Noel was still pacing, muttering to himself about constructs and magical explosions, when I cut in.
"I'm not heading to the 9th floor tomorrow."
He paused mid-step and turned to me, surprised. "Oh? You're… not?"
I shook my head and stood up, rolling my shoulders. "We're finding a new place tomorrow. Somewhere low-profile. Just the two of us."
His eyes lit up with a brief, boyish grin. "You serious? Like, moving in together?"
"Yeah," I replied. "You're too exposed, Noel. That apartment of yours is basically a public landmark with how often the Astral Community sees you entering and leaving."
His smile faltered slightly, realism settling in. "You know that might be a problem, right? The last time we left together, people saw us. I've got eyes on me all the time, and if they see me moving into some random place with a mysterious roommate, they'll connect the dots. They'll think I'm with Blank."
I tilted my head and smirked. "Let them think."
He frowned. "Nile—"
