[Scene: Basketball court inside the school. Brandon is repeatedly shooting but missing, getting more frustrated each time. Harold notices.]

Harold: its on the angle of 3

Brandon: What?

Harold: You're shooting from an angle of 6 instead of 3. I think if you shoot from this position, it will go in.

Brandon: Since when do you know the tactics of basketball?

Harold: Hannah taught me.

Brandon: Hannah taught you what?

Harold: Basketball.

Brandon: I guess Hannah even taught the ones that don't usually speak. I'm impressed.

[Brandon keeps shooting.]

Brandon: Anyways, don't you have to be somewhere, like... what do you call it... astrology or something?

Harold: Astronomy.

Brandon: Ah yes, it was on the tip of my tongue. Why can't I make this damn shot?

Harold: Why don't you let me try?

Brandon: Are you being serious right now?

Harold: Well, I can try at least.

Brandon: Harold Jr. Mansfield... telling me he wants to take a shot.

Harold: I don't see a problem with it. I'm actually really good at the origin of chemistry and diameters...

Brandon: Let's not get into details here. Let's see what you've got.

Harold: Sure.

[Brandon, talking to himself.] What in the world did you teach this nerd, Hannah? You have amazed me.

Harold: Okay, I'll go first...

Brandon: Wait, I'm going first.

Harold: I thought I was going first.

Brandon: Captain goes first.

[Brandon makes a shot.]

Harold: Nice shot.

Brandon: You think you got what it takes?

[Harold, talking to himself.] According to my calculations, it takes 4 seconds for a ball to get in at an angle of 3...

[Brandon rolls his eyes.]

Brandon: Any day now.

Harold: I can make the shot.

Brandon: Hey nerd, this is not chemistry. Are you gonna shoot or what?

[Harold makes the shot and it goes in.]

Harold: You thought I didn't have it, didn't you? Your turn.

Brandon: The nerd's got skills.

Harold: It's not skills. It's chemistry.

Brandon: Chemistry, my foot. Give me that, it's my turn to shoot.

[Brandon concentrates and makes the shot.]

Brandon: You got lucky the first time, but I'm sure you won't make it this time.

Harold: I can bet on it.

Brandon: I'll give you $20 if you make this shot. If you don't, then you give me $20.

Harold: Alright, it's a bet.

Brandon: I'm sure you won't make this one.

Harold: Just watch.

[Harold concentrates and talks to himself again.]

Harold: The net to the ground is at a distance of 8.5 feet. If my arms are at the right angle... I might make it.

[Harold raises his arms and makes the shot. He grabs the ball and goes back to Brandon with a smug look.]

Brandon: See, I told you, you wouldn't make it...

Harold: You owe me $20.

Brandon: You just got lucky on that one again. Here's your $20.

Brandon: Best of three?

Harold: Alright, let's do it.

[Instead of going one-on-one, they take turns shooting for about an hour until they both get tired.]

[Brandon sits down, tired and sweating, catching his breath along with Harold.]

Brandon: You're good at long-range shots. I'll give you that.

Harold: You're not bad yourself. If I hadn't made that wrong calculation, I would have won.

Brandon: There you go again with your dumb chemistry...

Harold: Well, I was an A student, after all.

Brandon: I'm sure you didn't just come up here to shoot hoops with me. Am I right.

Harold: You're right, I didn't come here just for that.

Brandon: Then why did you come here, anyway?

Harold: It's about you, Jake, and Sam.

Brandon: I don't want to talk about it.

Harold: I think you guys should make up and have a slow conversation.

Brandon: Make up and have a slow conversation? Are you kidding me? Why even mention Jake?

Harold: No, I'm not kidding.I really think you guys should be friends again. After all, you were best friends back in middle school.

Brandon: Back then, Jake owed me a lot.

Harold: Owns you? For what?

Brandon: Let's just say that idiot got into trouble a lot back then, and I was the one who covered his stupid schemes.

[Brandon drinks some water and has a flashback to the past.]

Gym Teacher: Alright, everyone, listen up. You'll be teaming up in groups of three. Each team needs to find their best players. Remember to choose your best defense, offense, and your captain.

[Whistle blows.]

[Everyone is making their teams. Brandon is left out until Jake comes up to him.]

Jake: Why don't you join us?

Brandon: Join you guys?

Jake: Sure. We could use another hand here.

Brandon: Alright, let's do it.

Coach: Alright, listen up. You will have 5 minutes to end the match. First team up, Jake, you and your team step forward, and Maximilian, you step forward too. Alright, take your positions. You'll begin at the sound of my whistle.

