Eesha stepped into the bustling university hall, her mind still racing from the previous night's unexpected encounter. As she reached her first class, she instinctively checked her phone, her heart sinking when she saw a flurry of missed calls and messages from her friends, Hana and Ava.Without hesitation, she tapped Hana's name and pressed call, waiting impatiently as the line connected."Hello?" Hana answered, her voice laced with worry."Hey, it's me," Eesha replied, attempting to sound casual."Eesha! Where have you been? I've called and texted you so many times! I was so worried!" Hana exclaimed, relief flooding her voice. "You never just disappear without telling me where you're going!"Eesha hesitated, a swirl of guilt rising in her chest. *Should I tell Hana about last night? Or would it just cause her unnecessary worry?* "I'm sorry, Hana. I was... um, studying in the library last night. My phone was on silent, and I didn't check it.""Seriously? You had me freaking out!" Hana continued, her tone softening. "You should have at least told me. I was about to come looking for you.""I know, I know," Eesha sighed, feeling the weight of her friend's concern. "But with exams coming up, I just got caught up in my studies and completely forgot. I'm really sorry.""Just promise you won't do that again, okay? Did you eat something?" Hana's maternal instincts kicked in."No, not yet," Eesha admitted."Alright, get over here. I'm at the canteen. Let's grab lunch together. You need to take care of yourself," Hana insisted."Okay, I'll be there soon," Eesha replied, relieved to have a plan. As she hung up, her phone buzzed again, this time lighting up with a call from Ava."Hey! Where have you been? You could have at least picked up the phone! Are you trying to give me a heart attack in my prime?" Ava's voice was a mix of playful annoyance and genuine concern.Eesha laughed, her mood lifting at Ava's exaggerated tone. "I was in the library.""In the library? Don't drown yourself in books so much that you forget about us! Come to the canteen!" Ava chirped."I'm on my way. I'll be there soon," Eesha reassured her.As she made her way to the canteen, a warm feeling spread through her. In this unfamiliar place, it was comforting to know she had friends who cared about her well-being. No matter how overwhelmed she felt by the new environment and its challenges, at least she had someone looking out for her.Stepping into the canteen, she spotted Hana and Ava at a corner table, their faces lighting up as they saw her approach. In that moment, Eesha realized how fortunate she was to have such supportive friends."Finally!" Hana exclaimed, a playful pout on her lips. "We thought we'd have to send out a search party."Eesha smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm here now. Let's eat!"As they settled in for lunch, the laughter and chatter flowed easily, washing away the remnants of worry and isolation Eesha had felt. In the midst of her friends, she found a sense of belonging, and the pressures of university life faded into the background, if only for a little while."Alright, girls, I've got class now. And, I have plans later, so I'll see you guys at home." Hana picked up her books with a casual wave.Ava perked up, her curiosity shining. "Oh, really? And what plans would those be? Come on, spill!"Hana smirked, tapping Ava's head lightly. "Not everything is public information.""Ouch!" Ava pouted, clutching her head as Hana chuckled and shrugged it off. "Some things don't need sharing. Anyway, bye!" Hana's amused grin stayed with her as she walked away.Ava huffed, arms crossed. "Hana's changed; she doesn't tell us anything anymore."Eesha stifled a laugh. "You're really overthinking it, Ava. You know how intense law school is for her, plus she has back-to-back exams right now."But Ava's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Or maybe... she has a boyfriend! And she's keeping it all secret.""Ava!" Eesha laughed. "Even if she does, maybe she just isn't comfortable sharing it yet. Give her space! Now I have to run to class, too. Bye!"Ava waved her off, trying not to pout. "Fine, bye then!"Walking into her classroom, Eesha noticed an odd sight—Mini and Henry, usually inseparable, were sitting on opposite sides of the room. She walked over to Mini, eyebrows raised."Hey, Mini! What's up with you and Henry sitting so far apart?"Mini glanced up with a slight scowl. "Who's Henry? I