The music and chatter carried on, the air buzzing with laughter as the party stretched late into the night. Anastasia's sharp words had already faded into the background of Noel's mind, replaced by the clink of glasses and the occasional cheer.
Roberto dropped heavily back into his chair, still rubbing the faint red mark on his cheek. He leaned forward, fixing Noel with a serious stare that looked comical on his flushed face.
"All right, enough games," Roberto said, pointing at him. "Tell me. How do you do it?"
Noel blinked. "Do what?"
Roberto gestured around the table with both hands. "This. Elyra, Elena, even Charlotte sneaking food at the buffet earlier—they're all around you. What's your secret, man?!"
Elyra smirked, watching like someone enjoying a private show. Elena's cheeks warmed, her eyes darting away.
Noel pinched the bridge of his nose. "There's no secret."
