The school football field is alive with energy.
Students gather around the sidelines, cheering as a football match continues under the warm afternoon sun.
Finn runs across the field, focused on the game.
He receives the ball.
He dribbles past another player.
For a moment, nothing else matters.
Then Finn looks toward the sideline.
His expression suddenly changes.
Faith is standing near the fence.
She is talking to another boy from school.
The boy smiles as he speaks to her.
Faith laughs softly.
Finn slows down.
His attention completely leaves the game.
Finn! The ball!
Finn doesn’t respond.
His eyes remain fixed on Faith and the boy.
His jaw tightens.
He looks increasingly irritated.
The referee blows the whistle.
The players stop.
Finn quickly walks toward the sideline.
Faith notices him approaching.
Her smile fades.
Finn?
Finn doesn’t answer her immediately.
He looks directly at the other boy.
Who are you?
I’m just talking to Faith.
Finn takes another step forward.
Why are you talking to her?
Finn, calm down.
Finn turns toward Faith.
I’m just asking.
The boy folds his arms.
He clearly isn’t impressed by Finn’s attitude.
You don’t have to question me.
Finn looks back at him.
His frustration grows.
I’m talking to you.
And I’m answering you.
A few students nearby begin watching.
The noise around the field slowly fades as their attention shifts toward the confrontation.
Faith steps between them.
Guys, stop.
Faith, why are you talking to him?
Because he’s my friend.
Your friend?
Faith nods.
Yes.
The boy takes a step forward.
What’s your problem?
Finn’s expression hardens.
My problem is you acting like you can just—
Finn!
Finn stops.
For a second, everyone is silent.
Who do you think you are?
Finn clenches his hands.
You don’t get to tell me who I can talk to.
Finn’s anger rises.
You don’t know anything about me.
And you don’t know anything about me.
Faith looks from one boy to the other.
She realizes the situation is getting worse.
Please, both of you. Just walk away.
Finn doesn’t move.
The boy doesn’t move either.
A teacher standing near the field notices the argument.
Hey! What’s going on over there?
Finn looks toward the teacher.
The boy takes advantage of the distraction and steps back.
But Finn is still angry.
You should have just stayed out of it.
I didn’t do anything to you.
Finn takes a step forward.
Faith immediately moves between them again.
Finn, stop!
Finn looks at her.
His anger is obvious.
Why are you defending him?
I’m not defending anyone. I’m trying to stop this.
She’s right.
Finn’s frustration reaches its peak.
He suddenly shoves the boy.
The boy stumbles backward.
Several students gasp.
Finn!
What is wrong with you?
Finn moves toward him again.
Before anything worse can happen, two students step between them.
Finn, back off!
Just stop!
Finn tries to move around them.
Move!
The teacher quickly reaches the group.
Finn! That’s enough!
Finn stops.
The teacher stands firmly between the boys.
Everyone take a step back.
The students separate.
Finn breathes heavily, realizing how many people are watching him.
Faith looks disappointed.
The other boy looks angry but stays quiet.
You were playing football. What happened?
Finn doesn’t answer.
He looks toward Faith.
I saw her talking to him.
And that gives you the right to start a confrontation?
Finn looks down.
No.
And you?
I was just talking to Faith.
Then this should never have become a problem.
Faith looks at Finn.
Her expression is hurt.
You didn’t even ask me what was happening.
Finn looks at her.
I know.
You just assumed the worst.
Finn remains silent.
The football lies abandoned near the center of the field.
The game has completely stopped.
Everyone is waiting.
Finn finally looks at the other boy.
His anger begins to fade.
I’m sorry.
I shouldn’t have pushed you.
You shouldn’t have.
Finn nods.
I know.
Faith watches Finn carefully.
You need to control your temper.
Finn looks embarrassed.
You’re right.
Finn, sit on the bench for the rest of the game.
Finn nods.
Okay.
He slowly walks away.
Faith watches him leave.
The other boy looks at Faith.
Is he always like that?
Not usually.
She looks toward Finn.
He sits alone on the bench, staring at the ground.
The excitement of the football game has returned around them, but Finn barely notices.
Faith walks toward him.
She stops a few feet away.
Finn looks up.
Are you still mad?
Faith pauses.
I’m disappointed.
Finn looks down again.
I was jealous.
Faith crosses her arms.
You don’t get to treat people badly just because you’re jealous.
Finn nods.
I know.
A brief silence follows.
I just saw you with him and got angry.
Next time, ask me.
Finn looks at her.
I will.
Promise?
Finn nods.
Promise.
The referee blows the whistle again.
The football match resumes.
Finn watches from the bench.
This time, he doesn’t look angry.
He looks thoughtful.
Faith turns and walks back toward the field.
Finn watches her go.
He takes a deep breath.
Sometimes jealousy can turn a simple misunderstanding into something much bigger.
And Finn knows he came dangerously close to letting his anger make the decision for him.