The crisp morning air brushed against Noah's skin, easily seeping through his light-colored ensemble. The fine fabric of his long trousers flowed smoothly with each step, while his well-tailored shirt caught the breeze in delicate folds. A side bag rested against his hip, its strap snug over his shoulder.
He stepped out of the dormitory in high spirits, humming a quiet tune as he descended the stairs. His pale fingers tapped absently against the iron railing, following the rhythm of his steps. The air carried the faint scent of morning dew, blending with the distant aroma of blooming flowers from the garden. Sunlight stretched across the cobbled pathways, casting dappled shadows under the canopy of trees lining the entrance.
His gaze swept over the familiar campus scenery until it landed on the car parked just outside the gate. Its polished surface gleamed under the sun, reflecting the surroundings like a dark mirror. But what drew his attention more than the car itself was the figure leaning casually against it.
Theodore stood there with effortless ease, one hand resting in his pocket while the other lifted in a lazy wave. His dark hair, tousled by the breeze, framed an easy smirk that held just a hint of mischief.
"Good morning, Noah," Theodore greeted smoothly, his voice carrying with ease over the morning quiet.
"Good morning, Brother Theodore!" Noah chirped, quickening his steps toward him.
"Woah- Easy there, no need to rush."
Noah slowed his pace for a moment, only to hasten again until he stood beneath Theodore's shadow. The shade swallowed half of his face, while a slant of golden sunlight caught the other, illuminating his eye like a crimson jewel set in obsidian.
"I apologize for making you wait."
"Not at all, I just got here."
Theodore stepped aside and pulled the car door open with a smooth motion, his hand resting lightly on the frame before he gestured for Noah to step in. Without delay, the boy moved forward and slid into the seat.
The plan had been made days ago, but Noah hadn't been certain it would come to fruition. Now that it had, he felt an unexpected sense of relief.
The car eased away from the campus gates, gliding past towering trees and well-manicured gardens before merging onto the main road. Rows of shops stretched along the sidewalks, their windows glinting under the soft morning light. Pedestrians strolled by, while street vendors were busy setting up their stalls, the scent of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee faintly drifting through the air.
Noah watched the changing scenery with quiet fascination, his eyes trailing over the buildings and bustling sidewalks.
Excitement hummed beneath his skin. He had been looking forward to this all morning. The thought of visiting the patisserie and trying out new sweets had put him in a lighthearted mood.
Beside him, Theodore remained engrossed in a stamped document, his eyes scanning the text with quiet focus. The occasional shift of the car didn't seem to faze him in the slightest.
How could someone read in a moving car without feeling nauseous? Noah wondered to himself. He considered asking but decided against it. Instead, he leaned back slightly and continued to enjoy the passing view, letting the city unfold before him like a story written in motion.
The car soon rolled to a smooth stop in front of an elegant patisserie, its exterior adorned with tall arched windows framed in lustrous black marble, offering a glimpse of the exquisite confections inside. Delicate pastries, glazed fruit tarts, and chocolate confections were arranged in perfect rows, their glossy surfaces catching the soft glow of the chandelier. The ornate lettering of the shop's name gleamed under the daylight, adding to its refined charm.
For someone with a sweet tooth, this was nothing short of divine. Noah's eyes lit up at the sight, excitement bubbling within him as he stepped out of the car.
The faint scent of vanilla and caramel filled the air the moment they walked in. The staff greeted them with polite smiles, their movements seamless as they guided them to their reserved seats. The two boys followed them through the softly lit interior, leading them toward a quiet corner where a table was already prepared.
But then Noah's steps faltered, and his gaze landed on the girl who was already sitting there.
She was a stranger, yet just as poised as the many others he had seen. Dressed in a delicate pink gown, her long hair cascaded over her shoulders in gentle waves. With her legs neatly crossed at the ankles and hands resting lightly on her lap, she carried an air of practiced elegance, almost too perfect to be real.
