SCENE:THE PLAYGROUND 

The next day, Ben, feeling a sense of responsibility towards his younger brother, practically dragged Ethan along to play football with the other village boys. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about making sure Ethan learned to appreciate the world beyond his usual comforts.

“I don’t see why I have to do this, Ben,” Ethan muttered, pulling his shirt collar in distaste as they approached the ragged field where the boys were already gathering. “I don’t even know why I’d want to play with them. Look at this place—sand, dirt, no proper field.”

Ben didn’t hesitate. “You need to start seeing beyond your own bubble. These boys aren’t any different from you, Ethan. You’ve got to learn to appreciate things like this.”

Ethan scoffed but didn’t fight it. He had learned by now that resisting Ben’s forceful ways was pointless. Though he still hated the idea, he reluctantly followed him, half-heartedly kicking at the dirt.

The other boys greeted them, some of them nodding politely, while others gave curious glances at Ethan, unsure of how to approach the wealthy outsider. Ethan, clearly unimpressed, barely returned their greetings and instead stood with his arms crossed, eyes scanning the dusty field with distaste.

"I can't believe this is how you guys play," Ethan said without thinking. His tone was condescending, as if the boys should be embarrassed about their modest playground.

One of the boys, a lanky teenager with messy hair, raised an eyebrow. "Well, it's what we’ve got. We make the most of it."

But Ethan didn't care to listen. He turned to Ben with a sneer. “I’m not playing. This is ridiculous.”

Ben didn’t respond but simply gestured for him to at least sit down and watch. Ethan sat down on the edge of the field, far from the action, as the boys kicked the ball around with joy. They didn’t mind the sand, the dirt, or the lack of proper equipment. They were just happy to play.

But Ethan couldn’t shake the feeling that he was above it all. He kept making snide remarks, his voice laced with sarcasm, commenting on how primitive the game seemed and how the boys should aspire for something better. It wasn’t long before the boys began exchanging uncomfortable glances, clearly starting to feel the tension in the air.

 The game continued, but Ethan’s presence was more like a shadow than an active part of it. He was an outsider in more ways than just location.

He watched them from the sidelines, a sneer still on his face, unable to understand the value of what they were doing. But what he didn’t realize was that, as the boys ran around in the dirt, they weren’t just playing football—they were building something far greater than any fancy field could offer. And Ethan? He was missing it all.

As the boys continued their game, the sound of laughter and the rhythmic thuds of the ball on the ground filled the air. But amidst the lively scene, Ethan's attention was drawn to something else. The path leading past the field was worn and dusty, a familiar route for the village girls who went to fetch water.

He noticed Lily first—her long hair swaying gently as she walked with her friends. She was chatting with them, her smile radiant, but there was something about her that made Ethan pause. He watched her with a curiosity he hadn’t felt before, feeling a strange pull in his chest. She was so different from the girls in his world—her simplicity, her warmth. She didn’t care about the wealth or the status that Ethan was so used to. And for some reason, that made her even more captivating to him.

As Lily passed the field with her friends, the boys, including Peter, took notice. Peter, in particular, seemed to freeze, his eyes fixed on her with a kind of quiet reverence. For a moment, he stopped playing and walked over to greet her, offering a shy, yet warm smile. Ethan, still sitting on the sidelines, could sense the way Peter’s movements had slowed, how his heart seemed to beat a little faster when he approached Lily. It was clear to Ethan that Peter had feelings for her, feelings that he hadn’t expressed.

Ethan’s chest tightened as he watched the exchange. His mind couldn’t process what he was feeling—an unfamiliar mix of jealousy and curiosity. The way Peter spoke to Lily, the way she responded with that soft smile of hers, made Ethan realize something he hadn’t expected: he was looking at Lily in a completely different way.

For the first time, he saw her not as a village girl, but as someone special. He was surprised at the fluttering in his stomach, an unfamiliar feeling that made him want to know more about her, about the world she lived in. But even more surprising was how her presence seemed to make the whole game fade into the background. Ethan wasn’t watching the football anymore; he was watching Lily, her carefree energy and the way she walked so effortlessly.

There was a nagging feeling, a voice in the back of his mind, that told him he should approach her, that he should try to get to know her. But he stayed seated, unsure of what to say, afraid of how his presence would be received.

As she passed by, Lily waved casually to Peter, continuing on her way with her friends. Peter watched her go, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he returned to the game, but his gaze lingered long after she was out of sight.

Ethan’s heart thudded in his chest, and for the first time, he felt a strange, unspoken connection to the village and the people in it. But most of all, he felt an intense desire to understand Lily, to be a part of her world.

Ethan couldn’t stop thinking about Lily’s smile while he watched the game. He tried to focus, but her image kept interrupting his thoughts. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was the way her smile had made him feel, and it made it impossible to concentrate.

