BITTER LOVERS

Romance - academic rivals

Written All Over Your Face by Louis Tomlinson plays as the

scene shows Wesley putting on her earphones and proceeding to
the library.
When she arrived at the library, she settled down, grabbed her
book and started reading, to only be distracted by someone
pausing her music.

WESLEY
What the…

Wesley looks up to see Khurt, an innocent smile on his face.

KHURT
Hi.

WESLEY
What was that for?

KHURT
What were you listening to anyway? Sounds like trash.

WESLEY
Trash?! Excuse me if there’s anything here that’s trash
it’s you.

KHURT
Then I would be the useful kind of trash. Biodegradable,
or recyclable if you please.

WESLEY
 Why are you here?

KHURT
Why? Can’t I be here? Don’t feel like you own the place.

WESLEY
You’re disturbing my peace!

Wesley accidentally speaks her last words aloud, causing the

students to turn to them. The librarian shushes them.

KHURT
If you’ve forgotten, we’re in the library, not in the
debate club.

Khurt sits on the chair in front of Wesley, which made the

latter more annoyed.

WESLEY
Why are you really here?

KHURT
I’m here because the library is a nice place for writing
my valedictorian speech.

WESLEY
You sure you’re going to be the valedictorian? You know,
assuming can really break your heart once the result
turns out to be the exact opposite. I already feel bad
for you.

Wesley feigns a sympathetic look.

 KHURT
I’m a hundred per cent confident. You know why?

WESLEY
Do I even want to know why?

KHURT
Yes, you do and it’s because I got forty-nine over fifty
during our last quiz in math.

WESLEY
Oh, I’m sorry. I got a fifty. That’s a perfect score, and
oh! A point higher than yours. So you better think twice
about your whole valedictorian speech thing.

Wesley stands up and leaves.

KHURT
At least my music taste is better, Bach is so much better
than whatever trash she’s listening to.

Khurt also stands up and leaves the library.

FADE OUT

The scene shows Khurt and Sean walking up the staircase to

their classroom.

SEAN
I heard about what happened in the library earlier.

KHURT
What happened in the library earlier that’s worth
knowing?

SEAN
You know.

KHURT
I actually don’t.

SEAN
You and you know who.

KHURT
If you don’t spit it out straight I might as well just
push you down the stairs.

SEAN
You don’t have to be so violent.

KHURT
I will be if you don’t tell me what’s this all about.

SEAN
I heard from Levy and Lucy about the ruckus you and
Wesley caused in the library.

KHURT
First of all, it was only her. Second, why did you bring
that up?

SEAN
I don’t know man, but it feels important for me to bring
it up.

KHURT
Why does it feel important? It’s not.

SEAN
I know the both of you are rivals or something, but the
both of you got some weird chemistry going on.

KHURT
The only chemistry going on with us is how we inhale
oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

SEAN
No, I mean, romantic chemistry. You’re both like bitter
lovers.

KHURT
Whatever you’re talking about, I don’t know what that is.
And if anything, I don’t have time for relationships. I’m
on my way to being valedictorian; I’m focusing on that.
Relationships can wait.

SEAN
But you know, being in a relationship can inspire you to
study harder. Which reminds me, tomorrow’s Wesley’s
birthday.

KHURT
And?

SEAN
 Gift? Flowers? A bouquet? Chocolates? I heard she loves
those.

KHURT
Giving her gifts on her birthday is unnecessary. She
prefers quality time over gifts anyway.

Sean looks at Khurt confused.

SEAN
How’d you know that?

Khurt pauses as they arrived by the doorway of their

classroom.

KHURT
It just feels like something she’d prefer. Oh look, we’re
here. Talk to you later?

SEAN
Yep. Later.

They separate ways to find their seats.

CUT TO THE NEXT SCENE

TEACHER
With that being said for our lesson for today, I want to
ask you all, which do you think is the best music genre?

Wesley and Khurt raise their hands simultaneously.

