The midday sun spilled into the orphanage courtyard, warming the stones and casting soft light over the scene. From the doorway, Marcus watched as Noel passed the ball back and forth with Erick. The little guy looked like he was having the time of his life, grinning wide with each kick. Charlotte stood nearby, cheering loudly and throwing mock insults every time Noel scored.
"You're cheating again, Traitor!" she shouted, arms crossed, pouting dramatically.
Noel didn't even bother denying it. He just laughed and kept playing.
Marcus leaned against the wooden frame, arms folded, his usual smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
'Heh. They're actually getting along.'
'Never thought I'd see the day where Noel willingly plays with someone, let alone two people at once.'
It was still them—Charlotte being overly dramatic, Noel pretending not to care—but there was something in the air. The way they looked at each other wasn't the same. There was an ease between them now.
