing arms] "I AM supportive. I supported your terrible decision to take the ‘shortcut’ through this sketchy office building in the first place." JORDAN: [defensive] "It was a genius idea!" LUCAS: *"It was an idiot idea! ‘Oh, let’s just cut through this building, what could go wrong?’ EVERYTHING, Jordan! Everything! We’re now trapped in a metal box with terrible music and exactly zero escape routes!" JORDAN: [huffs] "Okay, first of all, the music is kinda growing on me." LUCAS: [mocking] "Yeah? Well, it’s growing on me like a fungus. A terrible, inescapable, soul-draining fungus." JORDAN: [ignoring him] "Second of all, we’re not trapped. We just have to wait until someone rescues us." LUCAS: [gestures dramatically] "OH, GREAT PLAN. ‘Just wait.’ Why didn’t I think of that? Should we also ‘just breathe’ and ‘just exist’ while we’re at it?" JORDAN: [grinning] "Finally, you’re catching on." LUCAS: [groans] "I’m about five minutes away from legally declaring myself no longer your friend." --- [Silence. Jordan looks up at the security camera and waves.] --- JORDAN: [yelling at the camera] "HEY, mysterious security person watching us! How’s it going? Wanna hit the ‘free us’ button? No? Cool, cool." LUCAS: *"Oh yeah, I’m sure some poor guy watching this is just loving our slow descent into madness." JORDAN: *"Maybe they’re taking bets on who loses it first." LUCAS: [laughs] "Joke’s on them, I lost it the moment we walked into this death trap." --- [More silence. Jordan sighs.] --- JORDAN: *"Hey… you wanna talk about something?" LUCAS: *"No." JORDAN: *"Cool. So, let’s talk about something." LUCAS: [sighs deeply] "God help me." JORDAN: *"If you had to fight one animal in hand-to-hand combat, what would it be?" LUCAS: [blinks] "…What?" JORDAN: *"Hand-to-hand combat. No weapons. Just you and the animal in an epic showdown." LUCAS: [rubbing temples] "Jordan, I swear—" JORDAN: *"I think I could take on a goose." LUCAS: *"A goose?" JORDAN: [nods] "Yeah. They’re aggressive, sure, but I’m smarter." LUCAS: *"You sure about that?" JORDAN: *"YES. I would use strategy. Like, fake left, dodge right, then—BAM! Grab the neck, assert dominance!" LUCAS: *"I hate that you’ve thought this through." JORDAN: *"I hate that you haven’t. This is basic survival planning." --- [Another pause. Lucas sighs in defeat.] --- LUCAS: *"A sloth." JORDAN: [perks up] "What?" LUCAS: *"If I had to fight an animal. I’d fight a sloth." JORDAN: [laughs] "Coward move." LUCAS: *"Coward? No. Genius. They’re slow. Low risk. I’d win with minimal effort." JORDAN: *"Minimal effort? What if it clings to your face like a creepy, slow-motion koala?" LUCAS: *"Then I’d die. And honestly? That might be better than this conversation." JORDAN: [mock-offended] "Wow. Rude." --- [Another long silence. Lucas sighs again, slumping against the wall.] --- LUCAS: *"Alright. I have a confession." JORDAN: *"Oh, finally! The truth comes out!" LUCAS: [serious tone] "Remember my ‘lucky’ socks?" JORDAN: [gasps] "The ones you claim have never failed you?" LUCAS: *"Yeah… I made that up. They’re just regular socks." JORDAN: [dramatic gasp] "How dare you. I put my faith in those socks!" LUCAS: [shrugging] "And that was your first mistake." --- [Suddenly, the elevator jolts and starts moving. Both freeze.] --- JORDAN: *"Oh my God. We made it." LUCAS: *"Finally. Sweet, sweet freedom." JORDAN: [grinning] "Hey, wanna go take the stairs?" LUCAS: [glaring] "I will push you down them."

