Training with your girlfriend. what could go wrong?

Noah braced himself as Sophie approached, expecting a barrage of questions, maybe even a little anger. But instead, she surprised him.

Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a firm, warm hug.

"I was worried about you all night," she murmured against his shoulder. "You said it was just going to be a retaliation for what they did and you'd be back. I waited up at my place for you all night!"

For a second, Noah stood frozen, caught off guard. He had been so focused on Lila's mind games that he hadn't prepared for this—Sophie's quiet concern, her genuine relief at seeing him okay.

Slowly, he let out a breath and returned the hug, his arms tightening around her. "I'm fine," he assured her. "You know me. I always land on my feet."

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her lips curving into a teasing smile. Then, without warning, she punched his arm—not hard, but enough to make a point.