Swipe Right for Love

Off to School

INT. ALEX'S BATHROOM - MORNING

Alex is taking a quick shower, enjoying the warm water cascading over his body. He washes his hair and body, then steps out of the shower and wraps a towel around his waist. He checks his phone, hoping to see a message from Max, but there's nothing new.

MOM: (off-screen) Alex, breakfast is ready!

Alex's mom, Pinky, calls out from the kitchen. Alex quickly gets dressed in his school uniform and checks his phone one more time, but still no message from Max. He decides to send a message anyway, typing in a good morning greeting in gaming language.

ALEX: (typing) Good morning! Ready to level up today?

Alex exits his room and heads to the kitchen, where his mom has prepared a plate of eggs and toast.

MAMA: (smiling) Good morning, anak. How was your sleep?

ALEX: (smiling back) Good morning, Mama. It was good. I'm just a bit tired from studying too late last night.

MAMA: (pouring coffee) Alex, I saw your report card last week. Your grades in math and science are slipping. Are you studying enough?

ALEX: (sighing) Yeah, I'm trying my best, Mama. Math has never been my strong suit.

MAMA: (concerned) You need to focus on your studies if you want to get into a good college. And please, no more staying up late playing those video games. They're not going to help you in the long run.

ALEX: (defeated) I know, Mama. I'll try to study more.

MAMA: (smiling) Good. And what about girls? Have you been seeing anyone?

ALEX: (blushing) No, Mama. I'm not really interested in that right now.

MAMA: (nodding approvingly) Good. Focus on your studies and your future. You don't want to end up like me, a single mother struggling to make ends meet.

ALEX: (sighing) I know, Mama. But it's not just about getting good grades and going to college. I have other interests too, like gaming and anime.

MAMA: (shaking her head) Those are just hobbies, Alex. You need to focus on your future.

ALEX: (frustrated) But Mama, my hobbies are important to me too. They make me happy and help me relax.

MAMA: (sighing) I understand that, anak. But you need to prioritize your studies and your future first. Promise me you'll try harder.

ALEX: (nodding) I promise, Mama. I'll do my best.

Alex finishes his breakfast, feeling a mix of frustration and guilt. He loves his mom, but sometimes he wishes she would understand him better. He knows he needs to do better in school, but he also wants to pursue his passions and interests.


EXT. SCHOOL. DAY

Alex bikes to school, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. When he arrives, he spots his best friend Mia waiting for him.

MIA: (grinning) Hey, Alex! Ready for another exciting day of high school?

ALEX: (smiling back) You know it, Mia. What's on the agenda today?

MIA: (rolling her eyes playfully) Same old, same old. Math, science, and more math. But at least we have lunch together!

Alex and Mia chat as they walk towards their first class, Mia noticing Alex's frustration. 

MIA: Tough talk with your mom again, huh?

ALEX: (sighing) Yeah. She just doesn't understand me sometimes. She's always pushing me to focus on my studies and stay away from distractions.

MIA: (nodding sympathetically) I get it. But you know what they say, all work and no play makes Alex a dull boy.

ALEX: (smiling) Thanks, Mia. It's just hard sometimes. I feel like I'm stuck between what I want to do and what my mom wants me to do.

MIA: (placing a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder) You don't have to choose one or the other, Alex. You can find a balance. Focus on your studies when you need to, but don't forget to make time for yourself too.

ALEX: (nodding) You're right. Thanks, Mia. You always know how to cheer me up.

MIA: (grinning) That's what best friends are for! So, what are you planning to do after high school?

ALEX: (smiling) Well, I was thinking about pursuing a career in the gaming industry. I want to become a pro player and compete in tournaments.

MIA: (impressed) Wow, that's ambitious! But it's definitely possible. I heard there's a big market for esports these days.

ALEX: (nodding) Yeah, exactly. It's not just a hobby anymore. It's a legitimate career option. And who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to make a living doing what I love.

MIA: (smiling) I have no doubt that you will, Alex. You're one of the best gamers I know.

Alex and Mia head to their first class, feeling better after their conversation. Alex still has worries about his future, but he also feels more confident in pursuing his passions and interests and is hopeful about his potential career in gaming.