The trailer for the cast play had been online for only a few hours, but it was already making waves throughout the school. Students were buzzing about the romantic confession between Ben and Mark, speculating about the nature of their relationship and what the play might entail.
In the hallways, groups of friends huddled together, discussing the trailer and sharing their thoughts. Some were excitedly anticipating the play, while others were more reserved, wondering if the storyline would be handled sensitively.
******That morning in the rooms of both boys in the hostel *******
The next morning, Ben and Mark woke up to the sweet, slow sounds of music drifting through the background. They stretched, yawned, and began getting ready for the day. As they dressed and prepared breakfast, the music continued to play softly, setting a peaceful tone for their morning routine.
Once they were dressed and had eaten, they grabbed their bags and headed out the door. They were so caught up in their own thoughts and preparations that they didn't even think to check their phones for any trending news or updates on social media.
Without a glance at their screens, they made their way to the learning building, ready to tackle the day's activities. The music still lingered in their minds, leaving them feeling calm and focused as they walked into another busy day.
They meet at the entrance way to the building "oh good morning Ben" Mark greeted warmly.... " good morning Mark" Ben greeted back all smiling.
As Ben and Mark navigated the hallways, they couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation about themselves. They exchanged knowing glances, their faces a mix of emotions.
As they walked to their first class, Ben and Mark finally glanced at their phones, curiosity getting the better of them. They saw notification after notification, their eyes widening in surprise.
"What's going on?" Ben asked, looking at Mark with a mix of confusion and concern.
Mark shook his head, his eyes scanning the screen. "It's everywhere. The trailer, our scene... everyone's talking about us."
Ben's eyes locked onto his phone, scrolling through the comments and posts. They were trending on the school's social media groups, with hashtags and tags flying left and right. People were discussing their on-screen chemistry, speculating about their real-life relationship, and sharing their reactions to the trailer.
Both Ben and Mark were stunned, unsure of how to process the sudden attention. They exchanged a look, their faces reflecting a mix of shock and embarrassment.
******That morning the girls woke up in Emily's room cause they decided to have a sleepover there, but where surprised with what they saw when they both woke up *******
Emily and Samantha woke up to the sound of their phones buzzing with notifications. They groggily reached for their devices, bleary-eyed, and were immediately hit with the trailer for the cast play.
As they watched, their eyes widened in shock. "Oh my gosh," Emily breathed, her hand flying to her mouth.
Samantha's eyes were fixed on the screen, her expression unreadable. When the video ended, she turned to Emily, looking uncomfortable. "Did you see that?"
Emily nodded, still looking stunned. "Yeah, I didn't expect it to be so... intense."
Samantha frowned, scrolling through the comments on her phone. "Everyone's going crazy about it. I feel so awkward."
Emily nodded in agreement. "Me too. I didn't realize it was going to be like that."
They both felt disheartened, unsure of how to process their feelings about their friends being portrayed in a romantic scene. They exchanged uneasy glances, the morning sunlight suddenly feeling less bright.
****Present time****
In class, Emily and Samantha exchanged awkward glances with Ben and Mark. The boys seemed to sense their discomfort and tried to play it cool, but their nervous energy was palpable.
When Ben attempted to catch Emily's eye, she looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly. Mark, sensing Samantha's unease, leaned over and whispered, "Hey, it's okay. We're still the same guys."
But Emily and Samantha weren't convinced. They kept their distance, their usual banter and laughter replaced by strained smiles and hesitant interactions.
Ben and Mark tried to calm them down, explaining that the scene was just part of the play, but the girls still seemed uncertain. As the class progressed, the tension between them lingered, a silent understanding that things had shifted, and it would take time to adjust.
Ben and Mark were summoned to Miss Rena's office later after their third class, and as they entered, they were met with a warm smile. "Gentlemen, I must say, I'm impressed," Miss Rena said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I watched the trailer for the cast play, and it was spectacular. Your performances were captivating, and that scene... it moved me to tears, even from the comfort of my own home."
She leaned forward, her voice filled with admiration. "I've been getting calls from colleagues and students alike, all raving about the trailer. You're the talk of the university, and I couldn't be prouder."
