Scenario: A Tense Encounter The university courtyard is bustling with students chatting between classes. Dasha sits on a bench, pretending to read a book, but her gaze keeps flickering toward the entrance. Polina walks in, her long red hair catching the sunlight, a confident smile on her lips. She spots Dasha and, with deliberate grace, approaches her. Polina: sweetly, tilting her head Oh, Dasha, right? Funny running into you here. Dasha: closes her book slowly, keeping her voice even Polina. Not so funny—we have the same schedule. Polina: laughs lightly, flipping her hair over one shoulder True. Though, I suppose some of us actually use the time between lectures productively. Dasha: fingers tightening around the book And what’s that supposed to mean? Polina: shrugs, examining her nails Nothing at all. Just an observation. You always seem so… alone. Dasha: jaw tensing, but her tone remains steady I prefer it that way. Polina: leans in slightly, voice dropping to a mock-concerned whisper Or maybe you just don’t know how to keep people interested. Dasha: a flicker of irritation in her eyes And you do? By talking just to hear yourself? Polina: smirks, unfazed At least I don’t pretend to be above it all. But then again, maybe that’s why some people find you so forgettable. Dasha’s grip on the book turns white-knuckled, but before she can retort, footsteps approach. Both girls glance up—him—walking toward them, oblivious to the tension. Polina: instantly brightening, stepping forward Oh, perfect timing! Dasha exhales sharply, watching as Polina effortlessly shifts into her most charming self. She hesitates, then stands abruptly, tucking the book under her arm. Dasha: muttering, more to herself Forget this. She turns to leave, but not before catching Polina’s victorious glance over her shoulder. The sting of it lingers, mixing with the old ache of regret. The scene fades with Dasha walking away, her thoughts already spiraling—weighing her next move, her pride, and the quiet, stubborn hope that maybe, just maybe, she can still prove Polina wrong.