The dorm had settled into a soft, quiet hum — that in-between state where time felt slower, like even the walls had taken a breath.
They were still on the bed.
Sunlight cut diagonally through the blinds, casting golden slats across Luca's bare arm, across Noel's cheekbone as he shifted against the sheets.
For a while, they just lay there — not asleep, not fully talking, just existing. Close enough to feel one another breathe.
But eventually, Noel stirred.
He sat up slowly, brushing a hand through his hair, and reached for his laptop on the desk. "I've got one assignment I didn't finish," he murmured, voice still husky with sleep. "Might as well knock it out while I'm motivated."
Luca just made a soft sound of acknowledgment and rolled onto his back, phone in hand.
Noel padded over to his chair, pulling it out carefully before settling in. The keys clacked lightly, his concentration focused but relaxed, like the calm after a storm.
