Dear Roommate Please Stop Being Hot [BL]-Chapter 318: Choosing Each Other

The apartment welcomed them with a warm quiet as soon as the door clicked shut.

No city noise, no gym sounds—just the familiar, soothing stillness of home.

Noel kicked off his sneakers first, stretching his arms overhead as if he were leaving the outside world behind.

Luca followed suit, taking off his shoes slowly while watching him.

"You’re smiling," Noel said, turning his head.

"I’m relieved," Luca replied.

"Same thing."

"It’s not."

Noel smiled. "It is when it’s you."

Luca didn’t argue. Instead, he stepped closer, his fingers brushing the hem of Noel’s shirt, checking that he was real and safe in their space again.

Noel’s voice softened. "Shower?"

Luca blinked. "Now?"

Noel tilted his head, pretending to think. "Unless you want to bring Sunday street dust into our apartment."

Luca let out a quiet laugh. "Fine."

Noel’s eyes sparkled. "Together."

That wasn’t a question.

Luca’s expression shifted to something warm and amused.

"Bossy," he murmured.

"I’m efficient," Noel replied, already walking down the hall.

Luca followed him.

Steam started to gather almost immediately, curling against the glass, softening everything.

The warm water hit Noel’s shoulders first. He exhaled as if it reached somewhere deeper than muscle.

Luca stepped in behind him, close enough that Noel could feel his heat before he even touched him.

Then Luca’s hands settled at Noel’s waist, gentle—not possessive, just present.

Noel leaned back slightly, resting against him.

For a moment, they were silent. The sound of water filled the space between breaths.

Luca pressed his mouth to Noel’s shoulder—more a promise than a kiss.

Noel hummed. "You’re quiet."

"I’m thinking," Luca said.

"That’s dangerous."

Luca chuckled softly. "I’m thinking about how I don’t want to do anything today."

Noel turned his head slightly. "We already did something."

"We came home," Luca said simply. "That counts."

Noel’s expression softened as water slid down his face. "I like it when you talk like that."

"Like what?"

"Like you remember this is enough."

Luca’s hands moved slowly, smoothing soap along Noel’s arms with careful attention. "I don’t forget. I just... get distracted."

Noel reached back, finding Luca’s wrist and holding it. "Then stay distracted by me."

Luca paused.

Then, quieter—"Always."

Noel turned fully, water streaming between them as his hands slid up Luca’s chest. "You look tired."

"I’m not."

"You are."

Luca sighed, conceding. "I’m tired of everything that isn’t this."

Noel’s gaze warmed. "Then we’ll make this last longer."

Afterward, they moved through the apartment in comfortable silence.

Noel wore an old sweatshirt that swallowed his hands.

Luca had only lounge pants on, his hair still damp and softer than he ever looked outside these walls.

Gravity seemed to pull them to the couch.

Noel curled into the corner first, tucking his legs up.

Luca sat beside him and shifted until Noel rested half against his side.

A quiet movie played on the TV, something neither of them paid attention to.

Noel traced patterns on Luca’s palm. Luca watched as if it mattered.

"Stop doing that," Noel said.

"Doing what?"

"Looking at me like you’re trying to memorize me."

Luca’s mouth twitched. "Maybe I am."

Noel’s fingers paused. "Why?"

Luca answered without hesitation. "Because time moves too fast."

Noel swallowed. He leaned his head on Luca’s shoulder. "Then slow down with me."

Luca turned his face, kissing Noel’s hair. "I don’t know how to slow down anywhere else."

"Good," Noel murmured. "Then don’t."

The afternoon stretched around them—warm, still, and easy. No grand gestures, just the steady comfort of two people choosing each other again and again.

For now, that was everything.

Evening came gently, as if the apartment itself was letting out a breath.

The sun dipped behind the buildings, turning the windows into amber panes.

The movie had faded to background noise, forgotten in favor of the gentle rhythm of their hands finding each other.

Eventually, Noel shifted. "I’m hungry."

Luca hummed, eyes half-closed. "Mm. Tragic."

Noel turned his head, amused. "You’re the one who made dinner plans."

"I made reservation plans," Luca corrected.

"And now?"

Luca looked up. "Now I don’t want to leave."

Noel smiled as if he had expected that. "So cancel."

Luca blinked. "Just like that?"

"Yes. We have a kitchen. We have food. We have... couch inertia."

Luca’s lips curved. "Couch inertia."

"It’s very real. Very scientific."

Luca sighed dramatically and reached for his phone. Two taps. Canceled.

Noel watched with satisfaction. "Look at you. Flexible."

"Only for you."

Noel’s expression softened at that, warmth blooming in his eyes.

"Come on," he said, pushing himself up. "I’ll make something easy."

Luca stayed seated, watching him.

"You’re not helping?" Noel called over his shoulder.

"I’m supervising."

Noel scoffed. "You’re lounging."

"I’m providing emotional support."

"You’re providing nothing."

Luca smiled. "I’m providing ambiance."

Noel shook his head and laughed quietly as he disappeared into the kitchen.

The kitchen lights were softer than the daylight had been.

Noel moved around with easy familiarity—opening cabinets, pulling out ingredients, and tying his hair back with a rubber band he found on the counter.

Luca wandered in barefoot a few minutes later, drawn by the clink of dishes and the smell of garlic warming in oil. He leaned against the doorway.

