He stole a glance at Lilith. She was nearing the end of her meal, her expression unreadable to most. But to Noah, years of shared history offered a translator. Beneath the stoicism, a hint of something akin to happiness flickered. It was subtle, a barely perceptible rise in the corner of her lips, but to him, it was a radiant sunrise breaking through a veil of clouds. Her presence, usually shrouded in quiet intensity, seemed to brighten the surrounding tables, a subtle shift that warmed the room in a way the bustling cafeteria never could.
The silence stretched, yet it wasn't an uncomfortable one. It was a comfortable pause, heavy with unspoken possibilities. With a deep breath, Noah decided to take a chance.
"Hey," he started, his voice a low murmur, "how about we... go out and play a bit later?"
He winced internally, the word "play" sounding childish as if he was hesitating but having decided on his next goal he must not waver.
