CHAPTER 131: SIDE BY SIDE

Eventually, Noel stretched out of Luca’s hold, sitting up as sunlight streamed lazily across the floor.

He ran a hand through his messy hair and sighed.

"We’ve got that interview tomorrow," he said, glancing back at Luca with a raised brow. "We should at least test our brains a little."

Luca groaned like he’d just been asked to lift a mountain. He flopped face-first into the pillow. "I’d rather nap with you forever."

Noel chuckled, tugging lightly at the back of Luca’s shirt. "You’re ridiculous."

"I’m romantic," Luca mumbled into the sheets.

"Delusional," Noel said, already reaching for his notebook.

"Let’s see if that ’genius’ brain can survive a mock panel."

Luca peeked one eye open. "But if I do, maybe they’ll think I’m mysterious. Brooding."

"Or they’ll just think you’re unprepared," Noel shot back, tossing him a pen.

It bounced off Luca’s shoulder. He sighed dramatically and rolled onto his back. "Fine. But only because you make studying look kinda hot."

Noel fought a smile and opened his book. "You’re not exactly focused when you say things like that."

"I’m deeply focused," Luca said, sitting up with sleepy eyes and a smirk. "On you."

Noel shook his head, laughter slipping out. "Then you better hope the interview panel looks like me."

Luca grinned, leaning over to press a quick kiss to Noel’s cheek. "That’d be a dream."

Noel ignored the blush rising on his face and flipped to the first page. "Alright, first question—don’t flirt, just answer."

"Can’t promise that," Luca whispered.

Noel sighed again but couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. "Let’s just start."

And with that, books open, hearts lingering, the room softened into something warm and safe—just two boys chasing the future, one question at a time.

Luca slouched further down the bed, legs dangling off the side while Noel sat cross-legged on the rug, notebook balanced on his knees. A half-empty mug of tea rested beside him, steam curling upward, forgotten.

"Alright," Noel said, flipping a page. "Let’s start easy—’Why do you want this internship?’"

Luca snorted. "Because I need money and it’ll look good on my CV."

Noel arched a brow without lifting his eyes. "You say that in the room, and they’ll walk you out before you finish that sentence."

"Okay, okay..." Luca straightened a little. "I want this internship because it offers hands-on experience in real-world business environments and aligns with my long-term goals in international trade."

Noel looked up, nodding slowly. "Better. But say it like you believe it."

"I’m practicing, not preaching," Luca muttered, rubbing his temple. "Next."

"Alright." Noel scanned the page. "’What do you understand by globalization in business?’"

Luca rolled his eyes dramatically, then answered, "It’s the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on a global scale."

"Go on," Noel said, tapping his pen.

"It means companies can expand beyond borders—benefiting from larger markets, cheaper labor, new resources... But it also means more competition, cultural barriers, and supply chain risks."

Noel looked impressed. "You remembered all that?"

"I listen sometimes," Luca said, grinning. "Especially when you explain things."

Noel chuckled, jotting something in the margin. "Good. Now, a trickier one: ’What’s the difference between a multinational and a transnational corporation?’"

Luca blinked. "You’re really out for blood today."

"Come on."

Luca groaned but sat up straighter. "Okay—multinational corporations operate in multiple countries but have a central head office. Transnational corporations operate globally but don’t have a single centralized headquarters—they’re more integrated across borders."

"Exactly." Noel looked pleased. "Now if only you say it with less panic tomorrow, you’ll be golden."

"I’m not panicking," Luca said, leaning forward to steal Noel’s pen. "I’m just internally combusting."

"Drink water," Noel teased.

"I’d rather drink your tea."

"Touch my tea and you’re sleeping on the floor."

They both laughed softly, and for a moment, the seriousness of tomorrow melted into something light—two voices in a quiet room, learning their way through it together.

Noel looked back at the notebook. "Last one for now. ’If we gave you a project involving entering a new international market, what would your first steps be?’"

Luca leaned closer, brows furrowed. "Market research, cost analysis, competitor evaluation, cultural study... and maybe... risk assessment?"

Noel looked at him, quiet for a beat. "That’s actually solid."

"I’ve been paying attention," Luca said smugly. "You’re not the only smart one in this relationship."

Noel smiled, then nudged him with his foot. "Wanna switch? I quiz, you read?"

Luca reached for the notebook and sighed. "Fine. But if I fall asleep, you’re carrying me to the interview tomorrow."

"I’d carry you anyway."

Luca paused, then gave him a lopsided grin. "Yeah... I know."

And just like that, their books stayed open, but their hearts beat louder—two boys dreaming big, side by side.

The rest of the evening passed in a soft rhythm—pages flipping, pens tapping, Luca occasionally tossing in a sarcastic comment just to make Noel laugh.

Somewhere between revision flashcards and yawns, they ended up tangled on the bed again, notes forgotten, drowsy warmth settling over them like a blanket.

No big conversations, just shared space and the silent comfort of knowing they weren’t facing tomorrow alone.

Morning came quietly.

