CUT TO:
They arrive at prom.
INT/EXT. PROM
Bart gets out and talks to Alfred
BARTHOLOMEW
Here’s a 20, guard the precious cargo in the back with your life.
ALFRED (TIM)
Very well.
The group heads into prom.
A tall figure knocks on the window of the limo.
Alfred rolls down the window.
CHASE
Tim? Is it? How much to borrow that precious cargo in the backseat? They’re my buddies and I’m wanting to play a little harmless prank on them.
Alfred Grins.
ALFRED (TIM)
Take it, the kid doesn’t even know my name.
CUT TO:
INT. PROM – NIGHT
Cali and Kyler walk in with the group as “Ritual” by Marshmello plays.
Fin watches her from the DJ booth. His emotions tighten in his chest as she smiles beside Kyler.
The song builds. The prom is electric—everyone on a high.
Fin is at his lowest.
He storms out.
Kyler catches it.
KYLER
(to Cali)
I’ll be right back, Cal.
CUT TO:
INT. DJ BOOTH – SAME TIME
Bart and Zeke crouch behind the DJ booth.
ZEKE
Are you sure you want to do this?
BARTHOLOMEW
Yes, I’m sure. Emily is the type of girl who appreciates a grand gesture.
ZEKE
Okay, Bart… if you say so. I added it to the queue. As soon as this song ends, run up and grab the mic.
CUT TO:
EXT. PROM – NIGHT
Kyler finds Fin outside, standing alone, staring at the pavement.
FIN
(to himself)
I can’t keep lying to myself. To him.
KYLER
Fin. What’s up? I saw you run out.
Fin meets Kyler’s eyes. His voice is quiet but steady.
FIN
Kye… Cali was my mystery girl.
KYLER
What are you talking about? No, she wasn’t.
FIN
Yeah. She was.
A beat. Kyler’s breathing tightens.
KYLER
She’s my girlfriend, Fin. Why didn’t you tell me?
Kyler runs a hand through his hair, frustration building.
FIN
You called dibs. The code says—
KYLER
Fuck the Code, Fin!
A silence. The weight of the words sink in.
KYLER (CONT’D)
Why would you let me do that? You had her first. God, why am I so stupid? I should’ve known.
He exhales, shaking his head.
KYLER (CONT’D)
I see the way she looks at you. She doesn’t look at me like that.
Fin’s eyes well with tears.
FIN
I’m… I’m sorry. But I don’t want this to stop you from being happy, Kye.
A pause.
FIN (CONT’D)
I need you to be happy. I’ll be okay.
Kyler looks away, emotions clashing inside him.
KYLER
Does she know? Does she know it was you at the party?
FIN
I don’t know. I’ve been avoiding the topic.
KYLER
Damn it, Fin.
A heavy silence between them.
CUT TO:
INT. PROM – STAGE
Bart grabs the mic, looking directly at Emily.
BARTHOLOMEW
This one goes out to a special girl. Emily… this is for you.
EMILY
(eyes widening)
Oh, shit.
“Wonderwall” begins to play.
Bart begins to sing.
CUT TO:
EXT. PROM – STEPS
Kyler and Fin sit side by side in silence.
Wonderwall can be heard quietly in the background.
FIN
I want you to be happy, Kye.
KYLER
And you think I don’t want the same for you, Fin?!
FIN
That’s not what I meant.
KYLER
She likes you, Fin. I always thought she was just being friendly, but it’s more than that.
He exhales sharply.
KYLER (CONT’D)
She loves the flowers you pick for her. She gets you the heartfelt gift.
A sad, knowing smile.
KYLER (CONT’D)
She wants you, Fin. Not me.
FIN
Well… what do you want?
Kyler stares ahead, his voice quiet.
KYLER
I love her, Fin. But, it’s more like how I love you.
A pause.
KYLER (CONT’D)
She’s been there for me at my lows, but I don’t think I love her like you love her. You knew from the moment you met her that she was the one for you.
A sad chuckle.
KYLER (CONT’D)
I never felt that.
Silence.
CUT TO:
Bart continues to sing badly.
BARTHOLOMEW
“Because maybe! You’re gonna be the one that saves me! And after all You’re my wonderwall!”
Sarah walks up to Emily, huge bald spot still present.
SARAH
(Laughs)
How embarrassing is this Em?
EMILY
I actually think it’s kinda sweet.
CUT TO:
EXT. PROM – STEPS
Fin and Kyler sit outside the dance floor, away from the flashing lights and pulsing music. The energy of the room feels distant, like it belongs to a different world, one they’re no longer part of.
FIN
We have a system Kye! You called dibs and I respected it, that’s what you’re supposed to do!
KYLER
Maybe it’s a dumb system Fin.
FIN
You don’t mean that.
KYLER
No system is perfect Fin. The bro code is awesome, but it isn’t everything.
FIN
Maybe not to you!
Fin lets out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair.
FIN (CONT’D)
(Louder now)
No. No, screw that. We don’t get to change the rules because it benefits us. That’s not how this works.
Fin pulls out the bro code book and flips to a page.
FIN (CONT’D)
See Kye! “Dibs is Final.”
Kyler looks at him for a long moment. Then grabs the book from Fin rips out the page and crumbles it up.
KYLER
This is how it works now.
Fin stares at the torn page. His fingers twitch, like he wants to piece it back together, but it’s already done.
Kyler shakes his head, voice softer now.
KYLER (CONT’D)
It was never about a rule man. It was about protecting this, protecting us. That’s what I’m doing.
Silence.
FIN
So, what do we do now?
Silence. They sit on the steps unsure of what to do next.
KYLER
She wasn’t the one for me Fin. I’m going to let her down easy, you have my blessing, I want you to be happy.
Fin looks at Kyler in shock. He couldn’t have dreamed of this happening.
KYLER (CONT’D)
Plus, now I’m available if your mom makes a move.
FIN
Ha, well good luck.
Kyler looks at Fin shocked and laughs happily
KYLER
Was that consent?
FIN
(laughs)
Close enough.
A beat.
KYLER
(Laughs)
A game of rock paper scissors to see who gets the girl?
FIN
(Laughs)
Sure.
They play rock paper scissors.
Fin wins.
FIN (CONT’D)
Whoa, so that’s what it feels like.
KYLER
Man… and all this time I thought fate was bullshit.
Smiles and looks at Fin.
KYLER (CONT’D)
Maybe I was wrong.