Noah arrived at the café, slipping into his uniform and tying on his apron. He froze when he saw Daniel already there, leaning casually against the counter with a grin. Heat rushed to Noah’s cheeks as memories of the grocery store incident came flooding back.

  “Uh, hey… Noah? Sorry about yesterday. I guess I took it too far.”

  Ya think? Noah thought, but instead muttered, “It’s fine. I’ll survive.”

  Daniel’s grin softened. “I know you will. But I wanted to make it up to you.”

  “H-huh? You don’t have to. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Huh?! Daniel isn't the one to apologize... What does this mean?

  “I know,” Daniel said, his grin widening again. “But you’re always busy. So tonight, I’ll give you a ride wherever you need to go after work.”

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  Noah’s heart skipped.

  “You don’t need to do that,” he whispered.

  “I know. I want to.” Daniel’s grin turned mischievous as he slung an arm around Noah’s shoulders in a friendly gesture.

  “Come on, buddy. Time to work.”

  Noah nodded, trying to steady his racing heart. The day passed more easily than usual, laughter spilling between them as Daniel cracked stupid jokes. When the shift ended, Noah climbed into Daniel’s car, grateful not to walk home in the cold.

  He asked Daniel to drop him at a clothing store. Together they picked out clothes — though Noah said nothing about Micah. How could he? Daniel would never believe him if he admitted there was a werewolf boy waiting in his apartment.

  They stopped for groceries too, Noah piling food into the cart. Micah was a big eater, and somehow the thought of feeding him made Noah’s chest tighten with something he refused to name.

  By the time they reached Noah’s building, he was almost… excited. Thrilled, even, to get home. To see Micah. Not that he’d admit it to himself. Definitely not to Micah.

  Daniel grinned as Noah stepped out of the car. “See you tomorrow.”

  Noah waved awkwardly, watching the taillights fade into the night. Then he turned toward his apartment, groceries in hand, heart pounding with anticipation.