Love Is Only a Word

Episode 1 - Quiet Beginning

SAUNDER’S HOUSE – MORNING

RENESME SAUNDER'S BEDROOM. A room cluttered with books, papers, and a half-finished cup of chocolate milk. The clock ticks loudly.

MAE

(groggy, rubbing her eyes)

Oh no... I overslept! James gonna kill me this time.

She scrambles out of bed, tying her hair and shoving papers into a folder.

MAE (V.O.)

I shouldn’t have stayed up that late... The report... I have to get it to James before class starts.

She slips on her shoes, grabs her bag, and rushes out the door.

STOP BUS TO LEWIS ACADEMY – MORNING

The bus finally screeched to a halt, it was already a sardine can of commuters. Mae took a deep breath, and shoved her way in.

MAE (V.O)

I can’t be late. If I’m late, James will count the seconds as if they’re coming out of my paycheck.

LEWIS ACADEMY – CLASSROOM 4 - A – MORNING

JAMES NIKKO sits at his desk, reviewing papers calmly, eyes flicking to the clock.

Across from him, JILLIAN JADE was currently draped over his desk like a model., her perfect smile never fading.

JILLIAN

James, let’s have lunch later, okay? There’s a new cafe. My treat.

JAMES

(sighs, polite but distracted)

I still have to check the report this afternoon.

JILLIAN

(pouting playfully)

Its not healthy to work all the time. You need to unwind. I know a perfect activity. So... will you join me?

James didn't lift his gaze from his tablet.

AT THE BACK OF THE CLASSROOM 4-A

At the back, JENNIEL JADE leans against a desk, laughing with FELIX CRIZALDO.

FELIX

Will you look at that—Jillian pestering Nikko again. (laughs)

But I can’t believe you actually beat Nikko’s score on the mock test. He’s gonna remember that for the rest of his life.

JENNIEL

(grinning)

It’s not a competition. Pure coincidence, really.

FELIX

I really envy how humble you are.

The door slides open with a loud thud. RENESME stands there—panting, flushed, clutching her folder.

MAE

(breathless)

P-President Nikko… the report…

Jenniel glances toward her, mildly curious. Felix smirks, amused by her flustered state.

FELIX

What’s wrong with her? Looks like she just ran a marathon.

Renesme freezes under Jenniel’s gaze, lowering her head. She hurries toward James, clutching the folder tightly, trying to remain unnoticed.

CLASSROOM – FRONT

MAE

(quietly, handing over the folder)

t----the report, Presi---dent...

JAMES

(taking it, standing)

Come with me Miss Saunder.

He glances at Jillian, who’s already cling on him.

JAMES

Excuse me, Jillian. I need to discuss something important with her report.

Before Jillian can protest, James gently grabs Renesme’s wrist and leads her out the door.

JILLIAN

(softly, disappointed)

Wait— James! Wait!

(She blocked his path, her eyes flashing with hurt.)

Where are you taking her? I still need to tell you something!

HALLWAY

Renesme blinks, startled. James stops, sighing.

MAE

(softly)

U-um… did I… do ---- some--thing wrong?

JAMES

No. Give the report and you can go.

(RENESME handover the file)

MAE (P.O.V.)

Did he just drag me outside to get the report?

LEWIS ACADEMY – CLASSROOM 4-B – LATE MORNING

The bell rings. Students file in.

JILLIAN sighs as she enters the classroom.

JILLIAN (muttering)

Why can't he… be swayed with me. What should I do?

She spots RENESME, already seated in her chair near the window, neat hair slightly ruffled. The seat beside her—Jillian’s—is empty.

JILLIAN

(pouting as she walks over)

Of course. I should ask her. She must have some ideas.

She drops into her seat with a huff, resting her chin on her palm.

A few classmates giggle quietly.

JILLIAN

(sighs dramatically)

Remy... tell me, what am I doing wrong? No matter what I do, James just keeps building that invisible wall between us.

