They stepped out into late-morning light, the campus buzzing around them.
The sky was soft blue, broken by drifting clouds.
Somewhere nearby, a student played music under a tree, a mellow guitar riff blending with the breeze.
Noel adjusted the strap of his bag and walked quietly beside Luca, their pace naturally matched.
Luca glanced sideways at him.
"You always walk this fast, or are you trying to outrun how awkward you felt back there?"
Noel didn't look at him. "I'm ignoring you."
"So, definitely awkward then."
Noel's mouth twitched — barely. "You don't have to announce everything."
"Can't help it." Luca bumped his shoulder gently against Noel's. "It's part of my charm."
They passed the literature building, its brick wall climbing with ivy.
A couple walked ahead of them, holding hands. Luca slowed slightly.
His fingers brushed against Noel's — not obviously, just a graze. Then again.