Ben and Mark exchanged a look, surprised by Miss Rena's emotional response. They hadn't expected their scene to resonate so deeply with her. "Thank you, Miss Rena," Ben said, his voice sincere. "We're just trying to do our best."
Miss Rena nodded, her expression still glowing with enthusiasm. "Well, you're certainly doing something right. Keep up the fantastic work, both of you."
As they sat in Miss Rena's office, Ben and Mark's faces fell, their smiles fading. Miss Rena noticed the change in their expressions and asked, "What's wrong? You both looked thrilled just moments ago, and now...?"
Ben and Mark exchanged a glance, hesitant to share their concerns. But Miss Rena's kind eyes encouraged them to open up. "It's just... the trailer," Ben began, his voice laced with worry. "The girls, Emily and Samantha, they're acting strange around us now."
Mark nodded in agreement. "They seem uncomfortable, like they're not sure how to react. We're not sure what's going on or how to fix it."
Miss Rena's expression softened. "Ah, I see. The trailer's gotten a lot of attention, hasn't it? I can imagine it might be a bit overwhelming for your friends."
Ben and Mark nodded, sharing their concerns with Miss Rena. She listened attentively, "It's not just the attention," Ben clarified, his brow furrowed. "It's the scene itself. The confession... it's like they're uncomfortable with us being portrayed that way." Mark nodded in agreement, his expression understanding.
Miss Rena's eyes widened slightly, comprehension dawning on her face. "I see," she said softly. "The scene between you two in the trailer is quite intimate, isn't it? I can understand why that might make your friends feel a bit uneasy, especially if they weren't expecting it."
Ben and Mark exchanged a knowing look, relieved that Miss Rena understood the situation. Mark's expression turned serious as he made one thing clear to Miss Rena. "The girls are our girlfriends, Miss Rena." Miss Rena's eyes widened slightly, and she muttered a surprised "Oh" under her breath.
They appreciated her insight and were hopeful that she might offer some guidance on how to navigate their friendships with Emily and Samantha.
After a moment of pause, she offered some wise advice. "Well, in that case, I think it's best to give them some space for now. Let them process their feelings and come to terms with the trailer's impact. Sometimes, people need time to understand and adjust."
Ben and Mark nodded, taking Miss Rena's words to heart. They knew she was right; they just had to be patient and let the girls work through their emotions. With a newfound sense of understanding, they left Miss Rena's office, determined to give their girlfriends the space they needed.
As they headed to their next class, Ben and Mark walked side by side, discussing Miss Rena's advice. "Give them space, huh?" Ben said, nodding thoughtfully. "Makes sense, I guess. We didn't exactly think about how they'd react to the trailer."
Mark agreed, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. "Yeah, we were so caught up in our own stuff. But maybe Miss Rena's right. If we give them time, they'll come around."
Ben nodded, his expression contemplative. "Let's just focus on our own stuff for now and let them process. We'll talk to them when the time's right."
With a newfound plan, they entered their next class, ready to focus on their studies and give their girlfriends the space they needed.
After finishing their fourth class, Ben and Mark headed to their club activities, expecting to see Emily and Samantha there. However, as they participated in the club's discussions and activities, they noticed that the girls kept their distance.
Emily and Samantha would occasionally glance over at them, but they didn't initiate conversations or join in on the usual banter. Ben and Mark respected their boundaries, choosing not to push the issue.
Instead, they focused on their club activities, immersing themselves in the discussions and projects. As the session came to a close, Ben and Mark packed up their things and left, giving Emily and Samantha the space they seemed to need.
"We'll give them time," Ben said to Mark as they walked out. "They'll come around when they're ready."
Mark nodded in agreement, and they parted ways, each lost in their own thoughts about the situation.
Debate Trial
The debate trial was intended to prepare Ben and Emily for the upcoming pop quiz in their debate class. The topic was "Resolved: Social Media Has a Net Positive Impact on Society." Ben was in his element, delivering a passionate and well-reasoned argument about the benefits of social media in connecting people and spreading information. However, Emily seemed disengaged, struggling to articulate her points and appearing lost in thought.
As they debated, Ben noticed Emily's lackluster performance and tried to encourage her. "Hey, Em, what's going on? You're not yourself today," Ben said, concern etched on his face. Emily just shook her head, her eyes avoiding Ben's. "I'm fine, Ben. Just a bit distracted, that's all."
