Izzy & Noah

Six: A Weekend Pause - Time to Breathe

The aroma of Noah's presence envelops the apartment, a blend of earthy warmth reminiscent of a fresh morning after rain—a promise of renewal.

I stand in front of the hall mirror, studying my reflection with uncertainty. 

Three of Noah's friends have arrived, along with a girl. 

I'm still in my sweatpants, having rushed to see Noah, who, of course, is also clad in casual comfort. 

I'm not quite sure how to approach him.

It's a challenge I've always faced—starting small talk feels like climbing a steep hill. 

Just as I consider retreating to my room, Noah calls out to me.

"Izzy, finally! Come in! Don't be shy," he beckons, his gaze warm and inviting.

A part of me wants to slip away and apologize for intruding, but I can't let this opportunity pass. 

"Yes, Noah. I'm here," I reply, stepping forward into the room and nervously tugging at the sleeve of my tracksuit.

The kitchen radiates warmth, and I can't help but admire how effortlessly stylish Noah looks in his sweatpants. 

His slightly tousled hair and stubble add to his laid-back charm. I bite my lip, trying to collect my thoughts as I scan the others gathered around.

"Hi, I'm Izzy," I say as I approach the dining table.

"Hello, I'm Katy," the only girl at the table replies, extending her hand before pulling me into a warm hug.

I stiffen slightly, taken aback by the unexpected intimacy. I'm not one for hugs, whether from strangers or friends. With a gentle smile, I extricate myself from her embrace and move on to shake hands with the others—Ben, Luke, and Tom. They're all doctors, while Katy is a fellow nurse.

"So, what are we celebrating tonight?" I ask, taking a seat at the table.

"Noah's success!" Ben exclaims, his voice brimming with excitement. "He aced his internal medicine exam!"

"The first among us, and with a ten! You're not normal," Tom adds, turning to Noah with a grin.

Noah stands up and heads to the fridge, retrieving a bottle of champagne. 

He places it on the table, collects six glasses, and pours for everyone.

"To life!" he shouts, lifting his glass for a toast.

"To new beginnings," I add quietly in my mind, hoping for positive changes ahead. 

I can feel the bubbles tickling my senses as I take a sip.

Soft music plays in the background, creating a cozy atmosphere. 

Conversation flows easily, and I find myself clicking particularly well with Katy, perhaps because of our shared professional background.

"Noah never mentioned you or talked about you much," Katy whispers, leaning closer so Noah doesn't overhear. 

The party has shifted to the living room, where the boys are playing games on the PlayStation while we linger in the kitchen.

"It hasn't been long since I moved here—barely a month," I share, glancing at Katy.

"Yeah, but he's never invited any of his flatmates to parties. To be honest, we've never been to this flat. We're always at our place, so it's strange for me that Noah would suddenly invite us here. He's always been so secretive," she says with a playful wink.

"Interesting, but I don't know much about him either. His grandmother told me a little; I work, he studies. We don't really have time to get to know each other," I respond, finishing my wine.