 TEACHER
We have Wesley and Khurt. Ladies first. Wesley.

Wesley immediately stands up, while Khurt sits still

aggravated.

WESLEY
Thank you, Sir Robert. Personally, I'd say pop is the
best genre. They have a good rhythm, a catchy melody, and
the lyrics are easy to remember and sing along to. And
the subject or theme of the songs are topics we can all
relate to.

TEACHER
Okay. Thank you for that Wesley. Khurt, you were raising
your hand earlier.

Wesley sits as Khurt stands.

KHURT
For me, Sir, classical music is the best genre. Many of
the instruments commonly employed by classical composers
are rarely used in other genres. Also, Sir, classical
music differs from modern music in that the musical
language itself is often more formal and structured. And
there is less rhythmic variety in the music of today’s
generation than there is in classical.

Wesley looks over to Khurt with an offended look and raises

her hand, which the teacher calls her for.

WESLEY
At least pop music appeals to the younger population.

TEACHER
 You have a point, Wesley.

Khurt raises his hand and gets called by the teacher.

KHURT
But classical music sounds pleasing to the ear, which in
turn improves cognition in the brain.

WESLEY
Pop music has produced plentiful hit songs with energetic
sounds. There is plenty of pop music with very catchy
tunes, a good rhythm, and memorable melodies and lyrics.
While classical music is dryly cerebral, lacking visceral
or emotional appeal.

KHURT
Classical music improves a person’s mood and helps them
relax. This genre has a wide range of benefits for people
who listen to them like improved sleep and reduced
stress.

WESLEY
Well, pop music can often encourage a feel-good factor,
lighting up different areas of the brain and often
encouraging the release of dopamine, making us feel
happier and more connected to the music.

KHURT
Well, Wesley Chua, classical music has—

TEACHER
Okay. I think that’s all for our lesson today. Everyone,
please stand up.
Background noise fades as the camera focuses on Khurt and
Wesley glaring at each other.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

Wesley and Portia are seen walking on the grounds, about to

leave school.

PORTIA
Do you—do you want to talk about it?

WESLEY
Talk about exactly what Portia?

PORTIA
Music.

WESLEY
He gets on my nerves.

PORTIA
Clearly.

They walk in silence for a short while.

PORTIA
It’s not really my business, but what if whatever’s going
on between you two is another enemies-to-lovers story?

WESLEY
 What do you mean Portia?

PORTIA
I mean, something like Elise and Lisana over there.

They look to see Elise and Lisana seated so close to each

other in the study zone, hands entwined as they talked.

PORTIA
They used to hate each other so much but look at them
now.

WESLEY
Can we not talk about this anymore?

PORTIA
Sure. Sorry.

WESLEY
It’s okay. No need to be sorry.

PORTIA
Anyway, tomorrow’s your birthday. Any plans?

WESLEY
Aside from coming here to school, none.

Wesley pauses to think.

WESLEY
Well, I have a special dinner tomorrow night.
 PORTIA
With who? If you don’t mind me asking.

WESLEY
With my special someone.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

The following day, Wesley’s birthday.

William enters the gates of the school, flowers in hand.
After how many students, Wesley enters the gate, only to be
dragged by someone.

WESLEY
Hey!

Wesley and the person who dragged her stopped in an alleyway,

where she sees Khurt as her kidnapper.

WESLEY
It’s cute how from all the people you can kidnap, you
decide to kidnap me. Cute, I’m flattered. What do you
want?

KHURT
First of all, happy birthday. Second—

WESLEY
Surprising but thank you.
 KHURT
Second, don’t you think it’s time?

WESLEY
Time for what exactly, Khurt Holmes?

KHURT
I think you already know what I mean.

Wesley takes a few moments to ponder.

WESLEY
I’ll think about it.

Wesley leaves Khurt to stare at her retreating figure.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

Wesley’s classmates are seen gathered, gossiping.

LUCY
I heard someone is confessing today.

LEVY
Earlier, I saw William bringing flowers. It’s probably
him.

