The alarm buzzed softly before Noel reached over and shut it off. He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes as the pale morning light slipped through the curtain.
Luca groaned and pulled the blanket higher over his head. "It's illegal to wake up this early…"
Noel chuckled, leaning over to ruffle Luca's hair beneath the covers. "Go back to sleep. Your paper's in the evening."
Luca peeked out, eyes squinting. "But I want to go with you."
"You sure?" Noel asked, grabbing his towel. "You could rest more."
"I'd rather sit and complain next to you at the exam hall."
Noel shook his head with a smile. "Your choice, drama king."
By the time they got ready, Luca looked more alive, stretching as they stepped out of the dorm.
Morning sunlight stretched gently across campus as sleepy students drifted toward their lecture halls.
They walked side by side, not saying much—just the quiet rhythm of shared steps and nerves held steady together.
