The hiss of water faded, leaving silence in its place.
A moment later, the bathroom door creaked open, and a ribbon of steam slipped into the room—soft, warm, and out of place in the cold tension waiting beyond it.
Luca stepped out, towel around his waist, another in hand as he dried his hair. His skin still glistened faintly, damp from the shower. He stopped when he saw Noel.
"You're back," he said, voice quiet, unsure.
Noel didn't look up.
He just gave a small nod, eyes fixed on his laptop screen. His fingers hovered above the keyboard—but they didn't move. No words. No work.
Just silence.
Luca stood there, towel hanging loosely in his hand, uncertain.
Then Noel spoke, still not looking at him. "Are you heading somewhere?"
Luca blinked. "No." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Wasn't planning to."
Something in his voice tried to sound casual, but even he could hear the hesitation in it.