RILEY
 But the question is: to whom is he confessing?

LUCY
Wait, isn’t it Wesley’s birthday today?

RILEY
As a matter of fact, it is her birthday today.

LEVY
William’s confessing to Wesley, on her birthday!

RILEY
But what if he’s confessing to someone else, just
coincidentally planned on confessing today on Wesley’s
birthday?

LUCY
That’s possible.

She spots Henry, William’s friend.

LUCY
Why don’t we ask Henry? Hey! Henry!

Henry looks over at them and sees them. He walks over to the
girls.

HENRY
Yes?

LUCY
Does it so happen that William’s got a crush on Wesley?
 HENRY
No—no.

LEVY
You’re stuttering. Tell the truth.

Henry sighs in defeat.

HENRY
Yes.

The girls look at each other with wide grins while Henry sighs
going back to his original place.
He sees Khurt standing there.

HENRY
Hey Khurt.

KHURT
Hi. What was that about?

HENRY
They just asked me if William’s got a crush on Wesley.

KHURT
And? Why?

HENRY
Apparently, William’s gonna confess to Wesley today, on
her birthday.
Khurt fights the urge to throw a fit because of
anger/jealousy. He tries to act normal.

KHURT
Okay. Thanks, Henry.

HENRY
No problem.

Khurt turns to leave, blood boiling.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

PORTIA
Happy birthday Wesley!

Portia greets Wesley with a massive hug.

WESLEY
Thank you, Portia! I’m glad you remember my birthday.

PORTIA
What kind of friend would I be if I forget your birthday?
Anyway, I have a gift for you.

Portia hands her gift to Wesley.

WESLEY
 Portia! You didn’t have to!

PORTIA
It’s your birthday. Plus, I wanted to give you something.

WESLEY
Thank you so much, Portia. You’re the best, really.

PORTIA
Don’t mention it.

Someone interrupts them with a fake cough. They turn to see

William with flowers.
Their classmates stand behind William, witnessing the entire
thing, including Khurt.

WILLIAM
Happy birthday, Wesley.

WESLEY
Thank you, William.

WILLIAM
I brought you flowers.

William hands Wesley the flowers.

WESLEY
Thank you, William. I appreciate this.

WILLIAM
 Oh, and I want to ask if you’re free tonight. I wanted to
ask you out for dinner for your birthday.

WESLEY
Dinner?

WILLIAM
Kind of like a date.

WESLEY
I’m sorry William, but I already have a date with my
special someone tonight.

Everyone looks at Wesley shocked, including William.

WILLIAM
Are you saying…

WESLEY
We’ve been together for a few months now, five months to
be exact.

WILLIAM
Oh, um, okay. Why don’t we know about them though?

WESLEY
We decided it would be best to stay lowkey for a while. I
mean, there’s the thrill of having to hide a
relationship.

WILLIAM
Who are they? Do we know them?
Wesley smiles.

WESLEY
You’ll know who they are soon.

CUT TO THE NEXT SCENE

Khurt is seen buying in the school canteen. He suddenly feels

someone standing beside him.
He turns to see Wesley.

KHURT
Anything you need from me?

WESLEY
I think you already know what it is.

CUT TO THE NEXT SCENE

Lucy, Levy, and Riley stand by the railings of the building

looking down when they see Khurt and Wesley walking together,
unusually close.
The three girls look at each other, sharing confused looks.

CUT TO THE NEXT SCENE

Khurt and Wesley arrive at their floor, about to continue

their walk back to their classroom when they see their
classmates looking at them with weird looks.

KHURT
 Yes?

RILEY
Did the two of you hit your heads together and forgot
that both of you hate each other?

WESLEY
I beg your pardon.

Levy, unable to speak, only pointed at the both of them,

gesturing to their closeness.

WESLEY
Oh, right. Hehe. Guys, it’s him.

LUCY
What do you mean by “it’s him?”

Wesley and Khurt look at each other and show them a gesture to
indicate she’s dating Khurt.