Thursday morning, they moved through their routine with practiced efficiency—shower, coffee, the choreography of two people sharing space without collision.
Noel was at the door, bag over shoulder, when his phone buzzed.
He pulled it out, frowned at the screen. "You're kidding."
"What?" Luca asked, emerging from the bedroom with his own bag.
"Martinez cancelled Operations lecture. System maintenance in the building, no power."
"That's weirdly convenient."
"Or incredibly inconvenient depending on perspective." Noel checked his schedule. "My next class isn't until eleven. I should go to campus anyway, get work done."
He shoved his phone in his pocket, reaching for the door handle, when Luca's voice stopped him.
"Hold on."
"What?"
"Your shoe."
Noel looked down. His left shoelace was completely undone, trailing dangerously.
"I'll fix it at campus—"
"You'll trip on the stairs and break your neck." Luca crouched down before Noel could protest. "Hold still."
