The apartment welcomed them with a warm quiet as soon as the door clicked shut.
No city noise, no gym sounds—just the familiar, soothing stillness of home.
Noel kicked off his sneakers first, stretching his arms overhead as if he were leaving the outside world behind.
Luca followed suit, taking off his shoes slowly while watching him.
"You're smiling," Noel said, turning his head.
"I'm relieved," Luca replied.
"Same thing."
"It's not."
Noel smiled. "It is when it's you."
Luca didn't argue. Instead, he stepped closer, his fingers brushing the hem of Noel's shirt, checking that he was real and safe in their space again.
Noel's voice softened. "Shower?"
Luca blinked. "Now?"
Noel tilted his head, pretending to think. "Unless you want to bring Sunday street dust into our apartment."
Luca let out a quiet laugh. "Fine."
Noel's eyes sparkled. "Together."
That wasn't a question.
Luca's expression shifted to something warm and amused.
"Bossy," he murmured.
