Sofia tilted her head, confused. What's with her today? Why is she acting so different? Sofia blinked in confusion, left standing for a second before rushing after her. "Isa... wait!" she muttered, jogging a little to catch up, still trying to read her friend's strange behavior.

  At the cafeteria, Isabella picked up her hostel food tray while Sofia unwrapped the homemade tiffin she always carried. They found a corner table and sat together, but Isabella barely touched her food. Her fork traced idle circled across the plate as her thoughts kept wandering.

  Sofia's eyes narrowed. This morning she was starving, and now she won't eat a bite. What's happening to her?

  Finally, she leaned closer, her voice soft but firm. "Isabella? Why aren't you eating? You've been tense since morning. Please, tell me what's wrong. I'm here for you – always. You know you can share anything with me. You're my best friend, and I'll never judge you."

  Isabella's eyes glistened, her lips parting as if she wanted to speak. For a fleeting second, it looked like she would pour her heart out. But then, the wall went back up. She forced a smile, one too fragile to be real.

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  "Oh, Sofia... thank you for caring. Really. But I'm fine. I'm okay."

  Sofia wasn't convinced. She caught Isabella's hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and looked straight into her eyes. "No, you're not. I can see through you. You're lying. Please, Isa... don't shut me out. Talk to me."

  Isabella sighed, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world pressed against them. She couldn't tell the truth – not now, not this early, So, she lied again, dressing her pain in safer words. "I was just... thinking about our future. We're already in second year. Just one more year, and we'll be graduating. I was wondering... after we get jobs, after responsibilities pile on us... will we even meet again?"

  For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then Sofia let out a relived laugh, exhaling the tension she had carried. "Oh, you silly girl!" she said warmly. "Of course, we'll meet again. Again and again. Our friendship won't break... not by time, not by distance, not by anything. You know that." She squeezed Isabella's hand once more, her eyes shimmering with sincerity.

  Isabella nodded faintly, but deep down, her thoughts hadn't settled. The word Risk still rang like a secret key in her heart, waiting to unlock the door she hadn't yet dared to open.

  TO BE CONTINUED...