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Short Story Extract – FINAL SCRIPT – 30/09/19

(EXT.) - A NARROW SIDE STREET – HARAJUKU, TOKYO – MORNING

The street is narrow, shops lined up asymmetrically on both sides with

their signs hanging low above the heads of shoppers. Canopies stick out
into the crowds, cutting off the fresh sunlight that seeps through the
buildings.

It is a busy yet beautiful day in the district, tourists flittering

between shops as they admire the miscellaneous tourist merchandise
presented on displays outside the front of stores.

The camera sits high above the street, taking in the crowd and sunlight
before moving lower to follow a young man, YUTA, along the street.

Yuta is following the crowds down the paved walkway. His hands are
resting in his navy jean pockets, a cap pressed over his hair to hide
his brow from the sun.

Between two bustling stores, Yuta passes a BEAUTIFUL GIRL.

Yuta slows to a stop, the camera panning behind him to show the
beautiful Girl from Yuta’s point of view. It remains still, focussing on
her face as she catches Yuta’s eye.
The pair pause as everyone around them continues to move, the sound of
the crowds fading out.
YUTA (V.O)
I walked past the 100% perfect girl.

The pair remain for a second longer before the sound suddenly floods
back in. The Beautiful Girl breaks eye contact and turns away to
continue walking.

To tell you the truth, she’s not that good looking.

The camera pulls back to look over Yuta’s shoulder, still focussed on
the Beautiful Girl as she walks away through the parted crowd.
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Short Story Extract – FINAL SCRIPT – 30/09/19

She doesn’t stand out in anyway.

Her clothes are nothing special.

The camera slowly moves forward as though now following the Beautiful
Girl. It comes to focus on her back, a Mid Shot showing off the back of
her plain white blouse and the upturned ends of her hair.

The back of her hair is still bent out of shape from sleep.

The camera slows to a stop. It remains focussed on the Beautiful Girl as

she adjusts her bag on her shoulder, straightens her back decisively and
files back into the crowd. Disappearing.

She isn’t young either – must be near thirty.

Not even close to a ‘girl’, properly speaking.

The shot changes to a close up of Yuta’s face from a slightly high angle
to the right.

He looks straight ahead, watching the spot where the Beautiful Girl had
just vanished into the crowd. He adjusts his cap.

YUTA (V.O)
But still, I know from fifty yards away: She’s the 100% perfect girl for
me.
The moment I see her, there’s a rumbling in my chest, and my mouth is as
dry as a desert.

Yuta sighs, turning on the spot and continuing to walk in the direction
he was originally heading and the camera following him from behind.

Maybe you have your own particular type of girl – one with slim ankles,
say, or big eyes, or graceful fingers
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Short Story Extract – FINAL SCRIPT – 30/09/19
As Yuta speaks, the shot changes to a split screen with close ups of
these features on girls Yuta walks past in the same street. Slim ankles,
big colourful eyes and graceful fingers brushing hair out of these eyes.

Or you’re drawn for no good reason to girls who take their time with
every meal. I have my own preferences of course.

Yuta continues down the street for a moment longer, the camera slowing
to a stop as he grows further away and fades into the crowd.

(INT.) - RESTAURANT – NIGHT

The restaurant is dimly lit. Small round tables sit a few feet apart,
scattered around the room. Waitstaff dodge between chairs, clean white
cloths draped over their arms.

Yuta sits at a table in the middle of the room, a small, almost empty,
glass in hand. He is looking past the empty chair opposite him, watching
a young girl talk to her dinner date.

The camera moves smoothly between the tables at eyeline height. It sways
slightly, mimicking that of the waiters. It comes to a stop beside Yuta
at a high angle. It is slightly in front of Yuta so that his face is
visible. The camera again resembles the action of a waiter

YUTA (V.O)
Sometimes in a restaurant I’ll catch myself staring at the girl at the
next table to mine because I like the shape of her nose.

Yuta turns back to his own table, finishing the remnants of his drink.

But no one can insist that this 100% perfect girl corresponds to some
preconceived type. Much as I like noses, I can’t recall the shape of
hers – or even if she had one.

Yuta looks up as the chair in front of him is pulled from beneath the
table. The shot changes to a point of view shot as Yuta is greeted by
the sight of Akio, a young man, who looks to be a similar age to
himself.
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Short Story Extract – FINAL SCRIPT – 30/09/19

YUTA
Yesterday on the street I passed the 100% girl.

Akio sits down, watching Yuta as he speaks.

The camera returns to its previous position but at a higher angle so
that both men are clearly in shot.

AKIO
Yeah? (He nods) Good looking?

YUTA
Not Really.

AKIO
You’re favourite type, then?

YUTA
I don’t know. I can’t seem to remember anything about her.

Akio leans back in his chair, studying Yuta for a moment.

AKIO
Strange

YUTA
Yeah. Strange.

Akio sighs. He tilts his head to one side and picks up a half full glass
a waiter has just placed in front of him. He gazes at the substance for
barely half a second. It is evident he is bored.

AKIO
So anyhow, what did you do? Talk to her? Follow her?
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Short Story Extract – FINAL SCRIPT – 30/09/19

The shot changes to a close up profile shot of Yuta.

YUTA
(Eyes locked on Akio)
Nah. Just passed her on the street.