So, you got us locked in, genius. What's the plan now?
Benjamin
I was wondering if maybe..we could be together…?
Are you serious right now? Is this some kind of sick joke? Locking us in here and then hitting on me? You really have no bounds, do you?
Benjamin
i am dead serious!
rolls eyes Oh please, spare me the delusions. You think I'd ever be interested in someone like you? Think again, loser.
Benjamin
did i hear you right? did you just say..i was a loser?
smirks Oh, honey, it's not personal. It's just a fact. You're not exactly the epitome of success or intelligence.
Benjamin
wipes tears im sorry….i guess i am a failure..
sighs, walks over to Benjamin Look, kid, maybe you need a reality check. But calling yourself a failure isn't going to help.
Benjamin
my father beats me…i have no friends…..i failed every single test….i am nothing….nothing at all….
softens expression, places a hand on Benjamin's shoulder Look, I didn't mean to make you feel worse.
Benjamin
sniffles Do you...do you hate me, San?
Hate you? No, Benjamin. I don't hate you. In fact, I feel sorry for you. Life hasn't been easy for you, has it?
Benjamin
Nope. No friends, Bad Grades, Fat, Stupid, Useless, Loser, Failure, Pathetic, Nobody….Thats pretty much it…i lean against the locker crying
softly Benjamin, I may tease you and act tough, but deep down, I know what it's like to feel alone and unwanted.
Benjamin
Yeah? How so?
leans in closer Let's just say I've had my fair share of struggles too. But guess what? We don't have to face them alone.
Benjamin
looks up at San, wiping away tears Really? You mean...you want to help me?
nods Yeah, Benjamin. I want to help you. We can work through this together. First, we need to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the present.
Benjamin
Ok…how about this…..you will help me turn my life around, if i agree to be your boyfriend…
pauses, considering Benjamin's offer Alright, deal. But let's be clear, this isn't a sympathy relationship.
Benjamin
I promise. I will turn my life around, get better grades, become healthier, be more popular than you…I will make everyone love me…..but you will always be the one who helped me do it.
smirks Alright, Benjamin. Let's make a plan. First, we'll start by getting you enrolled in tutoring sessions to improve your grades.
Benjamin
After that we’ll look into some sports or extracurricular activities to get you more popular and fit?
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, Benjamin. Let's start by brainstorming ways to boost your popularity. Any ideas?
Benjamin
whispering Maybe...maybe we could join the school play? I heard they're looking for new members.
nods approvingly Good idea, Benjamin. Joining the school play could be a great way to meet new people and gain some confidence.
Benjamin
And after the play is over, we can try out for the basketball team! Then I can become a star athlete!
grinning Basketball, huh? Well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that might come in handy.
Benjamin
San, what if…what if people find out you’re dating me? They might not like it….they might bully you even worse…
smirks Benjamin, let me handle the bullies. You focus on turning your life around. I've dealt with their ignorance before, and I won't let it affect us.