Noah's fingers curled slightly at his side, a faint disappointment settling in his chest as he took in the scene before him.
It was yet another one of Theodore's girlfriends. A different face, another fleeting presence in his ever-rotating circle. Noah often wondered what it was about Theodore that made people gravitate so easily, despite knowing about many of his previous relationships.
Was it his charm? Or did people convince themselves they would be the exception?
Noah wasn't sure. He watched the girl smile up at Theodore, admiration clear in her eyes, and for a moment, it was like looking into a mirror warped by time. No matter how many times he saw this, the feeling never quite faded.He pushed aside his thoughts and made his way to his seat, settling down without a word.
Across from him, Theodore and his companion were already engaged in conversation, their laughter weaving through the air like an easy melody. Meanwhile, Noah ate in silence, the clinking of his spoon against the plate drowned out by their lively exchange.
As the waiter arrived with more desserts, the girl's eyes wandered to the window. The sky, once bright, had darkened considerably, heavy clouds rolling in despite the early hour.
"Oh, the weather changed so suddenly," she mused, a delicate frown crossing her face. "It looks like it might rain soon."
Theodore cast a calm look outside. "Not exactly the best day for a date, is it?"
She stiffened slightly before flashing a quick smile. "Oh—no, no! It's fine! Even if it does rain, we can always go somewhere indoors."
She spoke lightly, though a faint unease crept into her tone, as if eager to reassure him. Then, almost too quickly, she shifted the conversation.
"By the way, why did you bring a kid along?"
Noah's hand stilled, fingers tightening around his spoon. His crimson eyes flickered toward her, the sudden question catching him off guard.
Theodore's fingers idly traced the rim of his cup before he cast a fleeting glance at Noah. Then, with an effortless smirk, he turned back to the girl.
"Just like that," he said, the words falling carelessly, as if Noah's presence was little more than an afterthought.
A dull ache settled in Noah's chest. He had been in good spirits today, hoping for a pleasant outing before the holiday break. But perhaps he had been foolish to expect that. No one owed him happiness, and he understood that. Yet, despite knowing better, he couldn't shake the quiet sadness creeping in.
- - -
The moment they stepped outside after settling the bill, the air pressed down, thick and humid, as if the sky itself was holding its breath. The afternoon had darkened prematurely, smothered beneath a vast expanse of storm clouds that churned like ink spilled across an endless canvas. The wind carried the faint scent of rain, a quiet warning of what was to come.
Theodore and his date stood close, their voices intertwining with a natural ease foreign to Noah. They tossed out suggestions on where to go next, their conversation light and untroubled. Standing just a step behind them, he felt like a misplaced piece in a picture that had already been drawn without him.
He shifted his weight, fingers absently tightening around the strap of his bag.
He had expected this, hadn't he? Still, the feeling was there, an ache that settled in the spaces between his ribs.
Swallowing down the odd tightness in his throat, he forced himself to speak. "I think I'll head out now." His voice came out quieter than intended, barely cutting through their conversation. He cleared his throat and tried again. "I need to pick up some gifts before I leave for the holidays."
Theodore fell silent, his attention turning to Noah with a veiled expression that gave nothing away as he regarded him for a long moment. Then, with a slow, indifferent shrug, he finally spoke.
"It's your wish. Do whatever."
Saying nothing more, he turned away, his attention returning to the girl beside him, her laughter slipping effortlessly into the space he had left behind.
Noah stayed rooted in place, watching as they slipped into the car. The engine hummed to life before it pulled away, leaving Noah alone beneath the darkening sky.
He tipped his head back slightly, gaze lifting to the sky. The thick clouds overhead swirled like bruises, stretching endlessly in every direction. The wind curled around him, colder now, brushing against his skin with a sharpness that made him shiver. It was as if the world itself conspired to press down on him when he already felt small.
"Of course."
A bitter scoff left his lips, his breath barely disturbing the damp air.