The sky had dipped into soft amber, the kind that made everything feel calmer than it really was.
Campus lights flickered on in steady rows, stretching shadows across the path.
Luca glanced at his phone. "It's almost time…"
Just then, Emily rushed toward them, bag swinging against her side, slightly out of breath. "C'mon, guys! It's time!"
George stood, slinging his bag lazily over one shoulder. "Look who finally decided to show."
Luca arched a brow. "Where've you been all day?"
Before Emily could open her mouth, George cut in with a teasing grin, "Probably tangled up with Lina somewhere."
Emily gave him a half-hearted glare. "You wish. I had stuff to deal with at home."
"Sure you did," George muttered under his breath, earning a soft laugh from Luca.
Noel stood up and lightly dusted off his pants. He turned to Luca, calm as ever. "Good luck. I'll wait for you in the library."
Luca gave him a grateful look, their eyes holding for a moment. "I won't take long."
