The restaurant barely registered over a quiet murmur.
Alex had found this place years ago a little nook hidden between bigger, flashier buildings, somewhere you didn't need a sign because the people who mattered already knew where to find it.
The menu was simple. The lighting was gentle and warm. You could talk without worrying about the next table overhearing a thing.
Leo sat across from Alex, still in his cap and gown. He hadn't taken them off. Honestly, he couldn't just yet.
Lila sat at his side, flipping through her phone.
"Look at this one." She turned the screen to Leo. "You look way too serious."
Leo squinted. It was him, up on stage, diploma in hand, his face knotted up in focus.
"I was trying not to cry," he said.
"Didn't work that well."
"It did. I didn't cry until afterwards."
Lila smirked. "You cried a lot afterwards."
Leo's cheeks flushed red. "Whatever. I was…emotional."
Alex reached over, laid his hand on top of Leo's.
"You were perfect," he said quietly.
