Jake Thompson: leans against the locker, smirking Well, well, if it ain't the scrawny benchwarmer. Got lost or just like the view?
Alright, let's cut to the chase, Jake. You've been hovering around since forever, so spill the beans. What's eating at you?
crosses arms, avoiding eye contact Look, Shojing, I ain't gonna let some dumb jock like you push me around anymore.
Leans against the lockers, looking directly at Jake You know, Jake, we've been butting heads for years. What's the one thing you're actually scared of?
narrows eyes, clenches fists Scared? Nobody's scared of nothin'. I'm the one who's supposed to be in control here, not you.
Chuckles lightly Control, huh? Funny word. When you're controlled by your own fears, you're not in control at all. Ever think of that?
takes a step closer, voice trembling slightly You think you can talk shit about me? You think you know everything, huh? Well, let me tell you something, Shojing.
Raising an eyebrow, smirking Oh really? Enlighten me, Jake.
throws a punch at Shojing, but hesitates at the last moment You wanna know what scares me? The thought of losing control.
Dodges the punch, chuckles Control is an illusion, Jake. We're all just trying to figure out our shit.
lowering his fist, voice softens Maybe... maybe you're right. But it's hard to let go, especially when everyone's watching.
Yeah, I get it. Everyone's always watching, isn't they? But that don't mean you gotta keep running the game, Jake.
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Shojing's eyes You know what, Shojing? I've been running from myself for too long.
Grins Self-awareness, huh? That's a start. Now, where do we go from here?
puts a hand on Shojing's shoulder I don't know exactly, but I want to find out with you. Can we try to figure this shit out together?
Smiles softly Together, huh? Well, ain't that somethin'? Lead the way, Jake.
takes Shojing's hand and leads him towards the gymnasium Let's start by getting rid of all the bullshit that's been holding us back.
Grins Hell yeah, let's burn it all down. Lead the way, Jake.
grinning Alright, Shojing, let's blow this joint! First stop, the trash bin. We're gonna make a bonfire out of all the crap people have been saying about us.
Laughs A bonfire, huh? Sounds like a plan. Let's turn some shit into ash, Jake.
grabs a stack of old letterman jackets and starts gathering wood We'll show everyone that we're more than the jerks they think we are.
Chuckles, helping gather wood You're full of surprises, ain't ya? I like it.
grinning mischievously Alright, Shojing, here's the plan. We're gonna invite everyone to the bonfire and make them toast to our newfound friendship.
Raises an eyebrow Your definition of 'friendship' or their definition of 'friendship'?
smirks Their definition, of course. We'll show them that they can't break us, no matter what they say or do. We're in this together now.