Zen & Haneul Comic Script - Studying Abroad

PAGE ONE. Seven panels. 

Panel 1. Establishing shot of ZEN and HANEUL sitting across from each other at a 1950s-style diner; we see them through the outside window. It’s nighttime outside, probably around 10pm. They both look very tired. ZEN is still wearing their Starbucks apron. They have a huge spread of food between them – pancakes, bacon, eggs, burgers, fries, milkshakes, soda, you name it.

HANEUL:
…I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this.

ZEN: [response]
If I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it… you know?

Panel 2. HANEUL nibbles contemplatively on a french fry. His face is still and calm, never betraying what he’s really thinking; he’s not quite looking at ZEN.

HANEUL: (softly)
You’ll get lonely.

Panel 3. ZEN looks lonely already. Her straw is half-in her mouth, like she’s about to take a sip of Dr. Pepper. They also can’t bring themself to meet HANEUL’S gaze.

ZEN: (softly)
I know…

Panel 4. We zoom back out again. The two say nothing, just pick at their food. The tension between them is palpable; unspoken words seem to fill the air.

Panel 5. HANEUL looks like he’s trying to look cheery for her sake, and gestures at her with a piece of bacon in hand.

HANEUL:
No shitty diner food in Italy.

Panel 6. ZEN’S eyes crinkle in the way they do when she’s amused.

ZEN:
I know. I’ll eat really good for once. I’ll come back looking like a supermodel.

Panel 7. ZEN and HANEUL together in the frame, staring at each other from across the table, both with something like love and friendship in their faces.

HANEUL:
You already look like one to me.

PAGE TWO. Six panels. 

Panel 1. We pull out a little further, this time from the inside. The diner is mostly empty beside these two young adults and their outrageous amount of food (that HANEUL has definitely all paid for). He is so clean-cut and put together while she looks like a mess. Again, there’s a lot unspoken between them.

ZEN: [simultaneously]
…
HANEUL: [simultaneously]

…

Panel 2. Zoom in very suddenly on both of them leaning across the table toward each other, almost nose-to-nose, both of their eyes wide and mouths open.

ZEN: [simultaneously]
Come with me.

HANEUL: [simultaneously]
I want to go with you. 

Panel 3. Hold that pose, except now, they’re both grinning at each other.

Panel 4. The two sit back, camera pulling back too, and are laughing together. ZEN hides their face in their hands as they giggle, HANEUL’S hand over his forehead and head thrown back.

ZEN:
Ahahahaha!! [simultaneously]

HANEUL: [simultaneously]
Hahahaha—oh, my god.

Panel 5. Pull back further. ZEN takes the big cheeseburger in their hands. HANEUL starts cutting into a stack of pancakes with a knife and fork. Both of them are still smiling, softer now. The tension has completely melted.

HANEUL:
… Looks like we’re both going to Florence to learn from the greats.

ZEN: [response]
It’s mostly just for the experience… I’ve got the greatest artistic great right here with me.

PANEL 6: HANEUL gesturing at her with a fork, looking snide. ZEN chews a big bite of burger, looking mischievous.

HANEUL:
You’re just saying that because I’m going to end up paying for everything.

ZEN: [response]
I’ll buy you an Americano once or twice. I promise.