"You look domesticated," Luca said.

Noel didn’t look up. "Don’t start."

"I mean it as a compliment."

"You always mean everything as a compliment."

Luca stepped closer, resting his hands lightly on Noel’s hips from behind.

Noel paused, spoon in hand. "You’re in the way."

"I’m exactly where I want to be."

Noel’s voice dropped to a whisper. "You say that a lot."

"Because it’s true."

Noel stirred again, more slowly now, letting Luca’s presence settle against him.

After a moment, he murmured, "What was the surprise?"

Luca’s chin brushed Noel’s shoulder. "It can wait."

"No," Noel said gently. "Tell me."

Luca hesitated. Then, with a quiet exhale—"I bought something."

Noel turned his head slightly. "Like... a watch?"

Luca’s laugh was low. "No."

"A car?"

"Noel."

"Then what?"

Luca’s arms tightened around Noel, not possessive—just close. "A key."

Noel froze. "A key?" he repeated carefully.

Luca nodded. "To a place."

Noel turned fully to face him, the stove hissing softly behind them, forgotten.

Luca’s expression was open in a way it rarely was.

"I’ve been thinking," Luca said. "About space and time. About how this—us—shouldn’t feel temporary."

Noel swallowed hard.

"I don’t want you to feel like you’re visiting my life. I want it to be ours. Whenever you come back from travel, not just this small apartment."

Noel stared at him, his mind racing to catch up with his heart.

Then, quietly, "You bought us a place?"

Luca nodded. "It’s not some fancy penthouse. It’s warm and quiet. Close enough to everything, but not in the chaos."

Noel’s mouth dropped open.

"I didn’t want to spring it on you like a grand gesture," Luca said softly. "I wanted to ask if you want that step." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Noel blinked, emotion flickering across his face. Then he smiled—small and genuine. "You’re asking me?"

"I’m asking you," Luca said simply. "Not as the Director. Not as someone making decisions alone." His hand brushed Noel’s cheek. "As your boyfriend."

Noel’s eyes sparkled. "You’re crazy," he whispered.

Luca smiled slightly. "I know."

Noel let out a soft laugh that threatened to turn into tears. He stepped forward, pressing his forehead to Luca’s.

"Well," Noel murmured. "Yes, Luca. I want that."

Luca closed his eyes, relief washing over him. "Thank you."

Noel pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. "You don’t have to thank me for choosing you."

Luca’s expression softened. "I’ll thank you anyway."

Dinner was simple: pasta, wine, and candles Noel insisted were unnecessary but lit anyway.

They ate barefoot at the counter, sharing bites and brushing knees. Luca looked lighter. Noel appeared calmer.

Afterward, they returned to the couch, the city outside dark now, lights twinkling like distant stars.

Noel curled into Luca’s side, fingers playing with the edge of his sleeve.

"So," Noel murmured, sleepily.

"So," Luca echoed.

"When do I get to see it?"

Luca smiled into Noel’s hair. "Soon."

Noel hummed. "Good."

After a pause, he spoke softly. "You really want a life with me."

Luca replied immediately. "I already have one."

Noel’s fingers stilled.

Luca tilted his head, kissing Noel’s temple. "I’m just making sure the world catches up."

Noel smiled and closed his eyes. "Okay. Then let it catch up."

The night wrapped around them—steady, quiet, full of promise. Not rushed or loud.

Just love, unfolding at its own pace.

Later, Noel shifted and yawned. "It’s late."

Luca hummed. "Stay here."

"We can’t sleep on the couch."

"We can."

Noel tilted his head. "You’re in denial."

"I’m off duty."

Noel’s smile softened. "Come on." He tugged Luca’s hand.

Luca allowed himself to be pulled up, following Noel down the hallway.

The bedroom was dim, curtains half-drawn, and the sheets turned down like an invitation.

Noel climbed in first, settling near the center. Luca paused at the edge, watching him.

Noel patted the space beside him. "Stop hovering."

"I’m not hovering."

"You’re hovering."

Luca sighed, caught. He slid into bed.

The mattress dipped as warmth shifted.

Noel turned immediately, curling into Luca’s side instinctively.

Luca’s arm wrapped around him without hesitation, pulling him closer until there was no space between them.

Noel’s voice was muffled against Luca’s chest. "Your heart is loud."

Luca’s fingers brushed through Noel’s hair. "It’s yours. It can be as loud as it wants."

Noel stilled. Then, very softly—"You really mean all of this."

Luca tilted Noel’s chin up, making him meet his eyes in the dark. "I don’t do half-measures. Not in business. Not in love."

Noel swallowed hard.

"And I love you," Luca added, simple and sure.

Noel’s eyes shone. "I love you too. Even when you’re unbearable."

Luca smiled. "Especially then."

Noel laughed softly, then sighed, melting back against him.

The room fell still again. The city noise faded into the distance. Noel’s breathing slowed, becoming softer and deeper.

Just before sleep claimed him, he murmured, "Don’t wake up early tomorrow."

Luca’s lips brushed his hair. "I won’t. I’ll stay."

Noel hummed contentedly. "Good."

Luca held him through the quiet, through the dark, through the gentle drift into sleep.

For the first time in a long time, the apartment didn’t feel like an echo.

It felt like home.