don't know anyone by that name.""What? Are you mad at him or something?" Eesha asked, surprised.But Mini just huffed, avoiding the question. Unsatisfied, Eesha moved on to Henry."Hey, Henry, did you and Mini have a fight or something?"Henry crossed his arms, his face serious. "Who's Mini? Never heard of her."Eesha's eyebrows shot up. Both of them were clearly mad, though neither wanted to admit it. She was just about to push further when the teacher entered, and she quickly took her seat, glancing back at them throughout class, determined to figure out what was going on. As soon as class ended, she rushed out and saw both Mini and Henry leaving."Hey, wait up!" she called, but they both ignored her and kept walking. Feeling slightly exasperated, Eesha decided to pull a small trick."Ouch, my leg!" she gasped, stumbling slightly.Both Mini and Henry turned instantly, their expressions changing from annoyance to concern."Eesha, are you okay?" they both said, rushing to her side."We should take her to the infirmary!" Henry said, looking around worriedly."Can you stand up, Eesha?" Mini asked, concern etched on her face.Eesha fought back a smile, her trick working perfectly. "I think I can stand... once you both admit you know each other and start talking again."Mini rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "What's that supposed to mean? Of course, we know each other."Eesha feigned innocence, copying their earlier tone. "'Who's Mini? Who's Henry?' Ring any bells?"Mini and Henry exchanged awkward glances, realizing she'd caught on. Henry sighed. "Alright, you got us. We were just messing around."Eesha grinned, standing up. "Good to see you two back to normal! Now, can I have my arm back?"Mini shook her head, laughing in disbelief. "Wait, you were faking the whole time?""Of course! You two would have kept ignoring me otherwise," Eesha teased, sticking her tongue out before running off. Mini and Henry exchanged a look and took off after her, laughing."Where do you think you're going, Eesha?" Henry called, grinning as he picked up his pace.Finally, out of breath, they all settled onto a nearby bench, still laughing.Henry leaned back, shaking his head. "You're fast, you know that?"Eesha smirked. "If you two act like that again, I'll make you run laps next time."Mini raised her hands, surrendering. "Alright, alright! And we're sorry, okay?"Henry nodded. "Yes, sorry!"Eesha laughed, handing them each a drink from her bag. "Now that 'sorry' class is over, here's your peace offering."Henry's face lit up as he took a sip. "Strawberry juice! Thanks, Eesha."As they laughed and sipped their drinks, Mini suddenly rummaged through her bag, her eyes sparkling. "Wait, look what I have!"She held up two concert tickets. "Stellar Vibe concert tickets! One for Henry, one for Eesha!"Henry's mouth fell open. "Are you serious, Mini?! This is amazing!"Mini chuckled, waving off his excitement. "Yeah, yeah, don't get all mushy. Here, take it."Henry took his ticket reverently. "This is so cool!"Mini turned to Eesha, handing her the other ticket. "And this one's for you."Eesha hesitated, taking it carefully. "Thank you, Mini! But... how did you get these? I heard the tickets were all sold out."Mini gave a proud grin. "I pulled some strings! My neighbor's family member works for the entertainment company, so I gave a little emotional drama, and here we are."Eesha laughed, amazed. "You're incredible, Mini! But... I don't know if I can go."Mini's face fell as she sighed dramatically. "You're saying no to Stellar Vibe? People would do anything for these tickets!"Eesha bit her lip. "I know, but you know how I feel about crowded places."Mini looked at her, pulling her best heartbroken face. "I wanted us three friends to go together... I went through all this trouble just for that."Henry nodded, crossing his arms. "If you're not going, I'm not going either."Mini chimed in, "Me neither. I'll just return the tickets."Eesha blinked in surprise. "You two are so dramatic! I didn't say you couldn't go."Mini and Henry sat down on the bench, sulking theatrically. Eesha sighed, finally relenting."Fine, I'll go!" she said, smiling at their wide grins. "Just stop with the dramatics!"Mini and Henry both pulled her into a hug."You're the best, Eesha!" Mini exclaimed."Yes! We're going to the concert!" Henry cheered.As they headed off together, Eesha couldn't help but smile, happy to have such caring friends.