Alisha winced as she agreed, unsure why she had even acquiesced. Breaking promises wasn't her style.

But when Nishi mentioned it was within the college radius, Alisha rationalized she wasn't truly breaking her word. It fell within the confines of the college, so it shouldn't count as breaking a promise, at least in her mind.

"Great, let's go," Nishi said, taking Alisha's hand as they strolled out of the college.

Alisha's laughter bubbled up, the sensation of having a friend was indescribable. ...