The next morning, Scarlett woke up to the sound of her alarm clock, signaling the start of another day. As she groggily rubbed her eyes, the events of the previous night still lingered in her mind. She took a deep breath, determined to push aside her swirling emotions and focus on the day ahead.

Rising from her bed, Scarlett went through her morning routine with robotic precision. She chose a simple yet elegant outfit, carefully putting it on to present herself confidently at the university. With each step she took, she tried to steady herself, channeling her energy into her studies.

As Scarlett made her way to the university campus, she couldn't help but notice the familiar faces of her friends in the bustling crowd. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she walked towards them. Evan, Reina, Ryan, and Marina were already gathered, chatting animatedly and sharing laughs.

Reina was the first to spot Scarlett approaching. She beamed and greeted her friend with a teasing tone. "Well, well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence! The finance queen has arrived!" she exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Scarlett grinned at Reina's remark, knowing her friend loved to play up her reputation as the finance whiz. "Yes, my dear subjects, I have descended from my financial throne to join you, mere mortals," she replied with mock grandeur, causing the group to burst into laughter.

Ryan playfully nudged Scarlett's shoulder. "You know, Scarlett, we should hire you as our personal financial advisor. Maybe then we'll finally figure out how to make our meager student budgets stretch further," he joked, earning nods from the rest of the group.

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, adopting a faux-serious expression. "Oh, consider it done, Ryan. From now on, I'll provide personalized finance consultations at the cost of a pizza slice per session. Limited time offer, of course," she quipped, earning a round of exaggerated applause from her friends.

Marina leaned in closer. "So, Scarlett, any exciting business conquests on the horizon?"

Scarlett's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she shared her latest project. "Well, my friend, prepare to be dazzled. I'm currently working on a research paper exploring the impact of digital currencies on global financial markets!" she exclaimed, her passion for her studies evident in her voice.

Evan nodded, impressed. "That sounds fascinating, Scarlett. You really are a genius!

Scarlett's smiled mischievously. "Yep, that's me!"

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With their classes for the day completed Scarlett, Evan, Reina, Ryan, and Marina found themselves with a free afternoon. The prospect of enjoying a leisurely lunch together at a nearby café seemed too tempting to resist.

Reina, always the one with an appetite, exclaimed, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving! Who's up for a delicious meal to celebrate our academic triumphs?"

The group nodded in agreement. They made their way to the vibrant café just a short walk from the university.

As they entered the café, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of delectable treats showcased on the display counter greeted them. They found a cozy corner table, settling in and perusing the menu, their eyes lighting up with anticipation.

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Evan scanned the menu and raised an eyebrow. "I think I'll go for the hearty burger with all the fixings. It's the perfect fuel after a long day of intellectual challenges," he declared with a grin.

Reina, known for her love of culinary adventures, chimed in, "Well, I'm feeling adventurous today. I'm going to try the exotic-sounding curry bowl. I love spicy flavors!"

Ryan, couldn't resist teasing. "Reina, remember, the spicier the dish, the sharper the mind. Maybe that curry will unlock the hidden genius within you!" he joked, earning laughter from the group.

Scarlett, with a smile playing on her lips, decided on a comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. "Ah, the classics never disappoint," she remarked, her gaze drifting out of the window as she pondered the events of the day.

Marina, the eternal food lover, looked at the menu with wide-eyed enthusiasm. "I'm torn between the fresh salad with roasted vegetables or the mouthwatering pasta dish. What do you guys think?" she asked, seeking input from her friends.

Ryan, quipped, "Why not go for both, Marina? It's all about balance, right? A little bit of healthy and a little bit of indulgence."

The group burst into laughter, appreciating Ryan's playful spirit. Marina decided to take his advice, ordering a plate of vibrant salad and a small portion of the irresistible pasta.

As they awaited their meals, Reina, couldn't resist bringing up the topic of Noah. "So, Scarlett, any updates on when our globetrotting friend (Noah) will grace us with his presence? I'm starting to think he's found an Italian beauty and decided to never come back!" she exclaimed, winking mischievously at the group.

Scarlett chuckled, playing along with the jest. "you might be onto something there, Reina! Perhaps he's been swept off his feet by a charming Italian signorina, and they're living a life of pasta and amore," she replied, raising an eyebrow in mock speculation.

Evan grinned mischievously. "Knowing Noah, he probably met an Italian supermodel who moonlights as a secret agent. They're off saving the world while we're here crunching numbers and writing papers!"

Laughter erupted around the table as they continued to concoct wild and humorous scenarios about Noah's hypothetical romantic escapades in Italy.

Ryan, added "I bet Noah's found the legendary fountain of youth in Italy. That's why he's not coming back! He's too busy enjoying eternal youth and sipping espressos by the Colosseum."

Marina, ever the optimist, "Well, if Noah brings back an Italian beauty, we might need to take some lessons from her. Imagine the level of style and charm she'd bring to our group!"

"Well, my dear friends, it seems I have some news for you," Scarlett said, feigning seriousness. "Noah has indeed found an Italian beauty who cooks the most delicious pizza you can imagine. And guess what? He's actually or maybe bringing her back with him!"

The table fell silent for a brief moment as everyone processed Scarlett's words. Then, Reina's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "No way! You're pulling our legs, right?"

Scarlett chuckled and shook her head. "if only I were joking! But it's true. Noah recently told me all about her and how she has this magical ability to turn a simple plate of pasta into a culinary masterpiece."

Evan leaned in, a mix of excitement and disbelief on his face. "Are you telling us that we'll soon have an authentic Italian chef in our midst? That's incredible!"

Scarlett nodded. "That's right! Our group gatherings will be taken to a whole new level of gastronomic delight. Get ready for the most incredible lasagna, mouthwatering carbonara, and delectable tiramisu you've ever tasted!"

Ryan leaned back in his chair, grinning. "I can't even begin to imagine the food coma we'll all be in after indulging in her culinary creations. It sounds like Noah has struck gold!"

Marina's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I'm already dreaming of the aromatic flavors and the rich textures of authentic Italian cuisine. This is going to be epic!"

As they continued to discuss the exciting prospect of having an Italian chef in their group, Scarlett couldn't help but feel a pang of bittersweetness. Though her words were sarcastic, she secretly longed for Noah's return, even if it meant he had found someone else to share his life with.

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