Dear Roommate Please Stop Being Hot [BL]
Chapter 113: Bridge Light

Chapter 113: Bridge Light

The campus clock tower struck three as Noel and Luca stepped into the library, where sunlight poured through tall windows, casting golden stripes across the tiled floor.

Luca dragged his feet like each step took years off his life. "This is criminal. People nap at this hour. Or eat ice cream. Not study macroeconomics."

"You said you’d pass all your exams," Noel reminded, nudging him with a smile. "And I said I’d reward you."

Luca blinked. "Right. Bribery. That’s the only reason I’m here."

They weaved past a few tables until Alex’s voice cut through—low, sharp, and unmistakable.

"Noel? You actually came?" Alex raised a brow over his book, a stack of notes spread out in front of him. "I was sure you’d ghost today’s session."

Noel gave a small shrug. "Figured you’d cry if I didn’t."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Please. I’m the only one who’s actually prepared in this friend group."

Luca slumped into the chair beside Noel. "Yeah yeah, Einstein. Brag louder."

Alex smirked, tapping his pen on the desk. "Just saying. While you were probably binge-watching cooking shows, I was memorizing GDP charts."

"I was resting my brain," Luca argued. "It’s a recovery strategy."

Noel pulled out his notes, calm as ever. "Okay, geniuses. Let’s start with fiscal policy, before someone starts debating sleep schedules."

Luca groaned and leaned dramatically onto Noel’s shoulder. "Wake me up when the reward part starts."

Alex just chuckled and shook his head. "This is gonna be a long hour."

Luca straightened in his seat, surprising both Noel and Alex.

"Wait," he said, eyes narrowing at the page Noel slid toward him. "That chart again—the one about demand shocks?"

Noel blinked. "You’re... actually reading?"

Alex raised both brows. "Did someone switch your coffee with rocket fuel?"

Luca didn’t respond right away. He traced the diagram with his finger, lips moving slightly as he read. "This makes sense now... kind of. I mean, if government spending increases, the curve shifts, right?"

Noel gave a proud little nod. "Exactly."

Luca turned to him, eyes gleaming just a bit. "I’m not dumb, y’know. I just need my favorite tutor."

Noel chuckled under his breath. "Flattery won’t get you the answers."

"It might get me that reward, though." Luca winked.

Alex groaned and slumped forward, face in his textbook. "Why am I third-wheeling in a library?"

Luca ignored him. "Okay, okay. Focus time." He rolled up his sleeves, tapped his pen twice on the desk, then glanced at Noel again. "Ready when you are, boss."

Noel smiled. "Let’s make sure you pass econ before flirting with your prize."

And just like that, the three of them leaned in together—notes, pens, and quiet determination—while the sun dipped slightly lower outside the windows.

The quiet hum of the library surrounded them—low whispers, distant page flips, the soft scrape of chairs.

Luca tapped his pen against his notebook. "Alright, Noel. Hit me with a question. Something easy."

Noel smirked. "Okay. Define opportunity cost."

Luca blinked. "Seriously? That’s not easy."

Alex snorted from across the table. "It literally was on the first page of the notes."

Luca shot him a look, then turned back to Noel. "Is it... when you miss a chance to nap because your boyfriend dragged you to the library?"

Noel couldn’t help the small laugh that slipped. "Technically wrong, but I like the creativity."

"Ugh." Luca dropped his head on the table. "This is why I need that reward."

Noel leaned closer, resting his elbow on the table and propping his chin in his palm. "You’ll get it if you pass. So try again."

Luca lifted his head with a groan. "Fine. Opportunity cost is... the next best alternative you give up when making a choice."

Noel’s eyes sparkled. "There you go."

Luca perked up. "Wait, I got it right?"

Alex raised his hand lazily. "Miracles do happen."

Luca ignored him, eyes locked on Noel. "So... is that enough for a reward?"

Noel grinned, flipping the page. "You get a smile. Full reward pending final results."

Luca pouted, but his fingers already moved to the next question. "Alright, alright. Bring it on."

They dove back in, page after page—Noel quizzing, Luca actually thinking, and Alex muttering to himself in between.

By the time the sunlight filtered gold through the windows, Luca leaned back in his chair, stretching. "Okay. That’s it. My brain is done."

"You did well," Noel said, gently nudging his arm. "Better than I expected."

Luca grinned. "So I get full reward if I pass?"

Noel shrugged playfully. "We’ll see."

Alex stood, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Alright lovebirds, I’m heading out before you start making heart eyes again."

Luca shot him a grin. "Jealous?"

"Not in the slightest."

As Alex left, Noel packed up his books. Luca leaned into him, bumping their shoulders.

"Thanks for today," Luca said softly.

Noel glanced sideways, smiling. "We’re in this together, remember?"

And with that, they walked out into the cooling evening—notes packed, hearts lighter, and just a little closer than before.

Outside, the sky was beginning to shift—soft lavender clouds drifting over the warm hue of the setting sun.

Luca slid his hands into his pockets as they strolled along the quiet path behind the library. "You know," he said, nudging Noel with his elbow, "for a study date, that wasn’t so bad."

Noel raised an eyebrow. "You say that now, but ten minutes ago you were begging for mercy."

