Chapter 44: The Unexpected -
The night had cooled, the wind brushing gentle across their faces as they walked side by side down the quiet street.
The theater’s glow was far behind now, and campus lights blinked ahead in the distance.
Luca sipped from the bottled water he bought on the way out, his steps unhurried. "Alright, admit it," he said, nudging Noel with his elbow. "You liked it more than you thought."
Noel scoffed lightly, stuffing his hands deeper into his pockets. "It was okay," he replied, but even he knew his voice betrayed more than that.
Luca glanced sideways. "Your heart was racing during that last scene. I could feel the tension from your seat."
Noel gave him a sharp look, half amused, half defensive. "That was just the sound system. The music was loud."
Luca laughed, shaking his head. "Sure, sure. Let’s go with that."
The street was dim, quiet except for the soft hum of distant traffic. Their shadows stretched out under the streetlights, walking beside them in silence.
Noel watched the sidewalk carefully, his gaze drifting to their shoes occasionally — Luca’s untied lace swinging with every step. He didn’t say anything about it. He just... watched.
"You okay?" Luca asked suddenly, voice gentler now. "You’ve been quiet."
Noel looked up, startled for a second. "I’m fine," he replied, too quickly. "Just thinking."