---
[Scene: Tuesday – School Library, After Lunch]
Lila is squeezed between Theo on one side and Kai on the other as they all pretend to study. Spoiler: no one is actually studying.
Lila (inner monologue):
They're both pretending not to be watching me, but I can literally feel the jealousy vibrating off their notebooks.
Kai (whispering):
"Do you want me to help with the math? I know you struggle with numbers."
Theo (smirking):
"I already solved it for her. She struggles more with telling people no."
Lila glares at both.
Lila:
"I'm right here, guys. Alive. With ears."
Suddenly, Mira enters and gasps dramatically.
Mira:
"You three seriously look like a love triangle Pinterest board."
They all laugh—sort of.
---
[Scene: After School – Theo's House]
Theo invited Lila over "to study," but somehow, they're baking instead. It's chaotic: flour in her hair, Theo wearing oven mitts like boxing gloves.
Theo:
"Tell me this isn't more fun than math class."
Lila (laughing):
"Way more fun. But don't think I forgot you nearly used salt instead of sugar!"
Theo (grinning):
"Sweet mistake, just like falling for you."
Lila:
"W-What?"
Theo freezes. Lila freezes. The timer for the cookies saves them both from combusting.
---
[Scene: Later That Evening – Outside Lila's House]
As Theo walks her home, there's a soft glow from the streetlights and an awkward yet comforting silence.
Theo (quietly):
"I... meant what I said earlier. I know things are confusing. Just don't forget I'm here."
Lila nods slowly. Her heart skips.
Then suddenly—a scooter pulls up.
Kai:
"Hey, I was gonna walk her home today."
Theo:
"Too late. I already did."
Lila facepalms. Again.
---
[Scene: Night – Lila's Room]
She stares at her phone, scrolling through two messages:
From Theo: "Sleep well. Still thinking about your laugh."
From Kai: "You looked beautiful today. Not that you don't every day."
She groans and rolls into her pillow.
Lila (to herself):
I'm doomed.
---