The food containers were scattered across the coffee table like the aftermath of a feast, mostly empty except for a few spring rolls and some fried rice that neither of them could finish.
Felix sat with his back against the couch, legs stretched out, one hand absently playing with the stem of his wine glass.
Matteo had shifted to lean against the opposite side of the coffee table, facing Felix, close enough that their feet touched.
The city glittered beyond the windows, a million lights that seemed to pulse with life.
Inside the penthouse, the only illumination came from the ambient glow of the skyline and a single lamp in the corner, casting everything in soft shadow.
"I'm so full I might die," Felix announced, setting his glass down.
"Dramatic." But Matteo was smiling, that soft expression that Felix was still getting used to, still learning meant he was happy.
"I'm allowed to be dramatic. You made me work for that meal."
