By the time they made their way back to the dorm, the sky had shifted deeper — navy turning black, stars stitched quietly above.
The lamps lining the path flickered gently as if blinking sleepily, and the windows of the dorm building glowed like warm squares of light against the dark.
Their hands stayed linked the entire walk back. Neither spoke much — they didn't need to. Everything that mattered had already been said.
Luca opened the door first, stepping aside so Noel could enter.
Inside, the room was exactly as they'd left it — slightly messy, beds still unmade, a hoodie thrown across a chair, and the lingering scent of something soft and warm from earlier.
Noel toed off his shoes, moving to his side of the room, fingers brushing over his blanket as he sat on the edge of the bed.
Luca watched him for a second longer before moving toward the window, cracking it open just a little — letting in the quiet night air.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