SCENE:THE SECOND ARGUMENT 

As the game went on, he glanced around, his mind still consumed by her. Then, just as he was about to push the thoughts aside, he saw the girls passing by again, returning home. His heart skipped a beat. This time, he couldn’t let the moment slip away. He stood up and, without thinking, called out, "Hey, you!"

The girls turned to look at him, and Ethan’s gaze immediately locked on Lily. Her friends were all giggling and whispering to each other, clearly admiring his handsome appearance. But Lily... Lily didn’t react the way he expected. She just stood still, not showing the same interest.

Ethan stepped closer, gathering his courage. “I want to talk to you,” he said softly, looking directly at her.

Lily hesitated, her expression unreadable, and then she quietly shook her head. “I don’t think you do,” she said, her voice low.

Before Ethan could say anything else, her friends, still standing off to the side, pushed her toward him. They stood back, watching with curiosity, leaving the two of them alone.

Lily’s gaze softened for a brief moment, but her words were firm. 

“I don’t think you do,” Lily replied quietly, her voice calm but firm. She turned to walk away, but Ethan stood frozen, the sting of her words making his chest tighten. No girl had ever talked to him that way. In his world, his looks, his wealth, they had always earned him respect and admiration—never rejection. He felt a fire ignite inside him, a burning anger that he couldn't suppress.

“Who do you think you are?” Ethan snapped, raising his voice, the words coming out sharper than he intended. “Talking to me like that? Do you even know who I am?”

Lily stopped in her tracks, her body tense as she turned to face him. Her expression was unwavering, but there was something different in her eyes now. “I don’t care who you are. You’ve disrespected my mother enough, and I hate what you stand for,” she shot back, her voice filled with conviction. “Now, stay away from me.”

Ethan’s anger flared, and before he could think, he stepped toward her and grabbed her arm. “You don’t get to talk to me like that!” he hissed, his grip tightening.

Lily winced, the pain from his grasp shooting through her wrist, bringing back the same hurt she had felt before. “Let go of me!” she pleaded, but Ethan’s anger clouded his judgment. He pulled her closer, ignoring her cries, his focus now on her face. She was so close, the soft scent of her hair filling his senses.

Lily struggled, trying to pull away, but his grip was unrelenting. “You’re hurting me,” she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek. Her voice cracked with pain. “Please, let go.”

Ethan’s gaze softened for a split second as he looked at her tear-streaked face. But the anger still burned in him, and his grip didn’t loosen.

At that moment, the boys from the game noticed what was happening. Peter, seeing the scene unfold, rushed toward them. “Ethan, let her go!” Peter shouted, pushing Ethan with all his strength.

For a moment, Ethan hesitated, the force of Peter’s push snapping him out of his fury. He released Lily’s wrist, but the damage had been done. Lily stepped back, clutching her wrist as she wiped her eyes. Ethan stood there, chest heaving, the tension between them thick in the air.

Peter stood between them now, glaring at Ethan. Ethan, still furious, couldn’t fully understand what had just happened—how a girl like Lily had made him feel this way, had caused him to lose control. But something in her eyes lingered, a fire he hadn’t expected to see.

Peter’s voice was firm but protective as he turned to Lily. “You need to leave, Lily. Go home. I’ll take care of this.”

Lily nodded, her heart still racing, but she didn’t hesitate to turn and walk away. Her wrist throbbed, but she ignored it, focusing on putting as much distance as she could between herself and Ethan.

Peter then stepped up to Ethan, his eyes narrowed. “You ever touch her again, and I’ll make sure you regret it,” he warned, his voice low but full of authority.

Ethan's anger flared once more. “Don’t you dare lay your filthy hands on me,” he spat, pushing Peter hard enough to make him stumble back. The force of the shove sent ripples of shock through Peter’s body, but he stood his ground, not backing down.

The two locked eyes, tension crackling between them. Just as they were about to throw themselves into a physical fight, a voice interrupted the moment.

“Ethan!” Ben’s voice was sharp, and he quickly moved between the two, holding his younger brother back. “Enough,” Ben said, grabbing Ethan by the arm and pulling him away.

“Let go of me!” Ethan shouted, his voice laced with frustration and anger.

But Ben was unyielding. “You need to calm down. This isn’t the way.”

“Calm down? You want me to calm down after what just happened?” Ethan’s words were seething with resentment as he tried to shake Ben off, but Ben kept a firm grip on him.

On the walk back, Ben continued to lecture him. “You’re embarrassing yourself, Ethan. Acting like that won’t get you what you want. You’ve made a fool of yourself.”

Ethan didn’t care. He was consumed by the fury, his mind racing with how to make Peter pay for what had just transpired. “I don’t need your advice, Ben. If I ever see that guy again, I’ll make him regret ever crossing me.”

Ben sighed, shaking his head. “One day, you’re going to push everyone away, and then you’ll see how lonely it really is.”