SCENE 1: AN UNEXPECTED REQUEST

INT. LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON. Sunlight streams through the windows as Yaya stands beside her friend. They are enjoying a conversation when Mike walks into the room. His attention immediately turns toward Yaya’s friend.

MIKE

Hey, how are you doing today?

YAYA’S FRIEND

I’m good, Mike. How about you?

MIKE

I’m doing great now that I’ve seen you.

Yaya raises an eyebrow. She notices the sudden change in Mike’s behavior and becomes suspicious.

YAYA

Mike, why are you suddenly acting so friendly? You’re definitely up to something!

MIKE

Can’t a man be nice to someone without being questioned?

Mike turns toward her friend and gathers the courage to make his request.

MIKE

Would you mind giving me your phone number? I’d like to get to know you better.

SCENE 2: THE REJECTION

Yaya’s friend looks at Mike with surprise. She was not expecting such a direct question, especially while Yaya was standing right beside her.

YAYA’S FRIEND

I’m sorry, Mike, but I don’t give my number to someone I don’t really know.

MIKE

But we’ve talked several times. Doesn’t that count for something?

YAYA’S FRIEND

Talking a few times doesn’t mean I’m comfortable sharing my personal information. I hope you understand.

She turns back toward Yaya, making it clear that the conversation is over. Mike forces a smile, pretending that the rejection does not bother him.

MIKE

All right. I understand.

But Mike’s disappointment soon turns into determination. Instead of accepting her answer, he begins thinking about another way to win her attention.

SCENE 3: MIKE MAKES A PLAN

EXT. PARKING AREA – LATER THAT DAY. Mike walks toward his car, replaying the conversation in his mind. He convinces himself that his first approach was not enough to show how serious he is.

MIKE

Maybe she thinks I’m not serious. If I show her how much I care, perhaps she’ll give me a chance.

A few hours later, Mike enters a jewelry store. He studies the rings displayed behind the glass counter and finally chooses one.

JEWELRY STORE EMPLOYEE

Is this ring for a special occasion?

MIKE

I want to make a big impression on someone special.

The employee places the ring inside a small box. Mike takes it with a confident smile, imagining that his romantic gesture will change everything.

MIKE

This should show her that I really mean it.

SCENE 4: THE UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL

INT. LIVING ROOM – EVENING. Yaya and her friend are talking when Mike suddenly enters. He walks toward them with a small box hidden in his pocket.

YAYA

Mike, what are you doing here again?

MIKE

I came to see your friend. I have something important to tell her.

Mike takes out the ring box and opens it. Yaya’s friend stares at him in disbelief as he lowers himself onto one knee.

MIKE

I know you turned me down earlier, but I want you to understand that I’m serious about you. Will you accept my proposal?

The room falls silent. Yaya’s friend looks uncomfortable. She never asked Mike to make such a grand gesture, and the ring does not change how she feels.

YAYA’S FRIEND

Mike, please get up. I already told you that I’m not interested.

MIKE

Just think about it. You don’t have to answer immediately.

YAYA’S FRIEND

I’ve already answered you. I don’t want to give you the wrong impression.

Before Mike can respond, Yaya steps forward. Her face reveals a mixture of anger, disbelief, and disappointment.

SCENE 5: YAYA LOSES HER TEMPER

Yaya cannot believe that Mike has ignored her friend’s rejection and returned with a ring. She approaches him, determined to make her feelings clear.

YAYA

Mike, are you serious right now? She already told you she wasn’t interested!

MIKE

Yaya, calm down. I’m just trying to express my feelings.

YAYA

Express your feelings? You asked for her number, and she said no. She explained herself clearly. What part of that did you not understand?

MIKE

I thought she might change her mind if I showed her that I was serious.

YAYA

And who told you that she wanted you to convince her?

Mike looks away. Yaya’s words leave him struggling to defend his actions.

YAYA

You cannot ignore someone’s answer just because you don’t like it! She has every right to decide whether she wants to get to know you.

MIKE

I wasn’t trying to upset anybody.

YAYA

Then you should have respected her answer the first time!

Yaya’s friend gently touches her arm before turning toward Mike herself.

YAYA’S FRIEND

I appreciate that you wanted to express your feelings, but I’m not interested in a relationship with you. Buying a ring doesn’t change that.

Yaya’s anger reflects a simple truth: a romantic gesture never gives anyone the right to ignore another person’s decision.

SCENE 6: MIKE FINALLY UNDERSTANDS

Mike closes the ring box. His confidence fades as he realizes that his proposal has made the situation uncomfortable rather than romantic.

MIKE

I thought a proposal would show you both that I was serious. I’m sorry for making things awkward.

YAYA

You were thinking about what you wanted instead of listening to what she wanted.

YAYA’S FRIEND

I need you to understand that my decision is not something you can change by putting pressure on me.

MIKE

I’m sorry. I should have listened when you said no. I won’t ask you again.

Yaya watches him carefully, hoping that he truly understands. Her friend accepts the apology but remains firm about her decision.

YAYA

I hope you mean that, Mike. My friend deserves to feel comfortable making her own decisions.

MIKE

I do mean it.

Mike puts the ring box back into his pocket and walks toward the door. Before leaving, he turns around one final time.

MIKE

I’m sorry. I won’t make the same mistake again.

He leaves the room quietly. Yaya turns toward her friend, and her anger gradually gives way to concern.

YAYA

Are you okay? I can’t believe he thought a ring would change everything after you already told him no.

YAYA’S FRIEND

I’m okay. I just wish he had listened the first time.

YAYA

Some people think persistence will get them everything they want. They need to understand that another person’s answer matters.