A Change of Clothes

By the time Noah finally made it back to Liam's house, exhaustion had completely taken over. He pushed the door open and sighed in relief as he stepped inside. The house smelled… clean. A huge contrast from the disaster zone it had been just yesterday.

Noah dragged his feet toward the couch and collapsed onto it, staring at the ceiling.

Everything felt sore—his arms, his legs, even his brain. After the long day of shopping, walking around, and carrying bags, he just wanted to close his eyes for a second.

Maybe just a quick rest…

His body sank into the couch, and before he knew it, sleep overtook him.

---

Noah was jolted awake by the sudden buzzing of his phone. He groggily grabbed it, his eyes barely adjusting to the screen's brightness.

Kevin Calling…

He groaned and answered. "Yeah…?"

Kevin's voice came through, slightly rushed. "Noah, you up?"

Noah rubbed his face. "I am now… what's up?"

"You ready?"

"For what?" Noah mumbled, still not fully awake.

Kevin sighed. "Liam's getting discharged today."

Noah's eyes widened. He shot up from the couch. "Crap! What time is it?"

Kevin chuckled. "Almost eight. You overslept, didn't you?"

Noah looked around in panic. "Shit…"

"Look, we can't be there when Liam and Ethan get discharged," Kevin continued. "We have school."

Noah groaned. "That sucks."

"I know, but listen—you gotta stall Liam and Ethan for a bit."

Noah blinked. "Stall them?"

"Yeah. Don't take them straight to Liam's house. Keep them out until at least 3:30. That's when school ends, and we'll be done setting up the party."

Noah hesitated. "So, I just have to keep them busy?"

"Yep. Take them somewhere, do something—just don't let them come home too early."

Noah scratched his head. "Alright… I'll figure something out."

"Good. And hey, you go to Eldridge, right?"

"Yeah, for a week now."

"Alright, cool." Kevin exhaled. "I gotta go. See ya later."

Before Noah could even process everything, Kevin hung up.

Noah stared at the clock. 7:57 AM.

His half-awake brain took a moment to process what that meant. Then it hit him.

"Shit—!"

He practically leaped out of bed, almost tripping over his own feet as he stumbled toward the bathroom. He grabbed his toothbrush, hurriedly scrubbing his teeth while also trying to get the shower running at the same time.

Multitasking at its worst.

He stepped under the freezing cold water, letting out an undignified yelp. But there was no time to adjust the temperature—he needed to move. After a record-speed shower, he jumped out, his towel barely hanging onto his waist as he scrambled to get dressed.

Should I eat? No, no time.

He grabbed his phone, shoving it into his pocket, and burst out the door. As soon as he hit the sidewalk, he broke into a full sprint.

The winter air stung his face, but he pushed forward, dodging pedestrians as he ran. An old lady shot him a glare as he nearly collided with her shopping cart.

"Sorry!" he called over his shoulder.

His lungs burned, but he kept running. Why the hell did I stay up so late last night?

He reached a crosswalk just as the pedestrian light turned red. He bounced on his heels, waiting impatiently, panting like a dog.

A businessman standing next to him glanced at him. "Late for work?"

Noah exhaled, still out of breath. "Something like that."

The moment the light turned green, he was off again, ignoring the ache in his legs.

By the time he reached the hospital doors, he was drenched in sweat, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He leaned forward, hands on his knees, trying to collect himself.

Alright. Act normal. Don't look like a total mess.

He straightened up, wiped his forehead with his sleeve, and walked into the hospital with whatever dignity he had left.

A nurse at the front desk gave him a quick glance. "You okay, kid?"

Noah nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just… morning jog."

The nurse raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh."

Ignoring her skeptical look, he quickly made his way down the hallway, turning the corner and stopping right in front of Liam and Ethan's room. He inhaled deeply, pushing the door open.

Liam was sitting on the edge of the bed, arms crossed. The moment he saw Noah, he arched an eyebrow.

"You know what time it is?"

Noah, still catching his breath, raised a finger, silently asking for a second. He bent forward, hands on his knees again.

Ethan smirked. "Took your sweet time, huh?"

Noah finally straightened up, panting. "Sorry… overslept…"

Liam shook his head. "Man, you look like you ran a marathon."

Noah nodded weakly. "Kinda did."

Liam sighed. "Fine, I forgive you."

Noah glanced at Ethan.

Ethan chuckled. "Me too."

Liam smirked. "Good. Now that we're all here—let's talk about your job."

Noah blinked. "My job?"

Liam nodded. "James told me you'll be working the morning shift."

Noah frowned. "Morning shift?"

"Yeah. Usually students work in the evening, but since you're a runaway…"

Noah's eyes widened. "You told him about me?"

Liam shrugged. "He asked."

Noah sighed. "Great."

"Relax," Liam said. "James doesn't care. But he wants you to stop by today."

Noah groaned. "Today?"

Liam smirked. "Not actual work. Just measurements for your uniform and a tour of the place."

"Oh… right. He did mention that." Noah scratched his head. "I forgot."

"You forgetful brat," Liam teased.

Noah rolled his eyes. "How long will it take?"

"About an hour."

Ethan patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll wait for you."

Noah nodded. "Alright then—"

Liam suddenly held up a hand. "Wait."

Noah paused. "Huh?"

Liam leaned in and sniffed. His nose scrunched up.

"No offense, but… you reek."

Noah frowned. "What? No, I don't." He sniffed himself.

Liam waved his hand. "Not you, your clothes."

Noah hesitated. "Oh."

"When's the last time you washed them?" Liam asked.

Noah thought for a second. "Uh… I don't know? I only have this one outfit since I ran away."

Liam deadpanned. "No wonder you smell like a damn sewer."

Noah sighed. "So… what do I do?"

Ethan spoke up. "You can borrow some of my brother's clothes."

Noah blinked. "You have a brother?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah. He's younger than you, but his clothes should fit."

Noah hesitated. "Are you sure?"

Ethan shrugged. "Yeah, don't worry about it."

Liam clapped his hands. "Great. Let's get the discharge stuff sorted, and we'll head to Ethan's place."

---

Ethan's apartment was decent-sized—three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The moment they stepped inside, Noah looked around.

"You live alone?"

Ethan shook his head. "Nah, I live with my younger brother and my two older sisters."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "Older sisters?"

Liam smirked. "His sisters are hot as hell."

Ethan glared. "Stop simping."

Liam grinned. "Never, darling."

Ethan groaned. "Please stop calling me that."

Before Liam could make another comment, a voice called out from one of the rooms.

"Where the fuck have you been?"

A boy with dyed green hair stepped into the room, arms crossed. He wore streetwear and had an annoyed look on his face.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Language, Rick."

Rick rolled his eyes. "Whatever, old man."

Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Should I beat some sense into you?"

Liam laughed. "Alright, let's not start a sibling war."

Ethan sighed. "Where's Pinky and Emma?"

Rick shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe fucking some guys."

Ethan's expression darkened. "...Excuse me?"

Rick grinned. "Just kidding. They're probably at work."

Ethan sighed. "Whatever. Can I borrow some of your old clothes?"

Rick squinted. "Why?"

Ethan gestured at Noah. "For him."

Rick eyed Noah for a second, then shrugged. "Sure, why not."

He disappeared into his room and returned a few minutes later, tossing some clothes at Ethan.

Ethan caught them and turned to Noah. "Here. Get changed."

Liam smirked. "Finally, you won't smell like a homeless raccoon."

Noah sighed. "Thanks."