[Scene: Jeremy's Room – Two Weeks Before Exams]
Jeremy sits at his desk, surrounded by textbooks, notes, and the occasional empty coffee cup. The air is heavy with the stress of second-semester exams looming closer. His phone buzzes with messages from Jace and Amara, but Jeremy barely glances at it, his mind focused on the equations in front of him.
Jeremy (thinking): Why does math have to be this hard?
He scribbles down an answer, erases it, and tries again. His mom, Elena, peeks into the room with a sympathetic smile, placing a glass of juice next to him.
Elena: "Don't forget to take breaks, Jeremy. You'll burn out if you keep going like this."
Jeremy nods, though he doesn't look up from his notebook.
[Scene: School Library – Study Group]
Jeremy reluctantly joins a study group led by Amara. The library is eerily quiet, and the group occupies a corner table strewn with flashcards and practice worksheets.
Amara: [encouragingly] "Okay, Jeremy, focus! Let's tackle math first. Jace, stop doodling and help him."
Jace: [grinning] "I'm creating art, thank you very much. But fine, I'll be a genius tutor."
Despite Jace's exaggerated confidence, he actually helps Jeremy figure out a tricky problem, earning a small nod of approval from Amara.
Jeremy: [muttering] "Thanks. That… kind of makes sense now."
Leo: [looking up from his own notes] "You know, we're all suffering equally. Group misery makes this less terrible."
The group chuckles, and Jeremy feels a little less alone in his struggle.
[Scene: Jeremy's Room – Night Before Exams]
Jeremy is once again buried in his notes, but this time he's calmer, more organized. His desk is neatly arranged, and he's reviewing flashcards one last time. His dad, Allen, steps in, holding two mugs of hot chocolate.
Allen: "Thought you could use a little motivation. How's it going?"
Jeremy shrugs, taking the mug gratefully.
Jeremy: "Better, I guess. Still nervous, though."
Allen: "You'll do fine. Just remember—you've put in the work. That's what counts."
Jeremy smiles faintly, appreciating the reassurance.
[Scene: Exam Day – Jeremy's Homeroom]
The day has arrived, and Jeremy sits in his seat, fidgeting with his pen. The room buzzes with nervous chatter, and Jace leans over from the next row.
Jace: [whispering] "Relax, Jeremy. You've got this. We're all doomed anyway, so you're in good company."
Jeremy shakes his head, laughing softly despite his nerves.
[Scene: Jeremy's Room – Post-Exams]
The exams are finally over, and Jeremy collapses onto his bed with a sigh of relief. His phone buzzes with messages from Jace, Amara, and Leo, all inviting him out to celebrate.
Jeremy (thinking): I'm too tired… but maybe I should go.