Zayra and Zain sat side by side in class, but this time, they didn’t look at each other or say a word. The silence between them was thick and tense, a reminder of their argument. Usually, they shared a sense of comfort, but now, an awkward distance hung in the air, making the space between them feel bigger than ever.

Back at home, Zain sat at his study desk, attempting to focus on his notes for the upcoming finals. But as he reached for his bag, his fingers brushed against something unexpected—Zayra’s gift. Pulling it out, he felt a twinge of curiosity and excitement. Slowly, he opened the wrapping, revealing an expensive Rolex watch. His eyes widened with surprise.

Attached was a small note. Zain read it carefully: “Just as the watch keeps moving forward, I hope our friendship keeps growing with time.”

A soft smile touched Zain’s lips as he held the watch, imagining how much Zayra must have saved just to get him something this special.

Gently, he slid the watch onto his wrist, feeling the weight of it—and of their bond. It was more than just a gift; it was a reminder of her, of them. Looking down at it, Zain made a quiet promise to treasure it… and to make things right with Zayra, no matter what.

As Zayra walked into the house, she wasn't prepared for what was waiting for her. She spotted her father, Mr. Astor, sitting on the couch, looking unusually thoughtful.

"Welcome back from school, Zayra," he greeted her warmly. "How was your day?"

Zayra gave a tired sigh. "Ahh, Dad, don’t even ask. Today was exhausting."

Mr. Astor chuckled lightly but soon grew serious. “Zayra, there’s something I need to tell you. I know it might be bit difficult since you’ve made good friends here".

Zayra’s eyes narrowed, filled  with curiosity.  As She sensed something important was coming. “Go on, Dad,” she said, tilting her head. “What is it? Don’t hold back—just tell me.”

Her heart beat a little faster, wondering what he might say.

Mr. Astor took a deep breath, his expression heavy with a mix of guilt and regret. "Zayra, I know you've had to change schools so many times because of my job, always adapting without complaint. But... this time, I realize it's different. You've made real friends here, and I can see how much it means to you."

Zayra’s heart began to race, a cold weight settling in her chest. "Dad... does this mean we're leaving Milan?" Her voice cracked slightly as she asked, her worst fear coming to life. "Are we moving again? Another transfer... another case?"

Mr. Astor’s face softened with sadness, but his words were firm. "Yes, Zayra... I’ve been assigned to a new case in another city. We’re moving from Milan."

Zayra’s voice trembled as she tried to hold back her frustration. “But Dad, what about my school? I’m writing my final exams in three weeks! Can’t I stay with Aunt Adeline until you come back? I really like it here—I don’t want to leave!”

Her father’s face softened, but there was a firmness in his tone. “Zayra, your Aunt Adeline already has Arish to look after. And we’ll leave after you finish your exams. I’ve already spoken to your school, everything is arranged.”

Zayra shook her head, her stubbornness growing. “But Dad, I don’t want to leave! I’ve finally started to feel at home here. With my friends, with everything…” Her voice cracked, but she refused to back down. “I don’t want to go anywhere. Please don’t make me leave!”

Mr. Astor sighed, a sense of exhaustion in his eyes. "Zayra, don’t be like this. Please, try to understand,” he said, his gaze filled with concern. “It’s not safe for you to stay here alone. This case… it’s high profile. I'm working with the government to bring down a powerful crime syndicate. We’ve been tracking them for months, and it’s starting to get dangerous. They’ve threatened my colleagues, and I’m not going to let you be a part of that. For your safety, it’s best if we leave."

Zayra’s anger subsided for a moment, replaced by confusion. “A crime syndicate? Are you talking about the one that’s been linked to all those recent high-profile cases? The mafia?”

Her father nodded grimly. “Yes. The one. They’re more dangerous than anyone realizes. If we’re going to stop them, we need to act fast. And that means I have to leave now.”

Zayra shook her head, the reality of it all setting in. The weight of her father’s words was suffocating, but more than anything, it made her feel helpless. How could she leave when everything she cared about was here?

“I understand you don’t want to leave,” Mr. Astor added, his voice softening. “But this is something I have to do, and I have to do it for you—so you can stay safe.”

Zayra paused, her heart heavy as she processed her father’s words. Though she didn’t want to leave, she knew he was doing this for her safety. With a deep sigh, she nodded. “I understand, Dad. I know you’re doing this for me.”

And with that, she went to her room, the weight of it all settling in her chest.

In her room, Zayra lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind replayed everything that had happened. What a bad day, she thought. First, I had that argument with Zain, and now this transfer thing...

She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of it all. I’m so tired.

Zayra lay on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as her heart felt heavier with each passing thought. Leave Milan? Leave him? She tried to imagine it—walking through school halls without him there, no Zain to make her laugh or challenge her with that half-smile of his that only she seemed to understand.

No matter how complicated their friendship was, Zain had become irreplaceable.  The thought of moving, of his laugh fading into memory, felt like leaving a part of herself behind.

How do I leave him behind? she thought, a tear slipping down her cheek. The idea of moving away, of waking up in a new city where his laugh, his presence, were only memories—felt like leaving a piece of her own heart.

In that quiet moment, she admitted it to herself: I don’t want to lose him. I don’t want to say goodbye. The thought of a future without him beside her felt empty in a way that made her want to hold on, to fight against leaving, even if it was beyond her control.

And it wasn’t just Zain—she didn’t want to leave Lily and Eva, either. Her friends were her world here, each of them filling her days with laughter, with a sense of belonging she had only just found. Leaving them all behind felt like tearing away from a life she had finally started to love.