Chapter 22: The Weight of Silence

Iris woke up to the sound of knocking—loud, persistent knocking that refused to be ignored. She groaned, burying her face into the pillow, willing whoever it was to go away.

No such luck.

The knocking turned into pounding.

"Sunshine, open up!" Luke's voice rang through the door. "I know you're in there."

Iris sighed, rolling onto her back and staring at the ceiling. "Go away, Luke."

"Not happening." A pause. Then, "I have food."

That got her attention. Dragging herself out of bed, she shuffled to the door, unlocking it. The moment she cracked it open, Luke pushed his way inside like he owned the place.

"Make yourself at home," she muttered sarcastically, closing the door behind him.

"I always do." He grinned, holding up a bag from her favorite café. "Figured you might need breakfast."

She eyed the bag suspiciously. "What do you want?"

Luke feigned offense. "Can't I just be a good friend?"

Iris snorted. "You? Altruistic? Please."

He chuckled, plopping onto her couch and patting the spot next to him. "Come on, eat before it gets cold."

Shaking her head, she sat beside him, pulling out a croissant from the bag. "Fine. But only because I'm hungry."

Luke smirked but said nothing, watching as she took a bite.

After breakfast, Luke refused to leave. Not that Iris minded much. They ended up on the couch, flipping through random movies, arguing over which one to watch.

"I'm not watching a horror movie," she said firmly.

"Why not?"

"Because I actually like sleeping at night."

Luke chuckled, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. "I'll protect you, sunshine."

Iris rolled her eyes. "Please, you'd be the first one to run."

He gasped, hand over his heart. "You wound me."

She smirked, picking a rom-com instead. Luke groaned but didn't argue.

Halfway through the movie, she noticed him watching her instead of the screen.

"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Luke tilted his head, studying her. "Nothing. Just thinking."

"That's dangerous."

He chuckled but didn't look away. "You've been quieter lately."

Iris stiffened slightly. "Have I?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah. You're usually full of sarcastic remarks. But lately… I don't know. You seem distant."

She forced a small smile. "Maybe I'm just tired."

Luke didn't look convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he reached out, ruffling her hair. "Well, don't overthink too much. It doesn't suit you."

Iris swatted his hand away, laughing. "Says you."

Luke smirked. "I'm perfect. Overthinking isn't in my vocabulary."

She shook her head, but the warmth in her chest lingered. Even without saying much, Luke had a way of making things feel lighter.

And for now, that was enough.