MAE

(hesitant)

U-um… maybe he’s just… busy?

JILLIAN

(throws her arms up)

Busy? He’s always busy! He has a ton of alibis piled up already—

All excuses just to avoid me, I swear my heart is cracking silently.

Especially when he drags you outside just now. I wish I was the one who was holding.

MAE

More like grabbing.. He… he just wants to report.

Don't worry he’ll notice your effort someday.

JILLIAN

(pouting but smiling)

Really Renesme? Thank you for patching my broken heart. You always listen… and say the right words to fill me up.

(She hugs RENESME's arms to herself.)

MAE (V.O.)

I must mask myself properly. If Jillian knew I liked her twin brother... would she treat me the same as now? Or would I just be another girl in the crowd?

I wonder....

JILLIAN

(quietly, determined)

Alright. No more sulking. Jillian Jade doesn’t give up that easily.

Rahlp James Nikko — you cant get away from my love'.

Remy glances at her from the corner of her eye, unsure whether to smile or worry about this lovestruck Jillian Jade.

LEWIS ACADEMY – SCHOOL BALCONY – LUNCHTIME

MAE (V.O.)

Lunch breaks are always nice.

For... this is the time ... I can watch my crush.

This is my favorite part of the school. I can see Jenniel play basketball all afternoon. And... I always end up here — watching from afar.

SCHOOL COURT

A basketball game is underway.

FELIX dribbles, grinning as JENNIEL guards him with easy confidence.

FELIX

Man, look at the stands. Your fans are like ants on a sugar cube. Boys, girls, teachers... I think even the school cat is cheering for you.

JENNIEL

(smirking, blocking him)

Then I should warn them, I have no intention of falling in love with any of them, Felix — even if it's you.

FELIX

Ouch... You're a heart bearker, Mr. Jade!

Jenniel shoots — swish. Cheers erupt.

BACK TO THE BALCONY

MAE (V.O.)

He’s… amazing.

So handsome… his smile-- it's blinding me.

And yet, I can’t look away.

(Her gaze softens.)

Seeing you after a tiring day at school... it's worth it...

He's just.... so handsome.

MAE (V.O.)

He’s always surrounded by people...

Shining so easily, like he doesn’t even have to try.

JAMES (O.S.)

(A calm, steady voice interrupts.)

Saunder.

MAE

(jumps, nearly dropping her lunchbox.)

P-President Nikko! I— I didn’t see you there…

JAMES

(arms crossed, coolly)

You seem to have a lot of free time during lunch. Come with me.

MAE

Okay. W-where…?

JAMES

To the Student Council office. You’re the secretary, right?... I have some work for you.

MAE (O.V.)

And just like that my lunch break is over before it started.

(Follow James)

STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICE

The room is tidy and bright — except for JILLIAN JADE,

who sits surrounded by open lunchboxes and drinks, smiling radiantly.

JILLIAN

James! You’re just in time! I brought lunch — your favorite!

Try this sea bass, it's delicious.

JAMES

(James sets a folder on the desk, sighing, and gestures toward Renesme.)

Saunder, sit.

Renesme sits at the far corner of the table, unsure what to do.

JILLIAN

Say “ah,” President~

JAMES

(deadpan)

Jillian, I have hands. And dignity. Both are working fine.

JILLIAN

(pouts, lowering the fork.)

I just want to fed you, no need to be grumpy. If you do, wringkles will be visible in your fore head, James. But I will still like you. (wink)

MAE (V.O.)

I think I'm not needed here. Why did he ask me to come here? Just to witness their love progress?

JAMES

What? Do you want to be fed too? Eat up!

Jillian is allergic to shellfish, and I can't finish this. Eat.

You look like you haven’t had lunch since the semester started.

MAE

Y-yes, President.

JILLIAN

(mock glare)

James, you do care about me. Im so happy.

Come on Renesme, try this one. Its delicious.

