Just a moment later, Alex walked up, his bag slung carelessly over one shoulder, hair slightly tousled and shirt half-untucked like he'd just survived a war.
"God," he groaned, dropping onto the bench beside Lina. "If I have to explain the difference between a citation and a footnote one more time, I might actually combust."
Lina blinked at him, amused. "Rough session?"
"Torture," Alex said, eyes closing as he leaned back. "Literal, academic torture. New students are wild. One asked me if 'Wikipedia' counted as a scholarly source. I cried on the inside."
Noel laughed. "You love it."
Alex cracked one eye open. "I tolerate it. For the sake of education and my sanity."
"You sound dramatic," Lina teased, nudging his leg lightly with hers.
"I am dramatic. That's part of my charm," Alex replied without missing a beat. "What'd I miss here? You two looked serious when I walked up."
Lina coughed. "Nothing."
Noel shrugged. "Just talking."
Alex raised a brow, suspicious, but didn't press. "Well, good. Let's all pretend today isn't slowly draining the life from us."
"You're so optimistic," Noel deadpanned.
Alex grinned. "I try."
Lina tucked her hair behind her ear, watching Alex with a small smile. "So… what's next for the rest of your day, oh wise mentor of lost freshmen?"
Alex groaned dramatically. "Another study session in the library. Then maybe… maybe I'll reward myself with bubble tea and a nap."
"That sounds sad," Noel said, deadpan.
"That sounds like adulthood," Alex corrected, sitting up. "You'll understand when you start mentoring and carrying the weight of the future generation on your shoulders."
Lina laughed. "Right, the freshmen who don't know what a thesis statement is?"
"Exactly," he said with mock pain. "But I must go where I'm needed."
"You're so brave," Noel teased.
Alex gave a solemn nod. "I know. And humble, too."
Lina grinned but then glanced at her watch. "I should get going. I promised to help out at the art club today."
Alex stood as well. "Then I'll walk with you partway."
Noel stayed seated a beat longer before finally rising. "Guess I'll head to the dorm and pretend to be productive."
Alex shot him a smirk. "Tell Luca I said hi."
Noel paused, then gave a neutral nod. "Sure."
As they split off at the corner, laughter still echoing behind him, Noel felt a weight settle just beneath his ribs—quiet, shapeless, but hard to shake.
As Noel stepped into the dorm, shutting the door behind him, he barely had time to drop his bag when Luca appeared from the hallway, already slipping his phone into his back pocket.
"There you are," Luca said, approaching casually. "Come eat with me."
"You look half-dead. Let's eat before you collapse on the floor dramatically."
Noel blinked, surprised. "I was just going to—"
"Say no?" Luca tilted his head, a teasing lilt in his voice.
Noel opened his mouth to reply.
"Don't say study," Luca cut in, tilting his head. "Or nap. Or that you already ate. I checked the fridge, there's nothing in there but sad lettuce and a single yogurt."
"I'm really not—" Noel began, but right on cue, his stomach growled—loudly.
Luca raised both brows, then broke into a grin. "Well, that answers that."
Noel looked away, slightly flushed. "That was betrayal."
"I guess you don't have any more excuses, do you?" Luca smirked, reaching for the door. "Come on. I'll even let you pick where."
Noel hesitated, He should've said no. But something in Luca's tone, playful but pressing, made him nod. "Fine."
But I'm not paying if you choose anything ridiculously overpriced."
"Deal," Luca said, already pulling the door open. "Let's feed that dramatic stomach of yours."
Noel sighed, defeated, rubbing his temple. "That was rude of my stomach."
"Your stomach has better instincts than your mouth," Luca smirked, already reaching for his keys. "Come on, let's move."
And before Noel could think twice, he was following him out.
They strolled side by side down the street, neon signs flickering to life as the evening deepened. The scent of grilled meat, spices, and baked bread followed them like a trail.
"What about this one?" Luca pointed at a place glowing with orange lights and packed tables.
Noel glanced through the window. "Too crowded."
"Alright." Luca nodded, unfazed. "Next."
They kept walking. The second restaurant had live music spilling into the street.
"This one's nice."
Noel wrinkled his nose. "Too loud. I won't even hear myself chew."
Luca chuckled. "That's the point—so I don't have to listen to you critique my table manners."
They passed another block. "Okay," Luca said, pointing at a quaint little place with dim lighting and only a few customers inside. "Third time's the charm?"
Noel peeked inside. "Hmm… looks too expensive."
Luca rolled his eyes. "You're impossible."
"I'm practical," Noel shot back, hands in his pockets.
"Fine. You pick then," Luca said, stopping in his tracks. "Or else I'm dragging you into the next burger shack we pass, and I won't hear a single complaint."
Noel gave a small laugh under his breath. "Alright, alright. Two more blocks. I think I know a place."
"Finally," Luca muttered playfully, falling into step beside him again. "For someone who nearly passed out from hunger, you're oddly picky."
They stepped into a cozy little spot tucked between a bookstore and a florist—quiet, warm, and pleasantly empty.
The kind of place Noel wouldn't have guessed Luca would like, but here they were.
They placed their orders at the counter—nothing too fancy, just warm rice bowls and tea.
Noel pulled out his wallet, already thumbing through a few bills.
Luca's hand slid in, stopping him. "Hey. My treat."
Noel blinked. "Why?"
Luca shrugged, eyes on the cashier. "Just… take it as thanks. And maybe because… I don't mind sharing time with you."
"For?"
"You helped me with the assignment," Luca said quickly, then added, "And before you start, it's not a bribe or anything, don't overthink it."
Noel narrowed his eyes slightly, but said nothing. He slowly slid his wallet back into his pocket.
"Fine," he murmured.
Luca smirked. "That's the spirit."
They moved to the side to wait for their tray, the air between them light, but not empty.