Some friends were built for one chapter. Thank them for it instead of forcing them into the sequel.

Not every closeness is meant to last, and an ending does not retroactively make it a failure. Circumstance builds friendships as much as character does: the same class, the same shift, the same year of your life. When the circumstance goes, the effort required can exceed what either of you actually wants.

If one has gone quiet, let it be over without a verdict attached. You can remember what it gave you and still not force the next phase. And if you do want it back, say so directly rather than testing whether they reach out first.