Noel pushed back his chair, the soft scrape against the sand barely audible over the waves.
He stood, brushing off a few grains that clung stubbornly to his pants.
Luca followed immediately, hand sliding into his naturally, fingers interlacing without thought.
The night air was cool, carrying the brine of the ocean—tangy and real—the waves rolling in gentle, rhythmic sighs.
They walked along the shoreline, the soft sand cushioning each step.
Noel kept his gaze on the water, letting the reflection of the moon shimmer across the surface, silver rippling endlessly.
"You know," Luca said softly, his voice just above the sound of the tide, "I could walk here forever with you."
Noel glanced at him, lips twitching into a small, serene smile. "Forever is a long time."
But his hand squeezed Luca's, anchoring the thought.
"I don't mind long," Luca murmured, leaning just enough to press a brush of his lips to the back of Noel's hand. "Especially with you."