"The Road Trip Breakdown" [Scene: Two best friends, CHRIS and DEV, are stranded in the middle of nowhere after their car breaks down. It’s late at night, their phones have no signal, and they’re starting to lose it.] --- CHRIS: [staring at the unmoving car] "Okay. So. This is bad." DEV: [arms crossed] "Oh, you THINK?!" CHRIS: [nodding] "Yup. Just wanted to confirm." DEV: *"Chris. My guy. My dude. We are LITERALLY in the middle of nowhere. No gas stations. No phone service. Just us, an angry-looking cow over there, and the dark abyss of the unknown." CHRIS: [casually] "Okay, but let’s look on the bright side." DEV: [glaring] "There is no bright side, only darkness. And that cow, which I swear just took a step closer." CHRIS: [squinting at the cow] "Yeah, that’s concerning. But hey! We’ve got snacks!" DEV: *"One granola bar. ONE. And you already took a bite!" CHRIS: [shrugs] "Survival of the fittest, my friend." DEV: *"You weigh like ten pounds more than me! Technically, I could eat you first!" CHRIS: [offended] "Wow. First of all, rude. Second, I would not taste good. Too much caffeine, not enough vegetables." DEV: [mock thinking] "Hmm… might need extra seasoning." CHRIS: *"Oh, you wanna play this game? Fine. You think YOU’D be delicious? With all those protein shakes? You’d be like chewing a rubber tire!" DEV: [grinning] "Better than being stringy and undercooked like you." --- [Silence. They both glance at the cow, which seems even closer now.] --- DEV: *"Okay, I know I was joking, but I think the cow is plotting something." CHRIS: *"What do you mean ‘plotting’? It’s a COW." DEV: *"LOOK AT ITS EYES. THAT’S A SERIAL KILLER COW." CHRIS: [narrowing eyes] "Oh my god. It’s not blinking." DEV: *"EXACTLY. That’s not normal. It’s like it knows something." CHRIS: [gasps] "What if it's summoning something?" DEV: *"I KNEW IT. DEMON COW." CHRIS: *"This is how horror movies start! Two idiots stranded in the middle of nowhere, mocking the evil forces around them!" DEV: [nervously laughs] "Haha, yeah… okay, but what if—hypothetically—we just ran?" CHRIS: *"From the car? To where, genius?" DEV: *"I DON’T KNOW, JUST AWAY FROM THE COW!" CHRIS: *"No way. I’ve seen too many movies. The second we leave this car, something jumps out of the woods, drags us into the void, and BAM—our story becomes a Netflix documentary." DEV: *"Okay, but what if—hear me out—I throw you at the cow and make my escape?" CHRIS: [offended gasp] "I knew you’d betray me the first chance you got!" DEV: *"If it’s me or you, I’m picking me. That’s just survival instinct, buddy." CHRIS: *"Wow. Wow. And to think I was gonna let you have half of the granola bar." DEV: [pauses] "…Wait. I thought you ate it?" CHRIS: [smirking] "Nope. But I could eat it now, since someone just announced their willingness to sacrifice me to a demon cow." DEV: [groans] "I HATE YOU." --- [Suddenly, the car headlights flicker on. Both scream.] --- CHRIS: *"OH MY GOD IT’S HAPPENING." DEV: *"WE’RE GONNA DIE." CHRIS: [panicking] "THE COW IS CALLING ITS MINIONS!" DEV: [panicking harder] "I’M NOT READY TO BE SACRIFICED, CHRIS!" --- [The car sputters and suddenly roars to life. Silence. They stare at each other, still breathing hard.] --- CHRIS: [slowly turns key again] "…So, uh. I may have just flooded the engine earlier." DEV: [staring] "You—YOU IDIOT." CHRIS: *"Look, mistakes were made—" DEV: *"I JUST NEARLY HAD A HEART ATTACK BECAUSE OF A COW AND YOUR TERRIBLE LIFE CHOICES." CHRIS: *"Okay, but in my defense—" DEV: *"NO DEFENSE. DRIVE. DRIVE AWAY BEFORE THAT THING DECIDES WE’RE STILL A SNACK OPTION." CHRIS: [laughing nervously] "Yeah, okay. Fair point. Buckle up." --- [The car speeds off. In the rearview mirror, the cow still watches. Unblinking. Waiting.]