And that's just it. They hardly ever think of how the person they are doing that to is going to feel. If they do, I doubt anyone would be betraying anyone. Leo didn't want to lose the scholarship and wanted something of his own. Something of his own that didn't carry his own sweat. I won't blame Lara for cutting off the friendship. Maybe it would have been understandable if he had consulted her or maybe asked for her help so that she could guide him on how to create something of his own.
This was a beautiful story. Its also sad that their friendship of so long had to end like this. Nicely written