Chapter 2 Drifting Apart

The silence between Mia and Alex didn't happen all at once - it crept in slowly, like a shadow stretching across their friendship. At first, Mia barely noticed. Alex missed a couple of their usual hangouts, but he always had a reasonable excuse: too much homework, feeling tired, or needing to help his dad with something.

But soon, the excuses piled up. Alex stopped replying to her texts right away - sometimes leaving her on read for hours. He started walking to class without waiting for her. The space beside him at their usual lunch table, once hers without question, seemed to be open for anyone else now.

Mia told herself not to panic. Maybe he was just going through something. Maybe she was overthinking it.

But then came Friday night - their night. Ever since freshman year, they'd spent almost every Friday curled up on her couch, binge-watching movies and sharing snacks. This week, she waited - and waited - but Alex never showed.

At first, she texted him: "Hey, are you coming?"

No reply.

Half an hour later: "Everything okay?"

Still nothing.

By the time she finally gave up and turned off her phone, frustration had replaced her disappointment.

On Monday morning, she spotted him by his locker - laughing with some girl she didn't even recognize. Mia's stomach twisted. He looked... fine. Like nothing had happened.

That afternoon, she waited for him by the bike racks, arms crossed tightly over her chest. When Alex finally appeared, she stepped directly into his path.

"Okay, what's going on?" she demanded.

Alex frowned, adjusting his backpack like he couldn't wait to leave. "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Mia shot back. "You've been weird ever since I started hanging out with Ethan."

"Oh, so this is about him now?" Alex snapped. "I didn't realize I had to make an appointment just to talk to you."

"That's not fair!" Mia's voice rose. "You're the one who's been ignoring me!"

Alex laughed bitterly. "Maybe it's easier that way."

Mia blinked. "Easier for who?"

"For me," Alex muttered, his voice quieter now.

Mia's frustration softened into confusion. "Alex... why?"

But he just shook his head and turned away.

Mia stood there, watching him go, feeling like she was losing her best friend - and she had no idea why.