"I was testing you," Luca replied smoothly. "Had to make sure you were patient enough to be my tutor."

Noel rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "And?"

"You passed."

They walked side by side, their pace slow, easy. A few students passed them, voices low, some laughing. The campus was mellow now—less busy, more peaceful.

Noel looked up at the sky. "Feels like summer’s almost here."

"Yeah," Luca said, watching him instead. "Time’s flying."

There was a brief pause before Noel asked, "Still thinking about moving out after the break?"

Luca nodded. "If you’re still up for it."

Noel gave him a sideways glance. "You really think I’d bring it up just to change my mind?"

"I don’t know," Luca said with a grin. "Maybe you’d realize I’m too much to handle outside the dorm."

"Hmm," Noel pretended to consider. "You are loud in the mornings."

"I make up for it at night."

Noel blinked, then gave him a light smack on the arm, trying not to laugh. "Focus."

They turned onto a smaller path lined with trees. The light filtered between the leaves, casting soft golden patches along the ground.

Luca let out a breath. "I like this. Just walking with you."

"Me too," Noel said quietly.

And for a few moments, they didn’t say anything—just walking, just being, with the breeze brushing past, their shoulders close enough to touch, and a peace settling between them that neither of them needed to explain.

The campus gates creaked lightly as they stepped out, their hands brushing but not quite holding.

The street beyond was still, as if the world had taken a breath. Streetlights glowed in soft golden pools across the pavement.

And the gentle hum of night—distant crickets, a car far off—wrapped around them.

"Where are we even going?" Noel asked, his voice softer now.

"Anywhere," Luca shrugged. "I just wanted to keep walking... with you."

They crossed the street slowly, passing small shops already closed for the day. A bakery window still glowed faintly, the scent of leftover bread lingering in the air. But they didn’t stop. They kept going, drawn by something unspoken.

Soon, the road curved, and just ahead was the little bridge that stretched over the creek behind campus—usually quiet, unnoticed.

Tonight, it looked magical.

The lights reflected off the water below like scattered stars. The breeze picked up just enough to tousle Luca’s curls, and the sky above was clear, dotted with soft pinpricks of light.

Luca stepped onto the bridge and leaned against the rail. "Wow... I’ve never seen it like this before."

Noel joined him. "You don’t pay attention unless it’s food or drinks."

"Hey," Luca grinned, "that’s not true. I’m paying attention now."

"To what?" Noel asked, his gaze still on the water.

Luca turned to him. "To you."

Noel blinked, caught off guard. The words were simple. Quiet. But they landed deep.

"I’m serious," Luca added, voice low now. "Out of everything in my life, you’re the only thing I want to keep walking toward."

The creek bubbled softly below them, and for a while, the silence between them said everything else.

Noel reached out and slipped his fingers into Luca’s. "Then don’t let go."

"I won’t," Luca whispered, holding on tighter.

And there they stood—two boys on a bridge under a sky full of stars, the world around them hushed, like even the night was rooting for them.

The breeze nudged Noel’s hair as he leaned slightly into Luca’s side, their fingers still laced, warm against the cool rail.

Luca turned to look at him—really look.

The soft light caught the edges of Noel’s lashes, his eyes fixed somewhere in the distance. Maybe thinking. Maybe afraid to speak. Luca’s heart swelled, filled with too many things to name.

So instead of talking, he moved.

He gently tilted Noel’s chin, just enough for their eyes to meet.

Noel didn’t pull away.

Their foreheads brushed first—a quiet check-in, a silent promise—and then Luca closed the small space between them.

The kiss was slow. Intentional. The kind that didn’t need words.

Noel’s hand came up, resting lightly on Luca’s chest, like he needed to feel the heartbeat under his own palm.

And for a while, the world simply held its breath.

When they finally parted, Luca smiled against Noel’s lips.

"I’ve been waiting to do that since midterms," he said softly.

Noel chuckled under his breath, eyes still closed for a second longer. "Took you long enough."

They didn’t rush away. They stayed like that on the bridge, the night around them alive and quiet all at once—as if this moment was exactly where they were always meant to be.

When they finally got back to their dorm, the room felt quieter than usual—like it knew they needed peace tonight.

Luca kicked off his shoes and stretched with a groan, then reached for Noel’s hand and gently tugged him toward the bed.

"Let’s just fall like this," Luca mumbled, already half-draped over the edge of the mattress.

Noel laughed, trying to pull him back up. "At least wash your face first. You smell like outside."

Luca pouted. "But I’m tired... and your bed’s too warm."

Noel crossed his arms, one brow raised. "You promised to take care of yourself, remember?"

Luca grumbled but stood, dragging his feet toward the sink. "Fine. But only because you asked nicely."

Noel followed, tossing him a towel. "I always ask nicely."

Luca flashed a tired smile as he dampened the cloth. "You really do."

Minutes later, freshly washed and yawning, they climbed under the blanket. The light clicked off, and silence settled over the room—comfortable and calm.

Luca curled closer, whispering near Noel’s ear. "Thanks for tonight. Everything."

Noel’s reply came as a soft hum and a squeeze of Luca’s hand beneath the covers. "Sleep, babe. Tomorrow’s another battle."

And with their breathing falling in sync, the night finally wrapped them in rest.