Friday, January 15th

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Ava sat on a bench in the park, enjoying the warm sun on her face and the sound of the birds chirping. She took a deep breath, feeling the stress of the week slowly melt away.

"Hey, Ava," a voice called out.

Ava turned to see Max approaching, a guitar slung over his shoulder. He wore a casual button-up shirt and jeans, his dark hair tousled by the wind. "Thought I'd bring my guitar and practice a bit."

Ava nodded, admiring the instrument. "I've always wanted to learn how to play."

"I could teach you," Max offered, grinning.

Ava felt a flutter in her chest at the thought of spending more time with him. She had to remind herself that winning the scholarship was her top priority, but it was hard to resist Max's charm.

They chatted for a while, with Max strumming his guitar and Ava listening attentively. She couldn't help but notice how his fingers moved gracefully over the strings.

"You know," Max said, putting his guitar aside. "I've been thinking about that scholarship you told me about. It sounds like a great opportunity."

Ava nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. "It is. I'm going to do everything in my power to win it."

Max smiled. "I believe you will. You're really talented, Ava."

Ava felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. "Thanks, Max. That means a lot coming from you."

They settled into a quiet and relaxed afternoon sat on the bench in the park, the sun setting in the distance casting a warm orange glow across the grass. Max was strumming a few chords while Ava sketched people walking past them.

"It's too bad Jack couldn't make it today," Ava said, breaking the silence.

Max stopped playing for a moment and looked at Ava. "Yeah, he's going through a tough time right now."

Ava looked at Max quizzically. "What do you mean?"

Max hesitated for a moment before answering. "His parents are getting a divorce. He's been pretty upset about it."

Ava felt a pang of sadness for Jack. She couldn't imagine what it must be like to go through something like that. "That's terrible. Is there anything we can do to help?"

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Max shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe just be there for him if he needs someone to talk to."

Ava nodded, and they sat in silence for a few minutes. Max began playing his guitar again, this time a slow and melancholy tune. Ava listened, lost in thought.

After a while, Max set his guitar down and turned to Ava. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Ava looked at him, wondering what he was going to say. "Sure, what is it?"

Max hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know we've only known each other for a little while, but I feel like we have a connection, you know? And I was wondering if maybe you'd want to go on a date with me sometime?"

Ava felt a rush of emotions. She liked Max, but she didn't want to ruin their friendship or jeopardize their chances of winning the scholarship. "Max, I...I don't know what to say."

Max looked at her, his expression hopeful. "Just think about it, okay? And let me know."

Ava nodded, and they sat in silence for a few minutes more before saying goodbye and heading home. As she walked, Ava couldn't stop thinking about Max's question. She wanted to say yes, but she also wanted to focus on the scholarship and her friendship with Jack and Sophie. It was all so complicated, and Ava wasn't sure what to do.

As Ava walks home from the park, her mind is racing with thoughts of Max and their conversation. She can't believe he asked her out on a date, and part of her is excited at the prospect of getting closer to him. But another part of her can't help but wonder how Sophie will react.

Feeling conflicted, Ava pulls out her phone and texts Sophie.

Ava: Hey, can we talk?

Sophie responds almost immediately.

Sophie: Sure, what's up?

Ava takes a deep breath and types out her response.

Ava: So, Max asked me out on a date.

There's a pause, and Ava can almost feel Sophie's confusion and maybe even a hint of jealousy.

Sophie: Oh. I mean, that's great, right?

Ava can tell that Sophie is trying to be supportive, but something about her response doesn't feel genuine.

Ava: Yeah, I guess so. I just don't want to mess anything up between us.

Sophie: What do you mean?

Ava takes a moment to think about how to explain what she's feeling.

Ava: I don't know, it's just that we've become such good friends, and I don't want anything to change that.

Sophie: I get it. But you should go for it if you want to. Don't let me hold you back.

Ava can tell that Sophie is being sincere, but she can't shake the feeling that something is off. She decides to change the subject.

Ava: How was your day?

Sophie: It was good. I went to the library and did some research for my history project.

Ava: That sounds boring.

Sophie laughs. "It was actually pretty interesting. Did you do anything fun?"

Ava hesitates for a moment before deciding to be honest. "I hung out with Max in the park for a little bit."

Sophie's response is measured. "That's cool. What did you guys talk about?"

Ava shrugs. "Just random stuff. He brought his guitar and played a few songs for me."

Sophie's tone is neutral. "That sounds nice."

Ava can't help but feel like Sophie is holding something back, but she doesn't want to push the issue. She decides to end the conversation.

Ava: I'm going to get some homework done. Talk to you later?

Sophie: Yeah, definitely. Good luck with your homework.

Ava puts her phone away and continues walking home. She can't help but feel like there's something she's missing.