Movement flooded the city, but Kai detected nothing other than the thump of his heartbeat as he paced outside the café. His exhale misted on the glass as he observed Noah within the café, slumped beside the window, with a book spread open before him, a coffee mug steaming hot beside his hand.
Noah looked… different. He seemed calmer, more put together, but Kai knew better. He knew Noah better than anyone, and that mask of serenity was just that—a mask.
Taking a deep breath, Kai opened the door, the tiny bell above it ringing softly. The noise caused Noah to look up involuntarily, and for an instant, time stood still. His hand closed tighter around the book. His eyes widened just a fraction before his face hardened.
Kai moved forward, each step slow, measured, fearing that if he moved too quickly, Noah would disappear like a ghost.
"Noah," Kai whispered.