Maximilian: Ready to lose, punk? I see you have quite the team...

Jake: I have faith that my team will beat yours.

Maximilian: Well, good luck. You'll need it for sure.

[Whistle blows.]

[Maximilian and Jake jump to grab the basketball. Maximilian gets the first ball.]

Random Student 1:Over here. Pass me the ball.

Random Student 2:Max, here, pass it to me.

Maximilian: Hey Jake, do you know that old saying-

Jake: What old saying?

Max: If you take one step forward, you'll miss it, but if you take one step back, you'll make it.

[Maximilian shoots the ball and makes the shot.]

Max: I guess I didn't miss, did I, chucky?

[Flashback ends. Brandon reflects on the past.]

Brandon: Most of the time in the court, Jake was bullied a lot. Kind of feel bad rethinking about it.

Harold: So, what did you do then?

Brandon: I got into a fight that almost got me expelled. I always protected Jake wherever he got bullied... in the cafeteria, in the men's restroom, on the school field, even in front of the principal's office.

Harold: So, you defended Jake from being bullied? Who would've thought? I guess I underestimate you. Not only that, I think you're an incredible guy.

Brandon: No, I'm not. Jake's the smart one.

Harold: Of course, you are. If you were there for Jake whenever he was in trouble, it's obvious that he wants the old Brandon back to be friends again. As well as Sam.

Brandon: The old me? I think you're delusional.

Harold: Maybe you're right about that. After all, you can't change who you are overnight... I guess that makes two of us.

Brandon: The two of us? Why do you say that?

[Harold becomes silent.]

Brandon: Wait, is smarty pants having anxiety?

Harold: Well...

Brandon: I'm surprised. I always thought you had no emotions.

Harold: Well, I try not to... I mean, what I mean is... it's a little complicated to say.

Brandon: Complicated to say? Look at me, I became straightforward with you and told you how I felt.

Harold: Yes, I know.

Brandon: Okay, then what is it that's troubling you?

Harold: I mean... sighs

Brandon: Look, kid, I know I may seem a bit rough on people... kinda stubborn towards people, but hey...

[Brandon pauses.]
Brandon: You know what... I'm not really such a bad jerk.

[Harold laughs.]
Brandon: Am I right?

Harold: I mean, I always thought you were kinda cool.

Brandon: Oh yeah? Okay, then tell me what's troubling you. I promise I won't make fun of you.

Harold: Pinky promise?

Brandon: Pinky promise.

Harold: Okay... well, you see, there has been a lot of emotions going on, not only at school but in my household, and it's making me feel like... like...

Brandon: Like you want to explode?

Harold: Yeah, if you put it that way. It's a feeling inside of me... like... hold on, let me grab something here.

Brandon: What's that?

Harold: It's an inflamed balloon. Here, let me explain it to you. The more you put pressure on this balloon, the more it will grow and grow until it can't hold any more pressure inside, so it pops.

Brandon: I mean, wouldn't it be easier to use a needle?

Harold: You are pathetically correct. A needle would be much easier to make this balloon pop. But as you can see, I have this needle, and it doesn't want to pop.

Brandon: So, let me get this straight... you are this balloon, and the reason there's so much pressure inside and it's not popping, whether by applying more pressure or by using a needle, is because you're not allowing it to pop, right?

Harold: You are exactly right. But eventually, one day, it will pop...

Brandon: I see... it must be tough for you then.

Harold: Yes... I guess life isn't that easy anymore when you're trying to reach for something. Life doesn't normally go your way, but somehow it does give you some hope in the end.

Harold: I hope someday I'll reach the infinite stars and explore the entire solar system. How many planets are there? What life goes beyond this world? 'Can you imagine if we ever find some sort of life out there"

Brandon: I don't know anything about that. If that's your dream, then why don't you stick with astrology or become an astronaut or something?

Harold: It's astronomy. There is a difference.

Brandon: Okay, okay. So why not study astronomy if you are obsessed with these aliens or human life in outer space and beyond?

Harold: I would love to do that, but my Indian family is very strict with me.

Brandon: Oh yeah? How so?

Harold: In my family, we follow Hindu traditions through generations. Every first-born male in the household has to lead the Hindu tradition for their children and grandchildren. Not only do we have to uphold these generational traditions, but we also practice bindu as part of our Hindu rituals.

Brandon: Oh. I think I understand now.

Harold: Do you really?

Brandon: Actually, you lost me there. What is bindu exactly?

