My phone lit up on the nightstand. Sophia’s text from last night stared back at me.
*Still think it’s nothing? Sharma disappearing feels off.*
I read it again, guilt twisting in my gut. She had no idea how right she was. I typed a quick reply—*Maybe. We’ll figure it out*—then deleted it. Better not to feed her suspicions. I tossed the phone aside and got ready for school, already dreading another day of playing both sides.
The morning dragged. I kept my head down in classes, avoiding eye contact with Sophia when our paths crossed. But at lunch she found me anyway, sliding into the seat across from me with Riya right behind her.
“You didn’t reply,” Sophia said, half-teasing, half-serious. “Come on, Luca. Sharma vanishing right after we get his name? That’s not normal.”
Riya nodded, pul
