The city had quieted by the time they returned to the hotel. The once-busy streets were now bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, and the faint hum of late-night traffic created a calming backdrop. Liam led the way through the grand lobby, his stride purposeful yet slower than usual, as if the unexpected encounter with Noah's parents had drained him. Noah followed, hands shoved into his pockets, still unsettled by the day's events and the lingering weight of his mother's insinuations.

They barely spoke as they rode the elevator up to their suite. The quiet between them wasn't unusual, but tonight it felt heavier, filled with things left unsaid.

Once inside, Liam immediately set to work, flipping open his laptop and pulling out the stack of documents they had to review before tomorrow's press conference. Noah slumped onto the couch, letting out a sigh as he got comfortable. He watched Liam move with his usual precision, his sharp features illuminated by the warm light of the room. Noah tried to focus on the work ahead, but his mind kept drifting back to the way his mother had smiled at Liam earlier, the way she'd looked between them as if she knew something he didn't.

"Are you going to sit there all night, or are you actually going to help?" Liam's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Relax," Noah said with a lazy grin, trying to shake off his unease. "I'm just taking a minute. You're acting like we have a hundred things to do."

"Alright, alright, keep your tie on," Noah muttered, dragging himself over to the table. He grabbed the nearest file, flipping it open with exaggerated effort. "You act like the whole world's watching or something."

For the next hour, they worked in relative silence, save for the occasional question or comment. Liam's focus was razor-sharp, his pen underlining something with that same unrelenting precision. Noah, on the other hand, struggled to concentrate. His thoughts kept slipping, circling back to his parents' visit, his mother's words, and, annoyingly, Liam.

At some point, Noah glanced up and caught sight of Liam rubbing his temple, looking more tired than usual.

"You should take a break," Noah said suddenly.

Liam didn't even look up. "I'm fine."

"No, seriously. You're going to give yourself a headache."

Liam let out a quiet sigh but didn't argue. He leaned back slightly, closing his eyes for a brief moment. The lines of tension in his face softened, and Noah found himself staring again.

The room felt different now—quieter, more intimate. Noah didn't know why, but it made his chest feel tight.

Without thinking, he reached across the table and touched Liam's hand, a light, fleeting gesture meant to get his attention. But the instant their skin made contact, something shifted.

"Hey," Noah said softly, his voice uncharacteristically sincere. "You've been carrying us all day. Give yourself a minute to breathe, okay?"

Liam's eyes opened, his gaze dropping to where Noah's hand still rested against his. For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them felt charged, and Noah's usual bravado faltered.

He pulled his hand back quickly, his pulse racing. "Sorry," he mumbled, trying to play it off. "Didn't mean to get all, uh, sentimental on you."

Liam didn't respond right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was measured, almost cautious. "It's fine. You're right—I could use a minute."

Noah let out a nervous laugh, leaning back in his chair. "Don't get used to it. I don't give compliments that often."

Liam smirked faintly but didn't say anything else. He returned to his work, though his focus seemed slightly off now.

Noah, meanwhile, was spiraling. The moment replayed in his mind over and over—the warmth of Liam's hand, the way his voice had softened, the way the air had felt heavier somehow.

It wasn't like his usual teasing. It wasn't just a joke, a quip, or a passing moment meant to make Liam roll his eyes. It had felt...real. And that scared him.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he tried to shake off the feeling. What the hell is wrong with me?

This was Liam—his business partner, his friend, the guy who always had everything together. The guy who somehow managed to balance charm and professionalism in a way that made everyone around him take notice. Noah had admired him, respected him, even envied him at times. But this? This was different.

Just then, Noah's phone buzzed, drawing his attention. He glanced at the screen and muttered, "We didn't talk yesterday. What's going on?"

And then there was Emma.

Noah's chest tightened at the thought of her. She was everything he'd ever wanted—or at least, she used to be. Lately, he'd felt the distance growing between them, the connection they once had slipping through his fingers. It wasn't that he didn't care about her—he did. But every time they talked, it felt like they were speaking two different languages, like they were trying to hold onto something that wasn't there anymore.

And now? Now he was sitting here, in a luxury hotel room, feeling things he shouldn't be feeling for someone he couldn't let himself feel them for.

He stole a glance at Liam, who was still engrossed in his work. The sight only made his chest feel tighter.

Noah ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. "I need some air," he said abruptly, standing up.

Liam looked up, his expression unreadable. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Noah said quickly, forcing a grin. "Just...too much tea, I guess. I'll be back in a bit."

He didn't wait for a response before heading for the balcony door. As soon as he was outside, he leaned against the wall, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

Get it together, he told himself firmly. This is nothing. You're just tired. That's all.

But deep down, he knew it wasn't nothing.

For the first time in a long time, Noah felt completely unmoored. And he wasn't sure if he could—or even wanted to—find his way back to solid ground.