Despite Ben's efforts to draw her out, Emily remained subdued, and their team's performance suffered as a result. After the first section of the debate trial, Ben approached Emily again, this time more insistently. "Em, seriously, what's wrong? You're one of the best debaters in our class. This isn't like you." Emily sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's just... Nothing" she replied rudely.
After the debate ended, as they walked out of the debate room, Emily's frustration boiled over. "Ben, can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, her voice low but urgent. Ben nodded, following her to a quiet corner of the hallway.
But before he could say anything, Emily's emotions erupted. "How could you, Ben? How could you do that scene with Mark? It's all anyone can talk about!" she shouted, her voice echoing down the hallway.
Ben's eyes widened in shock, taken aback by Emily's outburst. "Emily, calm down, please," he tried to reason, but she was beyond consolation.
"You're my boyfriend, Ben! And you're portraying... that with someone else. It's like you're flaunting it in front of everyone!" Emily's words cut deep, and Ben felt a pang of regret.
He reached out to her, but Emily pushed him away. "Just give me space, Ben. I need time to think," she said, her voice trembling as she turned and walked away, leaving Ben standing alone in the hallway, feeling shocked and helpless.
Ben's sadness lingered as he walked to the debate coordinator's office. He couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and worry about his relationship with Emily. As he entered the office, he approached the coordinator with a determined look.
"Hi, I need to discuss the debate team lineup for the upcoming pop quiz," Ben said, getting straight to the point. The coordinator looked up, curious about Ben's request.
"What's on your mind, Ben?" she asked, her tone friendly. Ben took a deep breath before speaking. "It's about my partner, Emily. She's not been herself lately, and I think it would be better if we paired her with someone else for the quiz. She's not feeling well, and I don't want our team's performance to suffer."
The coordinator nodded understandingly. "Okay, let me see what I can do. Who did you have in mind to partner with instead?" Ben thought for a moment before suggesting another team member who was skilled and reliable.
After a brief discussion, the coordinator agreed to make the change, and Ben felt a mix of relief and concern. He hoped Emily would understand the decision, but a part of him worried about their relationship and how this might affect them further.
As Emily stormed out of the hallway, her emotions still raw, people around her couldn't help but notice her distress. Whispers began to circulate among their classmates: "What's going on with Emily and Ben? She seems really upset."
Some even speculated about the reason behind Emily's anger: "I heard it's because of the play. Ben's role in it, maybe?"
Others chimed in with their opinions: "I thought a girlfriend's job was to support her partner, but Emily seems more like she's criticizing him."
One classmate even went as far as saying: "Maybe they're just not meant to be. I mean, if she can't handle a little drama or performance, then maybe she's not the right person for him."
The rumors and speculation spread quickly, and soon, people were discussing Emily and Ben's relationship in hushed tones. Emily, unaware of the whispers, continued to grapple with her emotions, while Ben was left to wonder how this would affect their relationship and his own feelings.
..... The next debate and pop quiz trials.....
The next day, Ben and his new teammate, Rachel, were set for another debate trial in the hall. As they began to discuss their arguments, Emily burst into the room, her anger palpable.
"What's going on here?" Emily demanded, her voice loud and accusatory. "Why was I replaced? Who decided to take me out of the pop quiz competition?"
Ben tried to calm her down, but Emily wouldn't listen. "You think you can just swap me out like I'm nothing? After everything we've been through?"
The debate hall fell silent as Emily's anger spilled over. She glared at Ben, her eyes blazing with hurt and anger.
"I'm done, Ben. Done with this relationship, done with the drama. You clearly don't value me or my feelings."
With a final, angry glance, Emily declared, "It's over between us. I'm out of here," and stormed out of the debate hall, leaving Ben and the others in stunned silence.
Ben's face fell, his heart heavy with the realization that he might have lost Emily forever. Rachel, his new teammate, looked on awkwardly, unsure of what to say or do. The trial was forgotten, overshadowed by the drama that had just unfolded.
After Emily's dramatic exit, Ben couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness and loss. He decided to skip the cast play rehearsal and leave the school premises early.
