Sophia watched her friend’s performance, recognizing it for what it was - a chess player desperately developing their pieces, each achievement another pawn pushed forward. The more Juniper felt threatened, the more she advanced, not seeing how the strategy left gaps in her defense.

“When I see the DOJ again,” Sophia interjected thoughtfully, cutting through the stream of accolades, “I’m going to tell them nothing at all about myself.” She let the statement hang there, watching how Juniper’s rapid-fire confidence faltered for just a moment.

“In life, Juni, nobody needs to know anything about you. Like, nothing… like maybe only your mom,” Sophia continued, her voice gentle but firm. “Even if it’s good… everything can be used against you.”

Juniper glanced over, her brow furrowed. “You mean like in court… or poker?”

The unexpected insight made Sophia laugh with genuine delight. “Actually, that’s exactly the example I was going to use. Very good.”

“Where do you come up with all this stuff?” Juniper asked, genuine curiosity coloring her voice.