Lily and Jake gathered around me in the cozy corner of the canteen. They listened intently as I recounted the recent events, from my budding feelings for Jose to the surprising bond I had developed with Nicolo, and the unexpected fight between the two.
 
Lily was the first to break the silence. "Arya, I'm so sorry we weren't there when all of this was happening," she said, genuine concern in her eyes.
 
Jake nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've been swamped with our thesis work, but that's no excuse for not being there for you."
 
I smiled warmly at them, appreciating their concern. "Don't worry, guys. I understand you had your hands full. I'm just glad to have you here now."
 
Our conversation continued, and it felt good to have their support and understanding. We laughed about the times we'd spent together and caught up on each other's lives. It was a comforting reminder of the friendships I held dear.
 
As Mia rushed in, her face flushed and her breath uneven, she immediately spotted me and the group. She didn't waste a moment, her words tumbling out in her haste.
 
"Arya, what's happening?" Mia asked urgently, her eyes wide and worried.
 
I exchanged quick glances with my friends before turning my full attention to Mia. Concerned, I replied, "What do you mean? What's going on?"
 
Mia took a few deep breaths to steady herself before finally sharing what had her so worked up. Her words hit me like a shockwave, making my heart race.
 
"Jose and Nicolo are fighting in the gym. Right now!"
 
My heart skipped a beat, and my eyes widened as the words settled in. I had no idea what was happening, and I couldn't comprehend why they would be fighting. Without wasting a second, I jumped up and sprinted toward the gym, my friends following closely behind.
 
As we reached the gym, we encountered a crowd of onlookers blocking the entrance. Determined, I pushed my way through, ignoring the bewildered protests of the people I shoved aside. What I saw inside made my heart sink.
 
"Nicolo!" I called out, my voice filled with worry and urgency.
 
Nicolo's gaze shifted to me, his eyes momentarily softening as he heard his name. But the tension between him and Jose was far from over. Just as I was about to rush forward, Jose retaliated, his fist connecting with Nicolo's face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
 
I gasped, torn between helping Nicolo and trying to defuse the situation. Betty stepped in, holding Jose back, but his frustration and anger were palpable. The gym had become a battlefield of emotions, and I felt overwhelmed by the escalating conflict.
 
I rushed over to Nicolo, kneeling beside him in concern as I asked, "Nicolo, are you okay?"
 
He winced as he wiped the blood from his lip and muttered, "I feel kind of dizzy."
 
I shot a worried glance at him, then noticed Jose's glare burning into my back. The tension in the gym was still thick enough to cut with a knife.
 
My focus remained on Nicolo, and I reassured him quietly, "I'm here, Nicolo, don't worry."
 
Despite Jose's infuriated question, "Nicolo?! Really, Arya?!" I was determined to make sure Nicolo was alright.
 
I helped Nicolo stand and supported him. It was clear that he had hit his head during the altercation, and I wanted to make sure he was okay. As we left the gym, I didn't look back at Jose or utter a word.
 
As I continued to tend to Nicolo's wounds, his question about why I was taking care of him instead of being with Jose hung in the air, creating a palpable tension in the room.
 
I couldn't help but sigh softly as I glanced at him. "Nicolo, you're my friend too," I replied, my voice gentle but firm. "I can't just ignore you when you're hurt, regardless of everything else."
 
Nicolo met my gaze, and there was a warmth in his eyes that I couldn't ignore. It was as if he wanted to say something more, but for the moment, he remained silent, allowing me to continue caring for his wounds. I couldn't help but roll my eyes in exasperation. "Isn't it okay for me to care for my friend?" I retorted; my irritation palpable.
 
Nicolo's cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn't respond, allowing the silence to settle between us once more. I concentrated on my task, my hands deftly working to clean and dress his injuries. After a moment, I couldn't help but ask, "Feeling any better now? Dizziness gone?"
 
Nicolo shook his head, indicating that the dizziness had subsided. A small smile crept onto my lips as I said, "I'm really glad it wasn't anything too serious."
 
Nicolo stared at me in a somewhat awed silence, his eyes fixed on my face as I smiled while tending to him.