Noel set his phone aside, ears still buzzing with Luca's laugh on the other end.
He rose quickly, almost too quickly, and reached for the tray in his mother's hands.
"Mom—I'll take that." His voice came softer than usual, carrying a shade of guilt he couldn't hide.
She let him take the tray, but her eyes lingered on him, calm yet unreadable. "You" He seemed… happy. She said softly
Noel froze a little at the word, lowering the tray onto his desk.
He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing anywhere but at her. "I—didn't mean to—"
She cut him off gently. "Noel." Just his name, steady, grounding.
He finally looked at her.
The worry in his chest swelled, bracing for the silence that always spoke louder than words.
