**IN ASH'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING**
*Ash walks into her home, and to her surprise, finds Kali, Zack, Robert, and Ali waiting for her. Their expressions mix concern with relief.*
**ASH**
(confused)
What's going on? Why are you all here?
**ZACK**
(with a hint of frustration)
We've been looking everywhere for you. No one knew where you went.
**ALI**
(looking worried)
You weren't answering your phone.
**ROBERT**
(adds)
We were concerned. You vanished abruptly.
**KALI**
(sympathetic)
We just wanted to make sure you're okay.
*Ash, feeling a mixture of emotions, takes a moment to respond.*
---
What will be Ash's explanation for her sudden departure?
**ASH**
(smiling)
Relax, guys. I'm not a kid. I just went shopping. And guess what? I got some gifts for you all.
*Ash takes out a bag of gifts and distributes them to her friends. They all look at each other, a mix of surprise and relief on their faces.*
**ROBERT**
(teasing)
You had us worried there for a moment.
**ASH**
(laughing)
Sorry for the drama. I just needed some time alone.
*Ali, still looking concerned, tries to hide his feelings.*
**ALI**
(nodding)
Well, as long as you're okay.
*The tension eases, and they all start opening their gifts, bringing back a sense of normalcy.*
---
How will Ash's friends react to the gifts?
**ASH**
(smiling)
Yep, those pendants are friendship ones. Wear them daily, and I hope they'll remind you of our bond.
*Everyone happily puts on their pendants.*
**KALI**
(touching the pendant)
It's beautiful, Ash. Thank you.
*Ash distributes snacks, and they all settle down for a movie.*
**ZACK**
(enjoying snacks)
You know how to turn a stressful day into a good one.
**ROBERT**
(smiling)
Thanks for the gifts, Ash. You really know how to lift our spirits.
*Ali, still slightly uneasy, joins in the enjoyment, trying to focus on the positive atmosphere.*
---
How will this movie night affect the dynamics between Ash, Ali, and their friends?
**ALI**
(smiling)
How about we save the movie for another night? You seem tired after a busy day.
*The group agrees, and everyone heads to their rooms.*
**ASH**
(still texting)
Sure, Ali. Maybe tomorrow.
*Ali notices Ash texting and feels a sense of unease. He wonders who she's talking to.*
---
What's Ash up to, and how will this affect the dynamics between her and Ali?
[IN ALI'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING]
(ASH, ALI, KALI, ZACK, and ROBERT are all gathered in the kitchen, preparing breakfast together. They're laughing and chatting as they cook and clean.)
ASH: (chuckling) Ali, don't put too much salt in the eggs this time.
ALI: (grinning) I learned my lesson last time, don't worry. Zack, could you pass me the spatula?
ZACK: Sure thing.
(KALI and ROBERT are wiping down the counters and setting the table.)
KALI: It's nice to have everyone pitching in together like this.
ROBERT: Yeah, feels like a real family.
(They finish preparing breakfast, and the aroma fills the kitchen.)
ASH: (smiling) Breakfast looks amazing, guys. Thanks for all your help.
ALI: (proudly) Anything for you, sister.
(They all gather around the table, ready to enjoy their meal before heading off to university.)
**ASH**
(smiling)
Guys, why are you staring at me? Is there something special today?
**KALI**
(teasing)
Well, you just look extra radiant today.
**ASH**
(laughing)
Stop it, you're making me blush.
*Ash continues to take pictures and exchange texts, leaving Ali curious about the mysterious recipient.*
[IN UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL COURT - MORNING]
(The group of friends, including ASH, ALI, KALI, RYAN, ZACK, and ROBERT, are gathered at the basketball court. They're dividing into two teams for a friendly game.)
RYAN: Alright, let's split into teams. Kali, you're with me. Zack, Robert, and Ash, you guys are on our team.
ROBERT: (smirking) Looks like we've got the winning team right here.
ASH: (teasingly) Oh, we'll see about that.
(They start the game, with both teams playing enthusiastically. Ash and Robert share some banter as they play.)
ASH: (dribbling the ball) Ready to lose, Robert?
ROBERT: (defiantly) Not a chance, Ash. You're looking at the winning team right here.
(As the game progresses, both teams show off their skills, and the competition heats up.)
ALI: (defending) Come on, team, let's step up our defense!
KALI: (encouragingly) We've got this, guys! Keep pushing!
(The game continues, with both teams giving it their all until the final buzzer.)
[IN UNIVERSITY NURSING ROOM -
(After the basketball game, ASH is nursing a minor injury in the nursing room. ALI is there with her, tending to her wound as the doctor is absent.)
ALI: (gently cleaning the wound) It's not too bad, just a little scrape. You'll be fine.
ASH: (smiling faintly) Thanks, Ali. I appreciate it.
(ASH is visibly touched by ALI's care, and she gazes at him with gratitude.)
ALI: (noticing her stare) What's wrong? Does it hurt?
ASH: (shaking her head) No, it's not that. I'm just... grateful for your help. Thank you for taking care of me.
(ALI smiles warmly, his concern evident.)
ALI: (softly) Anytime, sis. I'll always be here for you.
(He continues to tend to her wound, ensuring she's comfortable and at ease. They share a moment of quiet companionship as ASH rests, comforted by ALI's presence.)
(After tending to ASH's wound, ALI stays by her side in the nursing room. ASH, feeling a bit guilty for causing concern, decides to let him rest and catch up on sleep.)
ASH: (softly) Ali, you can sleep if you want. I'll be fine here.
ALI: (hesitant) Are you sure? I don't want to leave you alone.
ASH: (smiling reassuringly) I'll be okay. You look tired; you should rest.
(ALI reluctantly agrees and settles down in a chair beside ASH's bed. He soon falls asleep, exhausted from the day's events.)
(After a while, their friends, sensing the need for privacy, quietly leave the nursing room, giving ASH and ALI some space to resolve their issues.)
KALI: (whispering to the others) Let's give them some time alone. They'll figure things out.
(The friends nod in agreement and quietly exit the hallway, leaving ASH and ALI undisturbed.)
(ASH watches over ALI as he sleeps, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knows they need to talk and resolve their issues, but for now, she's content to have him by her side, even if he's sleeping.)
(ASH, still feeling unwell but compelled by the text message, steps outside the university building. She notices the same luxurious car from yesterday waiting for her. Without informing ALI, she hesitantly approaches the car.)
ROBERT, who happens to be passing by, catches sight of ASH's departure and grows concerned. He recalls the events from yesterday and decides to follow her discreetly, wanting to ensure her safety.)
[EXT. HOSPITAL ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER]
(After a short drive, the car arrives at an expensive hospital. ASH steps out, looking apprehensive. She notices the guards and realizes it's not an ordinary visit.)
(ROBERT, staying hidden, observes ASH being escorted into the hospital by the guards. He notes the strict security measures and decides to wait outside, determined to find out what's happening without alarming anyone.)