Izzy & Noah ✔️

Sixty-Nine: Lost in Thoughts of Luke

"We're talking about Luka. Luka, right in front of me."

I can barely meet his eyes. My face burns with embarrassment. How could I have missed him, completely unintentionally?

"I'm sorry I didn't notice you; I was so absorbed in my phone," I say, trying to brush off the awkwardness. But it only makes it worse.

"It happens," he responds, his voice low but steady. "Pay more attention next time. Maybe don't stare at your phone so much."

Ouch.

The truth stings harder than I expected. I hate how his words make me feel so... seen.

Then Katy, ever the optimist, chimes in from the side. "He's nice." Yeah, right. If she only knew.

"So, what are you doing here?" I ask, trying to shift the focus.

It's clear he's close to the institute, but I'd rather not linger in this uncomfortable space.

"I'm here for a job interview," he says, casually leaning against the doorframe.

I want to roll my eyes at him.

I don't even know why I'm still talking to him.

Something about him just rubs me the wrong way, and I can't shake it.

"So, what's your specialty?" I ask, pretending to care, though I couldn't be less interested.

But for some reason, I can't stop myself from continuing the conversation.

"Radiotherapy," he replies with a grin, clearly proud of himself.

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach.

It's not that I'll have to work with him all day, but something inside me tightens at the thought. Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, "What?"

He chuckles. "Yes, that's right. You heard me. We're going to be colleagues."

Great. Just great.

"Well, I hope so," I say, but the words feel hollow, like they have no weight. "I've heard it's tough to land a spot in that specialty, but I guess you already know that."

I don't wait for him to respond, already turning on my heel. "Now I have to go. As you might have noticed, my fiancé is waiting for me at home."

I don't regret this encounter. If anything, I almost wish I'd been more forceful, pushed him aside, told him off. He's so smug, so cocky. So indifferent to the way he affects people.

I feel his gaze on my back as I walk away, but I don't flinch. Not this time.

I hurry home, almost running, my heart racing. Only after a while do I realize how out of shape I am. The cold air burns my lungs, and the tightness in my chest isn't just from the sprint—it's Luka. Enough of Luka for today.

When I finally get back to the flat, I'm met with Noah's warm, genuine smile. It's like a beam of sunlight cutting through my storm.

"Why did you break into the flat like that?" he asks, a teasing smile curling on his lips. There's amusement in his voice as I throw my keys and bag down, scattering everything in a wild frenzy.

I don't have the energy to laugh.

"I had to get away from Luka," I say, though my voice trembles more than I expect. I run my fingers through my hair, trying to settle my thoughts. "Hey, did you know Luka is going to specialize in radiotherapy?"

Noah's eyes snap up from his phone, brow furrowed in confusion. "Um... yeah, he mentioned it. Why?"

I feel a knot form in my stomach. It's like every nerve is on edge just at the thought of him.