Noel
I stepped forward, almost hesitantly, before wrapping my arms around him. The embrace felt warm, steady, as if it held a quiet understanding that words couldn’t reach. He didn’t pull away immediately, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t. His arms rested against my back, his hold unsure at first, then firm as if finding its purpose. Neither of us said anything, the silence stretching comfortably between us.
"You okay?" I finally asked, my voice muffled against his shoulder.
"Yeah," he replied softly, his voice so close that I could feel it vibrate through me. "Thanks, Noel."
We stayed there longer than I’d expected, longer than I’d thought was necessary, but neither of us moved to end it. His grip loosened slightly, and he exhaled before stepping back. I glanced up at him
