The soft click of a watch buckle snapped into place.
Luca stood in front of the mirror, tilting his head slightly as he tugged at the collar of his slate-blue shirt.
He smoothed his hair for the third time in five minutes, then ran a hand down the front of his chest, checking for imaginary creases.
Behind him, Noel sat casually on the edge of the bed, one leg bouncing as he adjusted the leather strap of his own watch.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand, its screen lighting up with a familiar name.
George. [msg] Bro, what's the new location? You said plans changed??
Noel didn't hesitate. Thumbs moving fast. [reply] Club Shift. Not the restaurant. Don't tell Luca.
Another buzz came almost immediately. [George] Damn. He's gonna flip. You sure?
Noel's eyes flicked toward Luca's reflection in the mirror—fixing a cuff now, humming something under his breath.
There was a softness in Luca's expression, something unintentionally vulnerable beneath all the polished effort.