As he walked back to his room, Ben's mind replayed the events of the past few days. He thought about the trailer, the girls' reactions, and the ultimate confrontation with Emily.
Once he arrived at his room, Ben collapsed onto his bed, feeling drained and emotionally exhausted. He stared blankly at the ceiling, wondering what he could have done differently to prevent the breakdown of his relationship with Emily.
The sound of his phone buzzing with messages and calls from friends and classmates only added to his stress. Ben silenced his phone and let the silence envelop him, lost in his thoughts and emotions.
****** TWO DAYS PASSED BY ******
Two days passed since Emily's dramatic outburst, and the school was still abuzz with the aftermath. While some sympathized with Ben, many others discriminated against Emily for her actions, labeling her as "jealous" and "overreacting."
Meanwhile, Ben continued to struggle with his emotions, unable to bring himself to attend classes. He spent most of his time holed up in his room, replaying the events in his head and wondering what he could have done differently.
His absence didn't go unnoticed, and his friends began to worry about him. They tried reaching out, but Ben just wasn't ready to talk. The pain and heartache still felt too raw, and he needed time to process everything.
Because of Ben's absence Mark became worried and inquire what might happen to Ben and the cause of it. He asked around and he got the info he needed, so went to confront Emily in the classroom.
Emily on the other hand didn't mind and just stated bluntly "I broke up with him, he's yours to keep".... "you what!!!!!" Mark asked surprised and Emily continued "your girlfriend is also thinking the same thing OK, and she is planning to break up with you anyway... She has also seen a well deserved guy so be prepared for the worst lover boy" she said dryly.
Mark's reaction to Emily's words was explosive. When Emily mentioned that Samantha had similar thoughts about the trailer scene, Mark's anger boiled over. He confronted Samantha, his voice raised in a mixture of hurt and anger.
"So, you think like Emily, huh? You think I'm some kind of monster for doing my job?" Mark demanded, his eyes flashing with indignation.
The confrontation didn't go unnoticed by passersby, who stopped to stare at the unfolding drama. Samantha tried to calm Mark down, but he was beyond reason.
"You're done, Samantha," Mark said, his voice cold and detached. "Don't call me, don't try to reach out. I'm done with you."
With a final, angry glance, Mark turned and walked away, leaving Samantha standing alone, tears streaming down her face. "I'm going to find Ben," Mark said over his shoulder. "Who knows what he may have done to himself."
Mark's concern for his friend's well-being was palpable, and he quickly went in search of Ben, worried about his friend's state of mind.
Mark's anger and concern for Ben simmered just below the surface as he made his way to Ben's hostel room. He couldn't shake off the feeling that his friend was in a vulnerable state, and he needed to be there for him.
As he knocked on the door, Mark's anxiety grew. He hadn't seen Ben since the drama with Emily, and he had a feeling that his friend was struggling to cope.
When Ben opened the door, Mark was taken aback by his friend's appearance. Ben looked tired, his eyes sunken, and his usual spark gone. Mark's protective instincts kicked in, and he felt a strong urge to shield Ben from further harm.
"Ben, bro, I've been looking all over for you," Mark said, his voice softening as he stepped inside. "What's going on, man? You've been MIA for two days."
Mark's concern was genuine, and he wrapped a reassuring arm around Ben's shoulders, as he was guiding him back to his bed. "We're gonna get through this, Ben. I've got your back."
When Ben eyes welled up with tears, and he held into his friend's arms, hugging him tightly. Mark was taken aback at first, surprised by the intensity of Ben's emotions.
But as he felt Ben's tears soaking into his shirt, Mark's surprise gave way to empathy. He wrapped his arms around Ben, holding him close as Ben cried intensely.
The two friends stood there, locked in a tight embrace, as Ben's emotions poured out. Mark didn't try to talk or offer solutions; he simply held Ben, letting him know that he was there.
As they stood there, the boundaries between friendship and something more began to blur. Mark felt a deep connection to Ben, a sense of understanding and acceptance that went beyond words.
Ben's tears eventually slowed, but he didn't let go of Mark. He just held on, feeling a sense of safety and comfort in his friend's arms. Mark held him just as tightly, his own emotions swirling beneath the surface.