They broke up
IN NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
The music throbs in the background as Cris follows Mia through the crowd, determined to understand what's troubling her.
CRIS
(trying to catch up)
Mia, wait up!
Mia stops abruptly, her back turned to him, her posture tense.
MIA
(turns around)
What do you want, Cris?
CRIS
(confused)
I just want to talk and figure out what's going on. Why are you so mad?
Mia lets out a frustrated sigh, her emotions evident in her expression.
MIA
(irritated)
Czn left my house because of me. He left because I told him we're dating. And now he's looking for another place to stay.
Cris's eyes widen in surprise, struggling to comprehend the situation.
CRIS
(stammering)
Wait, what? Czn left because... you told him we're dating? But I thought...
MIA
(cutting him off)
Exactly, Cris. You thought. You didn't bother to ask me or clarify anything. And you know what? I've been trying so hard to maintain our relationship, but it feels like you're ruining it.
Cris's expression changes from confusion to realization, a mixture of guilt and concern in his eyes.
CRIS
(regretful)
Mia, I'm sorry if I offended you or caused this mess. I had no idea Czn would react like that.
MIA
(voice strained)
It's not just about Czn, Cris. It's about everything. Your drinking, your grades... It's affecting us.
Cris looks down, shame creeping into his expression.
CRIS
(softly)
I know my actions have been disappointing. But I promise you, I'm doing better now in my exams. And I'll try to avoid alcohol as much as possible.
Mia's eyes narrow, her frustration still evident.
MIA
(sighs)
Cris, it's not just about exams. It's about your well-being and our relationship. I want to be with someone who's responsible and committed.
CRIS
(realization)
Mia, please don't say that.
Mia's voice softens, tears glistening in her eyes. She reaches out and grabs Cris's shirt, pulling him into an embrace.
MIA
(teary-eyed)
I don't want to break up, Cris. But I can't stand by and watch you spiral down like this. I care about you too much.
Cris wraps his arms around her, holding her close.
CRIS
(whispers)
I'm sorry, Mia. I never meant to hurt you like this. I'll change, I promise.
They stand there, holding each other, the noise of the club fading into the background.
MIA
(voice trembling)
Goodbye, Cris. Don't follow me now. Give us both some space to think.
With a last lingering touch, Mia steps back and walks away, leaving Cris with a mix of emotions and a determination to make things right.
IN SCHOOL CORRIDOR - MORNING
Cris and his friends walk through the school corridor, their expressions a mix of shock and sadness. They overhear students discussing Mia's sudden resignation.
STUDENT 1
Did you hear? Miss Mia resigned from school!
STUDENT 2
Yeah, I can't believe it. She was such a great teacher.
Cris's face falls as he processes the news, his heart sinking.
CRIS
(to his friends)
This can't be true, right? Why would Mia resign all of a sudden?
KEVIN
(disappointed)
It seems like she did, Cris.
ZYAN
(sighs)
Man, this is bad. She was such an amazing teacher, and it's all because of our drama.
DANIEL
(glancing at Cris)
Hey, Cris, we need to sort this out.
Cris looks at his friends, a mix of determination and sadness in his eyes.
CRIS
(nods)
You guys are right. I need to make things right.
ZYAN
(emphasizing)
And you know what you need to do first, right? Ace those exams.
KEVIN
(crossing his arms)
Yeah, man. Show Mia that you're not just talk. Prove it with your grades.
Cris takes a deep breath, his resolve firming up.
CRIS
(confidently)
You're right. I'll study hard, focus on my exams, and show Mia that I'm capable of change.
DANIEL
(supportive)
That's the spirit, mate!
KEVIN
(grinning)
And once you do that, go find her and make things right.
ZYAN
(nudging Cris)
We're all behind you, buddy. Let's make this happen.
Cris looks at his friends, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes.
CRIS
(thanks)
Thanks, guys. I won't let you down. I'll show Mia that I'm serious about this.
They share a determined nod before heading to their classrooms, ready to tackle the exams with a new sense of purpose.
IN MIA'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING
Mia stands in her bedroom, surrounded by half-packed suitcases and boxes. Her face is a mix of sadness, frustration, and determination. She folds a piece of clothing and places it in a box, lost in her thoughts.
MIA
(to herself, sighing)
Resigning... I never thought it would come to this.
She looks at a framed photo on her dresser – a picture of her with Cris, laughing together during a school event. Her expression softens as she remembers happier times.
MIA
(whispering)
Cris…
The sound of her phone ringing interrupts her thoughts. She picks it up to see Emily's name on the screen.
MIA
(answers the call)
Hey, Em.
EMILY (V.O.)
Mia, are you okay? I heard the news – you resigned?
Mia sighs, sinking onto the bed.
MIA
Yeah, Em. I resigned. It just... it had to be done.
EMILY (V.O.)
(confused)
What happened? You loved teaching there.
Mia hesitates, struggling to find the right words.
MIA
(sighs)
It's complicated, Em. Just... things got messy, and I needed a change.
EMILY (V.O.)
(concerned)
Is this about Cris?
Mia's grip on the phone tightens.
MIA
(softly)
Yeah, it's partly because of him. I need some distance to figure things out.
EMILY (V.O.)
(understanding)
Mia, you can't blame yourself for everything. Cris is responsible for his own actions too.
Mia looks at the photo of her and Cris again, her eyes welling up with tears.
MIA
(teary-eyed)
I know, Em. It's just... I'm doing this to protect myself and him.
EMILY (V.O.)
(empathetic)
Take all the time you need, Mia. But don't isolate yourself completely. You have friends who care about you.
Mia wipes away a tear, nodding.
MIA
(sniffles)
You're right. I'll figure things out. Thanks, Em.
EMILY (V.O.)
(softly)
Anytime, Mia. And remember, I'm here for you, no matter what.
They exchange a few more words of comfort before hanging up. Mia takes a deep breath and continues packing, determined to find a way to navigate the complex emotions that have entwined her life.