the truth(13)

(The next morning, the sun filters through the school windows as Michael and his friends gather around their usual spot in the courtyard. Students shuffle past them, chatting, laughing, and going about their day. But Michael's focus is on something much more entertaining—Alex and Marie.)

(Michael leans against the fountain, his signature smirk firmly in place as he watches Alex and Marie approach. The two seem relaxed—until Michael opens his mouth.)

Michael:

"So, did you guys have fun on your date?"

(Alex and Marie both freeze for a second before immediately reacting.)

Marie:

"I mean, Michael, like I said—it was NOT a date!"

Alex:

"Yes! Marie is right. It was NOT a date. We just hung out as friends."

(Michael snorts, clearly not buying it.)

Michael:

"Oh yeah, yeah. Like 'just friends.' Sure. I'll believe that."

(Alex groans, running a hand through his hair.)

Alex:

"Oh, Michael, just what will it take to convince you that we're only friends?"

(Michael suddenly grins mischievously, his next words causing instant chaos.)

Michael:

"It'll convince me if you two kiss each other."

(Silence.)

(Alex and Marie turn bright red simultaneously.)

Marie:

"W-What?! If we kiss each other?! Are you INSANE?! We're not going to do that, Michael!"

Alex:

"Y-Yeah, absolutely not!"

(Michael bursts into laughter, clearly enjoying their reactions.)

Michael:

"Haha! Alright, alright, whatever you say."

(The others, including Ethan, Emily, and Lucas, chuckle at Alex and Marie's flustered state. The group continues chatting until Emily suddenly steps closer to Michael, shifting slightly as if debating something in her head. Finally, she speaks.)

Emily:

"Hey, uh… Michael?"

(Michael turns to her, raising an eyebrow.)

Michael:

"Yeah?"

Emily:

"Do you… wanna hang out after school today?"

(The group immediately goes silent.)

(Alex, still recovering from Michael's teasing, suddenly perks up, his smirk returning.)

Alex:

"Ohhh, looks like you two are going on a date!"

(Michael deadpans at him.)

Michael:

"Shut up, Alex."

Emily:

(blushing slightly) "I-I mean, it's not a date! Just hanging out! Right, Michael?"

(Michael glances at her, amused by her flustered state. He shrugs casually.)

Michael:

"Yeah, sure. Why not?"

Marie:

"Enjoy your date~!"

(Michael rolls his eyes as the others laugh, but he doesn't deny it.)

(The shopping district is bustling with life, the streets filled with small shops, food stalls, and the sound of a street musician playing a soft tune. It's a lively atmosphere, but not overwhelming—perfect for a casual outing.)

(Emily walks beside Michael, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets. She's obviously trying to act normal, but the slight redness on her cheeks gives away her nervousness. Michael notices and, of course, decides to tease her.)

Michael:

"You sure this isn't a date, Emily? You're acting awfully nervous."

(Emily immediately turns to him, flustered.)

Emily:

"I-I'm not nervous! You're the one making it weird!"

(Michael chuckles but doesn't push further. Instead, they stop by a small snack stall, where Emily orders some dango. She offers one to Michael, who takes it without hesitation.)

Michael:

"Not bad. You've got good taste."

(Emily watches as he eats, before looking away with a small smile.)

Emily:

"You know… I don't think we've ever hung out like this before. Just the two of us."

(Michael hums thoughtfully.)

Michael:

"Yeah, I guess not. But I don't mind it."

(Emily's blush deepens, but she quickly hides it by eating another dango. As they continue walking, stopping at different shops, Michael keeps teasing her, making her flustered every now and then. But in between the teasing, there's a sense of comfort, as if they've done this before… like a memory just out of reach.)

---

Scene 3: The Awakening

(Meanwhile, back at the usual hangout spot, Liam and Mia sit with the rest of the group. The conversation is light, but then—)

(Liam suddenly winces, gripping his head.)

Liam:

"Ugh… what the hell…?"

(Mia follows suit, her hand pressing against her temple.)

Mia:

"This feeling again… it's like… I've done this before."

(Amelia, sitting beside Mia, quickly turns to her.)

Amelia:

"Mia? Are you okay?"

(Mia doesn't respond immediately, her eyes distant, like she's seeing something no one else can. Liam, too, has the same look—confused, yet familiar.)

(Dakota watches them carefully, narrowing his eyes slightly.)

Dakota (thinking):

"It's starting."

(A slow smirk forms on his face, unnoticed by the others.)

(The next day at school, Michael meets up with his friends again. As he walks toward the courtyard, Alex and Marie immediately pounce.)

Alex:

"Sooo, how was your date, Michael?"

(Michael sighs.)

Michael:

"Shut up, Alex."

Marie:

(smirking) "Oh, come on, Michael. Don't be shy~."

Michael:

"I swear, I hate all of you."

(The group laughs, and the day seems normal—until Ava suddenly winces and clutches her head, her body swaying slightly.)

Ava:

"Ngh… what is this…?"

(The laughter dies instantly as everyone turns to her.)

Lucas:

"Ava? Hey, are you okay?"

(Ava doesn't respond right away. Her breathing becomes erratic, and then—)

Ava:

"I… I remember…"

(Dakota watches, his expression unreadable. Then, he speaks—the first to truly understand what's happening.)

Dakota:

"Ah, finally."

(Everyone turns to him, confused.)

Dakota thinking:

"Looks like her memories are starting to come back."

(Ava's eyes widen as flashes of a past life—of something beyond this world—start to break through her mind.)

Dakota (thinking):

"It's only a matter of time now. Soon enough, they'll all remember everything."

(Ava standing there, gripping her head as past memories surge through her, while Dakota simply watches—calm, knowing, and completely prepared for what's to come.)

Dakota: finally it looks like it's starting for ava too, that mean all of my friends memories are going to come back piece by piece, it's going to take a while, but should be done by the time we finish viewing all the memories.

Dakota thinking: anyway the next memory should be about me and Lisa meeting privately and talking, and she suddenly decided to challenge me. Me Michael the genius out of everyone, so I accepted... And let's just say, it didn't went as well as she excepted to.