The car rolled to a smooth stop outside the apartment.
Luca cut the engine and leaned back, just for a moment, letting the quiet sink in.
The city buzzed faintly beyond the glass, but inside the car, it was calm. Warm. Waiting.
"After you," Luca said, opening the door with a small flourish.
Noel stepped out, graceful and effortless, and Luca followed.
Together they moved through the familiar lobby, up the elevator, and down the quiet hallway to their apartment.
As soon as the door swung open, the cat appeared—tail high, running straight toward Noel.
Noel bent down, laughing softly, fingers stroking the fur. "Did you miss me?"
The cat leapt into his arms, pressing paws lightly against Noel's chest like it had been waiting all week for this exact moment.
Noel chuckled, holding him gently.
Luca crossed his arms, a playful frown tugging at his face. "Hey! I didn't get a hug first. You're trying to steal it, huh?"
