Chapter 26: Trust, Maybe
Noel slung his bag over one shoulder, halfway through the door when a voice cut through the scrape of chairs.
"Noel!"
He paused mid-step, turning his head. Emily stood a few paces away with George beside her, both looking curious. Emily took a step closer.
"Hey—sorry, just quick—do you know if Luca’s coming to class today?" she asked, casually adjusting her strap.
Noel blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... I’m not sure. He didn’t say anything."
George leaned in slightly, smirking. "Saw him hanging around Kian yesterday. Figured maybe he got... distracted."
Emily shot George a look. "Don’t be annoying."
Noel gave a small, polite shrug, eyes calm but unreadable. "He has his own pace," he said. "If he shows up, he shows up."
Emily laughed softly. "True. Just asking because he didn’t show up today. We haven’t heard a thing."
"I’ll let him know you’re looking for him," Noel replied simply, already turning.
Emily nodded. "Thanks. Sorry to bother—see you around."