The city evening carried a mellow hum—a distant, steady rush of traffic, a street vendor's lone call fading around a corner, the rich, smoky scent of roasted corn drifting on a cool breeze.
Their shopping bags swung lightly with each step, the plastic handles creaking a soft rhythm in their grip.
"You know," Luca said after a comfortable silence, shifting the bags to one hand, "if we had taken a cab, we'd already be on the couch by now."
Noel gave him a sidelong look, the golden hour light catching the faint amusement in his eyes. "You were the one insisting on walking."
"Yeah, but you suggested it first. I just didn't want you to think I'm lazy." Luca smirked, the tilt of his head daring Noel to challenge him.
Noel's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "You don't need to work that hard to prove it. I've already noticed."
Luca nearly missed a step on the smooth pavement. "Noticed what?"
