Liliana waved him off and disappeared back into the house.
Isabella tugged gently on his arm. "Come on. Dinner's almost ready. And you need a shower."
Ethan glanced down at himself. "I don't smell that bad, do I?"
She wrinkled her nose. "You smell like school and stress."
He laughed under his breath. "Alright, alright. Shower first."
The front door closed behind them as they stepped inside together.
Warm light filled the hallway. Faint laughter drifted in from the kitchen. The smell of something sweet baking in the oven lingered in the air, mixing with the peaceful quiet of home.
Ethan set his bag down by the stairs and stretched.
Isabella leaned against the wall next to him, arms crossed but still smiling.
"You're home now. No more overthinking. Just food, a long shower, and lets celebrate you winning with that guy."
He nodded. "Sounds perfect."
About an hour later, after a hot shower and a change into comfortable clothes, Ethan made his way to the dining room.
