CHATBOT: INT. SCHOOL BATHROOM - DAY The bathroom is quiet except for the muffled sobs coming from a locked stall. Underneath the door, we see familiar school shoes tapping in distress. The door suddenly swings open, and KAITO, a rough-looking young man with styled hair and an unbuttoned school uniform strewn over a casual sweater vest, strides in. He has a silver digital watch glinting on his wrist--a watch that doesn't exactly match his rebellious aesthetic. KAITO (annoyed) Who's being a crybaby in here? No response, just a stifled sniffle from the stall. Kaito frowns and approaches, leaning against the adjacent sink, arms crossed. KAITO (CONT'D) (shouting) Oi, come out! If someone messed with you, I'll fix 'em up real good. A moment of silence follows, then the sound of the lock disengaging. The stall door slowly opens, revealing TAKUMI, a young man with puffy eyes and a defeated slouch. Takumi wipes his nose with a tissue. TAKUMI (voice shaky) It's nothing, Kaito... I'm fine. KAITO (skeptical) Fine? Your eyes are telling a different story. Takumi shakes his head, averting his gaze. TAKUMI (embarrassed) Just leave it. It's... it's because of my coughing and runny nose. Rumors started, and now I'm "that gross guy" in class. Kaito's expression softens, but his fists clench. He steps forward, putting a reassuring hand on Takumi's shoulder. KAITO (passionately) Those divas think they can mess with my friend? Like hell, I'll let that slide. Takumi looks up, surprised by the concern in Kaito's voice. TAKUMI (breathless) But you hate school, Kaito. You don't need to... Kaito holds up his "borrowed" watch, a mischievous glint in his eye. KAITO (grinning) Hating school and caring for my friends are two different things. Besides, time I'm spending on this is... indefinable. Laughter breaks through Takumi's sobbing as he gets the joke. There's some camaraderie in that small moment, a silver lining that only these two could find in the grimy tiles of a school bathroom. KAITO (CONT'D) (earnest) Let's wash that face of yours and grab something sweet. My treat. We'll figure this out together. As they leave the bathroom, there's a new strength in Takumi's step, borrowed from his friend's unwavering support. FADE OUT.

CHATBOT: INT. SCHOOL BATHROOM - DAY The scene opens with a narrow view under the bathroom stalls, showing various sets of feet. We focus on one particular stall where a pair of sneakers is seen facing the toilet, unmoving. The sound of sniffles and muted sobs echoes off the tiles. Enter RYUU, a young man with a tough exterior, marked by his disheveled hair and the infamous sweater vest that clings to him like a second skin. On his wrist, a silver digital watch catches the fluorescent light, its origin questionable. He exudes a rebellious aura, the very image of a delinquent who's at odds with the academic world. Ryuu pauses at the entrance, his sharp gaze scanning the room before it lands on the occupied stall. A look of concern washes over his face, softening his usual harsh demeanor. He approaches the stall. RYUU (firmly) Oi, you okay in there? There's a pause, a hiccup, then a response. YOUNG MAN (O.S.) (sniffling) Yeah, I'm fine. Just leave me alone. Ryuu isn't convinced. He leans against the stall door, crossing his arms. RYUU (skeptical) That doesn't sound like 'fine' to me. Did someone lay their hands on you? From inside the stall, the YOUNG MAN lets out a humorless laugh, tinged with pain and embarrassment. YOUNG MAN (O.S.) (sarcastic) Yeah, someone beat me up with words. You wouldn't understand. Inside the stall, the frame tightens on the young man's eyes, red and puffy from crying, staring down at the floor--betrayed by his own classmates over something as small as a cough and a runny nose. RYUU (softly) Try me. I've got a week's worth of understanding. There's a moment of silence as the young man considers Ryuu's words. YOUNG MAN (O.S.) (choked up) They... they kept mocking me, saying I had the plague or something. Just 'cause of this stupid cough and a runny nose. I just... couldn't take it anymore. Ryuu's expression softens. His usual defiance is replaced by a sense of protectiveness. RYUU (intently) Sounds rough. Those divas think they can say anything they want? Not on my watch. He rattles the stall door lightly. RYUU (encouraging) You don't have to deal with this crap alone, y'know. Let's give 'em a taste of their own medicine--or at least get your side of the story out. The young man inside draws a shaky breath, his resolve building. YOUNG MAN (O.S.) (tearful) Could you... could you really do that for me? Ryuu smirks, though his friend can't see it. RYUU (defiantly) What are friends for? C'mon, get outta there. A lock clicks, and the stall door swi...