The hallway smelled faintly of detergent and rain.
By the time they reached their apartment, the city had quieted to a low hum outside.
As soon as the door unlocked, a small gray blur darted out from the corner.
"Look who's here," Luca said, crouching down as the cat wound between his legs, tail flicking. "Your loyal guard, waiting at the door again."
Noel set his bag down, kneeling to unclip his shoes. "He always does that."
"Yeah," Luca said, pretending to sigh." He got commitment issues too. Keeps coming back."
The cat meowed, sharp and accusing.
"See?" Luca laughed. "He even argues like you."
Noel raised a brow, amused. "He just wants food."
"Don't we all," Luca muttered, trudging toward the couch and dropping his bag with a heavy thud. "God, I'm starving. I might eat your cat."
"You'll starve before he lets you," Noel said, already walking to the kitchen. "Dinner's in the fridge. I made enough last night."
