The mall buzzed with a rhythm all its own—a symphony of clicking heels on polished tiles, the rise and fall of a hundred conversations, and the steady mechanical hum of escalators ferrying people between floors.
Noel shoved his hands deep into his pockets, scanning the neat displays and glossy storefronts as if they were part of an elaborate, unfamiliar stage set. "Where first?" he asked, half-expecting Luca to already be two steps ahead.
"Essentials," Luca declared without missing a beat, steering them toward the home goods section with the focus of a field general. "Toiletries, blankets, plates—unless you're planning on eating cereal straight out of the box with your hands."
A short, surprised laugh escaped Noel. "Sounds like someone's speaking from experience."
"We survived college," Luca shot back, already tossing toothbrushes and soap into the basket. "Let's not repeat that particular tragedy."
