They worked like that for a few minutes — falling into their usual groove. Familiar. Almost automatic.
The kind of silence that only came when you knew each other's rhythms well.
But then Noel's phone buzzed. Once.
He ignored it, eyes still on the notebook.
Buzz.
Alex didn't react, but the slight movement in his jaw gave him away.
Noel finally glanced down.
Luca: Miss me yet?
He rolled his eyes slightly and flipped the phone face-down.
Alex shifted in his seat, pretending not to notice.
Buzz.
Noel closed his eyes for a moment, trying not to sigh.
Luca: I bought snacks. Your favorite. Guess who's not sharing unless you say something nice?
"Everything okay?" Alex asked quietly, his gaze still on his screen.
"Yeah," Noel replied quickly. "Just—Luca."
Alex's fingers stilled above the keyboard. "He texts you a lot."
Noel didn't look up. "Yeah. That's just him."
"I didn't know you two were… you know."
Noel finally glanced up. "We're figuring it out."