Harold: Bindu is a type of spiritual practice, like meditation and yoga. It's part of our chakra system. It's prevalent in Indian art and symbolism, like traditional designs such as rangoli for floor decoration. Mandalas frequently incorporate the concept of bindu tradition as their central point, symbolizing the universe and cosmos.

Brandon: That's a lot to take in.

Brandon: So if your Indian tradition, like you mentioned, bindu, is a Hindu ritual that symbolizes the universe and the cosmos, what's preventing you from pursuing your dream?

Harold: That's a good question. I haven't given it much thought recently. All I've been doing is studying and getting good grades. But when I look at the stars and the moon in the sky, I feel such peace, like something or someone is telling me, "Come up here and I'll show you the entire universe and all the stars around it. Come up here and I'll show you marvelous things."

Brandon: Wait... who told you that verse?

Harold: What do you mean?

Brandon: That verse... I mean, did anyone tell you those exact words, "Come up here and I'll show you marvelous things"?

Harold: Hannah did.

Brandon: Hannah? What did Hannah tell you?

Harold: She told me something that opened my eyes even more.

[Past - Flashback.]
Harold: I met Hannah for the first time when another classmate was bullying me in the hallway outside my locker room.

Bully: "HEY, look it's Apollo 11! Why don't you make history again and fly up to the moon?"

[Flashback Pauses.]
Harold: I was wearing an astronaut suit that day. I was frightened and breathing heavily from what they were saying to me. I felt defenseless and weak... until...

Brandon: Until what?

Harold: Until Hannah showed up to save me.
[Flashback Continues.]
Bully: Hey, what do you have there?

Harold: Give me that, please.

Bully: Oh look, is that a starlight sticker you've got there?

Harold: I said give it to me.

Bully: Why don't I just do this...

Harold: Nooo, please don't rip it.

Bully: And this...

Harold: Let me go...

Bully: And this...

Hannah: Hey! You guys, leave him alone.

Bully: Who in the world are you, little girl?

Hannah: My name is Hannah. I'm his classmate.

Bully: Ah, I see. You came here to save your boyfriend.

Harold: Just please go... you'll make this worse for me... I'm fine.

Bully: Ah, I see what's going on here. A Romeo and Juliet situation...

Hannah: Listen here, you... you...

Bully: You what?

Hannah: You meteor Goliath... let him go right now, or I will go and tell the principal.

Bully: What did she just call me?

Cannon: She called you Goliath.

Bully: And what's that supposed to mean?

Cannon: It's a Biblical name referring to a giant.

Bully: I see. Ha. Do as you want, but I haven't finished yet.

Hannah: Fine, if you won't let go, then...

Hannah: God says...

Bully: What does your God say? Come on, tell me.

Hannah: God says in Matthew 7 verse 12, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Bully: And what is that supposed to mean?

Hannah: It means that if you want to be treated with respect and kindness, you should also treat your classmates the same way you want to be treated.

Bully: Cannon, is it true what she's saying?

Cannon: Well, yes. She is correct. I did a history project on the person called the Son of God.

Bully: The Son of God... my foot... Here, you can have your book back. Come on, guys. Let's get out of here.

Cannon: Sorry about that. I hope you forgive him. He is not in his right mind.

Harold: I'll think about it.

Cannon: Okay, see you guys after class.

Hannah: Are you okay?

Harold: I'm okay. Don't worry about me.

Hannah: How can I not worry? It's not right for you to get bullied like that. If someone bullies you again, just run and tell the teacher.

Harold: I surely will.

Hannah: I'm Hannah, by the way. What's your name?

Harold: My name is Harold.

Hannah: Nice to meet you.

Harold: Nice to meet you too.

[Flashback Pauses.]
Brandon: So some random guys came up to harass you? That probably must have sucked.

Harold: I mean, I'm sure they had their reasons.

Brandon: You know what I would have done to them?

Harold: What?

Brandon: I would show them these babies right here. referring to his muscles

[They both laugh.]

Brandon: What happened later after you met Hannah?

Harold: Well, right after she saved me from being bullied by those guys, I asked her to come see the meteor shower that was happening that same exact day.

Brandon: Meteor shower?

Harold: Have you ever seen one?

Brandon: No, I haven't.

Harold: I will never forget that night when it happened...

[Flashback Continues.]

Hannah: Okay... take care now. I hope we meet again.

Harold: Wait, Hannah...

Hannah: Yes, Harold?

Harold: Umm...

Hannah: Is there something you want to tell me?

Harold: Do you want to see the meteor shower with me?

Hannah: Meteor shower? Oh yes, that's tonight.

Harold: Yes... it's going to be amazing.

