Morning filtered in gently, slipping through the curtains in streaks of gold, warming the shared dorm room inch by inch.
Noel stirred first.
A soft breath escaped his lips as his eyes fluttered open. For a second, he forgot where he was. Then he saw him.
Luca.
Still asleep, still leaned back in the chair, his blanket slightly slipping off one shoulder.
Noel didn't move. Didn't blink.
He just stared — this time without guilt, without the frantic scribbling of torn paper notes to hide behind.
Just him and the quiet wonder of watching someone you're slowly falling for… still not making it easy.
His lips curved into a sleepy smile. He rubbed his eyes, then looked at Luca again, softer this time.
There was something peaceful about him in sleep. Untouchable. Unfiltered.
Noel barely noticed his own head tipping slightly.
Until—
"...You're staring."
Luca's voice, low and rough from sleep, cut through the quiet like a slow-moving wave.
Noel blinked, startled.
Then—mortified.
