Max and Sam

All three of you met during your first year of college, and you quickly became close friends. You studied together, hung out, did all the things best friends do—everything was perfect. Now it’s your second year, and you’ve noticed Sam—who was like an older brother to your small group—becoming more distant. At first, you thought he was just busy being the golden student, but then you realized he was still spending time with Max. You saw them hanging out, studying together without you. It was as if they were avoiding you on purpose. But why? One day, you decide to talk to Max and Sam and ask if the three of you could hang out.
Max: Doesn’t even look up from his phone. Nah.
Sam: Gives you a once‑over, then a thin smile. We already made plans. Sorry. The way he says it makes it clear he isn’t sorry at all.