Harold: I mean, I'm not sure if you're busy or anything.

Hannah: Um, no, I'm not usually busy at night. Sure, I'll go with you. I think it'll be fun.

Harold: Okay, meet me after school at 11 PM on the rooftop.

Hannah: Wait... you mean the school roof?

Harold: Yes. I gotta go... see you there.

Hannah: Hey, wait... okay... I'll meet you there.

Teacher: Okay class, make sure to finish your 1,000-word essay by tomorrow. I don't want to hear any excuses that you forgot. That's why I'm telling you now. Okay?

Teacher: Have a good night, everyone.

[Later that night]

Hannah: I don't think this is a good idea... Harold, where are you? I'm here outside the school... hey, are you in there?

Harold: Boo!

Hannah: Hey, that wasn't funny.

Harold: So, are you ready?

Hannah: Yeah, but how are we supposed to get in?

Harold: Dig, dig, dig...

Hannah: We will get in so much trouble for this.

Harold: Wow, just look at the view... well, come on, don't just stand there.

Hannah: Are you sure we're supposed to be up here?

Harold: I checked the whole building before you got here. I'm sure there's no one here besides us.

Hannah: Alright, if you say so.

Harold: I brought a telescope.

Harold: According to my calculations, we might see the meteors if the radiant point is above the horizon, which can be influenced by moonlight and light pollution. Now, if I just turn the telescope towards the north, we might see them crossing the sky.

Hannah: Then let's wait for them.

Harold: Can I ask you a question?

Hannah: Yes, sure.

Harold: Do you have dreams or goals by any chance?

Hannah: Umm, yes, I do have one in specific.

Harold: Oh yeah? Can I know what it is?

Hannah: You know how the stars in the sky twinkle and give out their light to the dark?

Harold: Yeah.

Hannah: Well, I want to be a star that twinkles and shines in the dark.

Harold: I don't understand this metaphor.

Hannah: I mean, I want to be a light in the world, helping others find their way, just like the stars and moon guide us in the night when we're lost.

Hannah: When my father died from cancer, he said to me that the world is a very dark place. He wasn't talking about the night sky, but about humans specifically. My father taught me to be kind and treat others with respect, even if they didn't treat me well. To be helpful and bring purity into this world of darkness. Like the stars that shine and deliver their light unto the earth, that's exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Harold: I'm sorry about your father.

Hannah: It's okay. My father died in peace, and the only thing he left me was this book.

Harold: What's that?

Hannah: It's my father's Bible.

Harold: Look... could it be?

Hannah: Harold, what is it?

Harold: It is... Hannah, there it is... come see.

Hannah: You're right, wow... there it is...

[They both shared the telescope, trying to see the meteor shower crossing the night sky. Their faces were full of smiles and laughter.]

[As the night went by, they both lay down for a bit and had one last conversation.]

Harold: Do you think we are alone in this world? We are just tiny people living in such a big universe.

Hannah: Well, when you put it that way... wouldn't there be more space for more?

Harold: Haha, you're probably right... I think so too. When I grow up, I want to be an astronomer and study the realm of the universe.

[Harold's eyes caught something peculiar on one of Hannah's wrists.]

Harold: Hey, what's that on your wrist?

Hannah: Oh, this...

Harold: Yes, it looks like some sort of star.

Hannah: Oh. I was born with this when I came into the world. My parents always told me that I was their little twinkling star... that's what they nicknamed me.

[They both started to laugh.]

Hannah: But to be honest with you... a star has to die somehow or another.

Harold: Supernova, am I right?

Hannah: Yes, just like that.

[They both lay there and watched the rest of the meteor shower go by.]

[Flashback Ends.]
Brandon: She was telling you, wasn't she?

Harold: About what?

Brandon: That she was dying.

[Harold looked anxious and avoided making eye contact with Brandon.]

Harold: I thought she was just speaking hyperbolically.

[Harold and Brandon sat down in silence as the song started playing again.]

Song: "He lives in my heart. I'll put my faith only in Him. Cause He delivered me from all the things that came my way. But I was selfish to know ... of how much he cared and loved me so....so I got on my knees to pray (2x)"...

Harold: Why don't you talk to Sam? I think you guys should make up.

Brandon: I don't know. I'm still upset about this whole scenario.

Harold: I understand, but still. You know what's important right now.

Brandon: Hannah.

Harold: Yes.

Brandon: Okay, I'll talk to Sam.

Harold: Pinky promise.

Brandon: Pinky promise.

[The song continues playing throughout Sam and Brandon's scene.]