Glow Beneath The Ruins

Episode 10 – The Silence of Collapse

[Scene 1 – Elyar's Room – Night – Direct Continuation from Last Episode]

The room is dimly lit.Elyar sits on his bed, phone in hand. The screen displays the name "REI."He hesitates, then types a message:

"If you knew who I really am… would you forgive me?"

He stops… deletes it.

Types again:"Stay away from me."

Before he can send it — the phone vibrates.

Incoming call: "THE LEADER"

He freezes. Answers.

The Leader (cold voice through the phone):"Time is running out, Elyar... Just three days left. And don't forget, I made you a promise… If you fail, she pays the price."

Silence… then the call ends.

Narration:"When threats become routine… fear begins to take another shape: helplessness."

[Scene 2 – Next Morning – Rei's House – Kitchen]

Rei wears a simple apron, helping her grandmother set the table.The scent of food fills the room.The grandmother, a kind-faced woman in her sixties, smiles gently.

Grandmother (gently):"Would you like to come to the restaurant with me today? The customers miss you."

Rei (chuckles softly):"And I miss them... but I have classes today. I'll come right after, I promise."

Grandmother (looking at her):"You've grown up, Rei… Just like your father when he was your age."

[A moment of silence – Rei lowers her gaze.]

Rei:"Did he… keep a lot of things from you too?"

Grandmother (walks closer, places a hand on Rei's cheek):"Men don't always hide things because they're bad… Sometimes, it's just because they're scared."

Narration:"Her words were soft… but their impact cut like knives."

[Scene 3 – School Courtyard – Noon]

Rei walks near the fence, holding a small sketchbook, scribbling something quickly.

From a distance, she spots Elyar standing under a tree.

Rei (approaches with a faint smile):"It feels quiet today… Even you're quieter than usual."

Elyar (glances at her briefly, then looks away):"Some days… aren't meant for talking."

Rei (lightly):"Well, I talk for everyone! Even for you, if you'd like."

[She sits on a nearby bench, sketching in her notebook.]

Rei:"By the way… do you like Italian food? My grandma's making a special dish tomorrow at the restaurant, and she insists I bring a guest."

[He stays silent. She continues without waiting for a reply.]

Rei (gently):"I know you'll say no… but I won't tell her that. I'll just let her hope."

[She stands and walks away, waving with a laugh.He watches her silently, hesitation tearing at him from within.]

Narration:"Sometimes... the simplest invitations carry the deepest inner battles."

[Scene 4 – Gang Headquarters – The Leader's Office – Same Night]

The Leader sits in the dark, watching surveillance footage of the school.

The Leader (confident tone):"He's hesitating… That's the best thing that could happen."

Himura (standing in the shadows, smirking):"You want him to fall for her… don't you?"

The Leader (expressionless):"Love is like mold… it starts soft, then destroys everything."

[Rita bursts in, arms crossed.]

Rita:"He doesn't look like he'll finish the job. Let me handle it my way."

The Leader (suddenly shouting):"I said don't touch her… Not until I decide."

[Heavy silence – Rita steps back, glances at Himura, then leaves.]

Narration:"When the devil plans his moves… he plants flowers on the road to hell."

[Scene 5 – School Rooftop – Before Sunset]

Rei stands at the edge, gazing at the horizon.The evening breeze plays with her hair.

Elyar approaches quietly, making no sound.

Rei (sensing him):"I didn't expect you to come… But you did."

Elyar (low voice, looking at her):"This place is dangerous for a girl alone."

Rei (smiling):"And you… you're more dangerous. But I don't run from you."

[A moment of silence – He steps closer, but avoids eye contact.]

Rei:"Will you come tomorrow? My grandma will be happy… and so will I."

Elyar:"Don't confuse kindness… with trust."

Rei (soft chuckle):"Sometimes, we only see the difference… when it's too late."

[She looks at him for a moment, then walks away calmly.He stays behind, eyes on the horizon.]

Narration:"Warmth unsettles those used to ice… and closeness hurts those who can't afford distance."

[Final Scene – Gang Headquarters – Dark Room – The Leader Alone]

The Leader watches the recording silently.The footage shows Elyar standing on the rooftop beside Rei.

He smiles. Rises from his seat.

The Leader (calmly):"Good… When his heart shatters before her, he'll obey like never before."

[He turns off the screen. Picks up his phone – sends a short message.]

Message to Elyar:"Tomorrow… Phase Two begins. Be ready. Or dig her grave yourself."

[Final shot – Elyar in his room, reading the message – eyes widen – darkness swallows the light.]

End of Episode – Black Screen – To Be Continued...