Chapter 103: The Shape of Peace
The warm sun filtered through tall campus trees arched over the trail like a canopy.
The path curved gently along the edge of the small lake, where the water shimmered and ducks floated lazily.
Luca and Noel walked side by side, not in any hurry, their steps syncing up without even trying.
Luca had his hands in his pockets, eyes flicking now and then to the sky above. "Feels like the kind of day you’d see in a brochure," he muttered.
Noel glanced sideways. "You thinking of becoming a travel agent now?"
"I mean, if business crashes, maybe," Luca replied with a grin. "Or I’ll sell motivational mugs."
Noel snorted. "Please don’t."
They passed a bench under an overgrown tree, its branches dipping so low the leaves brushed Luca’s hair.
He ducked slightly, shaking them off, then nudged Noel with his elbow.
"You’re quiet."
Noel shrugged. "Just... thinking."
"About?"