SAUNDER’S HOUSE – EVENING

MRS. SAUNDER

(cheerful)

You’re home, sweetheart! Sit down — dinner’s ready!

(Renesme forces a small smile)

MRS. SAUNDER

(chatty)

You look tired. Long day at school?

How are your friends?

MAE

(softly, between bites)

Mm... everything’s okay, Mom.

MRS. SAUNDER

Just “okay”? That’s all you’re going to tell me?

Okay in the worst way or in a good way.

Cause if we scale that, a little tip over, the word okay is the in between the worst and good.

Her mother keeps talking — about customers at the flower shop, a new bouquet design, the neighbor’s cat.

MAE (V.O.)

Mom never stops talking...

But somehow, it makes the house feel full — even without my brother or Dad here.

LIVING ROOM

RENESME lounges on the couch, holding a cup of tea with her mother.

MRS. SAUNDER

You know, honey... you’ve been commuting so far every day. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

MAE

(hesitant)

A little...

MRS. SAUNDER

Then it’s settled! You’ll stay near the school.

I found a small apartment — cozy and perfect for you.

Renesme sits up, surprised.

MAE

Eh? Already?

MRS. SAUNDER

(smiling proudly)

I may be busy, but I’m not blind.

You need your space — and I’ll feel better knowing you’re close to school.

Renesme opens her mouth to protest, then stops. She knows her mother’s busy with the flower shop — she doesn’t want to add to her worries.

MAE

(softly)

Okay, Mom. If it helps you worry less... I’ll move.

SMALL APARTMENT – NEXT MORNING

MRS. SAUNDER

Look at this! It’s not big, but it’s near school, safe, andthe view’s lovely!

You could put your desk here — maybe a little plant—

Renesme smiles shyly as her mother shows her every corner.

Boxes scatter the floor, the air thick with fresh paint and new beginnings.

MRS. SAUNDER

(reminding tone)

Remember — don’t skip meals, always take care of yourself, and—

(DING-DONG!)

MAE

(quickly stands)

I’ll get it!

MAE

(She opens the door — and freezes.)

Jiro?

Standing there is ICHIRO “JIRO” ARIMURA, tall and composed, holding a paper bag of supplies. His gentle smile is easy and familiar.

JIRO

(warmly)

Hey, Mae. Heard you’re moving in today. Thought I’d help out.

MRS. SAUNDER

Oh, Jiro! You came at the perfect time! Please, come in — we could use an extra hand.

JIRO

(to Mrs. Saunder)

Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll make sure she settles in. She won’t have to lift a thing.

MRS. SAUNDER

(teasing)

Such a gentleman! You should come around more often.

MAE

(blushing)

M-Mom...

Renesme walks toward Ichiro whos lifting the boxes and follow him.

JIRO

Let me guess? Youre going to ask how I know your moving today?

(look at RENESME who is wondering and smile)

I meet Aunty at the mall and she happened to mention it.

MAE

You didnt even give me a heads up that your coming.

JIRO

Thats the point of a surprise.

Jiro chuckles softly, avoiding her gaze. Renesme still following him.

APARTMENT – SUNSET

JIRO

(stretching)

There. Not bad for a day’s work.

MRS. SAUNDER

Thank you, Jiro. You’ve been a big help.

JIRO

(sincerely)

Anything you ask Aunty. Since she will be staying here. I’ll drop by once in a while — I can walk her from school after class too Aunty --- until she knows the route.

Renesme glances at him, heart fluttering.

MRS SAUNDER

That's okay, Jiro. Your school is a bit far from here and your staying in a dorm its a bit hustle for yours side.

MAE

Thats true.

JIRO

Its okay Aunty, anyway its just a walking distance, about 20- 30 minutes. Beside walking her is an Excersie for me.

MRS SAUNDER

If thats the case. We will trouble you Jiro.

JIRO

Its no trouble aunty.

MAE (V.O.)