The campus tour had left both Jonathan and Justin feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. Jonathan, ever the extrovert, was quick to shake off the tiredness. "Man, I'm starving," he said, rubbing his stomach. "You coming with me? I know a spot nearby."
Justin, who had barely gotten to explore the campus earlier, didn't hesitate. "Sure, lead the way."
They walked briskly across the tree-lined streets, the cool afternoon breeze rustling leaves and making the day feel fresh and calm. Just a few blocks from campus stood Amor Restaurant a cozy, vintage-style bistro that had quickly become popular among university students for its casual vibe and delicious menu.
The restaurant's large glass windows showcased a warm interior. Flickering fairy lights hung above wooden tables, and the walls were adorned with local artwork. Jonathan pushed the door open, setting off a small chime, and the comforting scent of fresh herbs and baked bread greeted them immediately.
Justin chewed thoughtfully. "It's a lot. I mean, I'm still getting used to everything, but it feels... right, you know? Like this is where I'm supposed to be."
Jonathan grinned. "Yeah! It's crazy how fast things change, but you just gotta roll with it."
They talked about their hopes, fears, and the memories they left behind. Jonathan shared stories about his outgoing nature back home, the parties, the music, while Justin opened up about missing his parents and the weight of expectations.
Their conversation drifted to classes, campus events, and the strange mix of nerves and excitement that filled every freshman's heart.
Across the room, Kathy and Isabella wrapped up their chat. Kathy checked her watch. "We should probably head back soon. Big day tomorrow with that campus tour."
Isabella nodded, gathering her things. "Yeah, can't believe how fast time flies."
They stood, paid their bill to Maya, who smiled warmly at them, and stepped out into the afternoon sunlight, their laughter fading as they walked away.
Kathy and Isabella stepped out of the restaurant after paying their bill, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the sidewalk. They began walking, chatting about their day, but it wasn't long before Isabella suddenly stopped, a look of panic crossing her face.
"Wait… my phone," she muttered, patting down her pockets and then scrambling through her bag with growing urgency.
Kathy slowed down, glancing at her friend. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Isabella barely answered, too busy digging through her purse, tossing out receipts and small items in the process. Her fingers frantically searched every corner of the bag, but the phone was nowhere to be found.
Both of them were now standing awkwardly in the middle of the sidewalk, blocking passersby as Isabella frantically looked around, her anxiety making her movements more erratic.
"Bella, seriously, what's going on? Did you lose something?" Kathy asked, tugging gently at her friend's arm.
Isabella's voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "It's my phone. Shit… I think I left it at the restaurant."
Kathy's eyes widened. "What? Should I go get it?"
Isabella nodded without looking up. "Let's go together."
"No, you wait here. If we both go back, it'll take longer. I'll run and be back in a few minutes," Kathy decided firmly, already moving toward the alleyway nearby.
Isabella gave a weak smile and nodded, watching as Kathy disappeared down the block towards Amor Restaurant.
As Kathy rushed into Amor Restaurant, her eyes darted around the space, scanning each table and chair where she and Isabella had been just minutes ago. The cozy scent of pastries and soft music playing in the background was now completely lost on her, her only focus was finding Bella's phone.
Earlier, just before Kathy came in, Justin had stood up to wash his hands. As he passed by the table where the two girls had sat, something shiny caught his eye. It was a phone neatly tucked between the napkin holder and the edge of the table.
He picked it up and glanced at the lock screen. A picture of two smiling girls filled the display.
"Probably belongs to one of those girls who were here before," he muttered to himself and took it back to the table with him.
A few minutes later, Kathy came rushing in, visibly flustered. She immediately approached Maya.
"Hi sorry, did you see a phone around here? My friend might've left it."
Maya shook her head. "No, sorry. Maybe check around."
Kathy turned around and was about to head toward the counter her and bella sat earlier, John sighted her and whispered to Justin, "Hey… you think she's looking for that phone you picked up?"
Justin looked at her again, realization dawning. "Yeah, probably."
He got up and walked over to her.
"Hey," he called out.
Kathy turned toward him, eyebrows raised.
"Were you looking for this?" Justin asked, holding out the phone.
Kathy's face lit up in instant relief. "Oh my God, yes! Thank you so much!"
"I found it when I went to wash my hands. It was by your table," Justin explained with a small smile.
"You're a literal lifesaver," Kathy said, clutching the phone gratefully. "Thanks again!"
"No problem," he replied coolly before heading back to his seat.
Kathy didn't waste a second. She turned and hurried out of the restaurant, heading straight back to Isabella, who was still standing near the alley, eyes wide with worry.
"Did you find it?" Isabella called out the second she saw her.
Kathy slowed her steps and wore a dramatically disappointed expression. "No, Bella… it's gone. I couldn't find it, and even the staff hadn't seen it."
Isabella gasped, panic rushing through her. "What?! No way—my phone is gone?!"
She dropped her purse to the ground and slowly sat down, overwhelmed. "Oh my God… no. My life is in that phone."
Just as the tears began to brim in her eyes, Kathy cracked up laughing, and without a word, held the phone out in front of her.
"Bella… your phone is safe," she grinned, still laughing.
Isabella looked up in shock, then disbelief, then groaned loudly. "KATHY! Are you freaking kidding me?!"
Kathy burst into full-blown laughter, slapping her knee. "You should've seen your face!"
"I hate you so much right now," Isabella muttered, standing up and snatching her phone. But a smile tugged at her lips.
"You love me and you know it," Kathy teased. "Let's go before you pass out from the drama."
"I swear, one day your jokes will be the death of me," Isabella said as they began walking.
Still laughing, Kathy slung her arm around Bella's shoulder. "At least you got your phone back."
They strolled off, the moment already becoming another funny memory between them.