Sunlight slipped in through the curtains, warm and indifferent.

Luca stirred first, eyes half-lidded, hair a perfect mess. He didn’t move much—just rolled closer, pressing his forehead against Noel’s shoulder with a sleepy groan.

Noel didn’t open his eyes. "It’s today."

"I know," Luca mumbled.

They didn’t rush. Breakfast was slow and quiet—toast and coffee, the clink of a spoon in a mug, a soft nudge here and there. Noel reread a few points from his notes while Luca leaned on the counter, pretending to care but mostly watching him.

It wasn’t until past noon that the nervous energy finally kicked in.

By 1:30 p.m., they were changed, hair tamed, files printed and checked twice. Luca stood by the mirror, fixing his collar while Noel adjusted the fall of his own shirt.

"You look serious," Luca said, eyes meeting Noel’s in the glass.

"I feel serious," Noel replied, smoothing his sleeves. "But you’ll be fine."

"You too," Luca said softly, bumping their shoulders as they grabbed their bags and headed out.

The clock ticked on.

By 2:45 p.m., they were in the reception area of the company’s headquarters—cool-toned walls, glass panels, and voices low and crisp like everything belonged in a suit.

Other applicants sat scattered around, some flipping through resumes, others glued to their phones.

Noel and Luca sat side by side.

Luca nudged his sneaker against Noel’s. "Still got room in your brain for one last question?"

Noel smirked. "Only if you promise to stop trying to make me laugh."

"No promises," Luca said, grinning—his fingers brushing briefly against Noel’s under the file.

And just like that, the moment held its breath.

Soon, a voice would call their names.

But for now, they sat—two hearts steadying each other against the unknown, side by side, exactly where they needed to be.

The reception room buzzed with a quiet kind of pressure—too loud to be peaceful, too calm to feel safe.

A handful of students sat scattered around, dressed in semi-formal nerves, some fiddling with their collars or smoothing their resumes over and over.

Noel and Luca had taken a seat by the window.

Noel sipped water from the complimentary cup, fingers loosely folded over his knee.

Luca scrolled idly through his phone, the fingers of his free hand tapping a rhythm Noel knew too well—sharp, restless, barely contained.

He didn’t say anything. Not yet.

A few heads turned as footsteps echoed from the corridor.

A staff member entered the reception, clipboard in hand.

"All accepted candidates, please follow me to the boardroom."

Chairs scraped, and a soft rustle of movement filled the space as everyone stood.

Noel gave Luca a light nudge with his elbow. Luca stood, tucking his phone away.

They followed the others down the hallway and into a glass-panelled boardroom where a long table dominated the center.

Bottled water, pens, and neatly stacked folders were set at each seat.

The windows overlooked the lower courtyard, giving the illusion of calm far from the rising tension in the room.

Luca’s fingers stilled. Then tapped once. Twice. A beat too fast.

Noel noticed—but didn’t ask. Not here. Not now.

The door opened, and in walked Mr. Jeff—poised in a sharp grey suit, eyes alert, mouth set in a business-neutral smile.

"Good afternoon," he said, voice firm but not unkind. "Welcome to Infinity Global Partners. I’m Jeffrey Matthew you can call me Mr.jeff, and I’ll be overseeing this round of interviews."

Luca didn’t look up. His jaw tightened just a little, then relaxed. Just enough not to seem noticeable. But Noel felt the shift.

"First off," Jeff continued, "congratulations. You’ve made it through a highly competitive selection process. This program doesn’t just value academic brilliance—but also communication, critical thinking, and how well you align with the way we work as a team."

Noel listened, attentive. Luca didn’t move. He was the picture of ease—except for the rhythm that had returned to his fingers, barely grazing the edge of the chair leg beneath the table.

"Let me briefly introduce who we are," Jeff went on, gesturing toward the logo displayed on the digital board behind him. "Infinity Global Partners operates across multiple industries—real estate, logistics, and digital innovation. This internship will give you a chance to explore hands-on operations within our business development and strategy sector."

Luca’s eyes flicked toward the logo, then quickly away. He blinked once. Sharp. Calculated.

"Now," Jeff said, shifting tone, "this won’t be a group interview."

A murmur rippled through the room.

"They’re grilling us one by one?" someone muttered under their breath.

"Thought this was the easy part..." another chuckled nervously.

Luca’s jaw ticked—barely—but Noel caught it.

"Still not competition?" he asked lightly.

Luca didn’t meet his eyes. "You’re not," he said. "But I am."

"Each of you will be interviewed individually. Don’t worry, we’re more interested in who you are, how you think, and how well you align with the company."

Jeff’s gaze swept across them all. "Be honest. Be clear. Be confident."

He paused. "We’ll begin shortly. Please wait here—your names will be called one at a time."

He stepped out, leaving the door gently ajar behind him.

For a moment, no one moved.

Then someone exhaled, long and shaky.

"So that’s Mr. Jeff," someone whispered across the table.

"God, he’s intense."

"No wonder the company’s top-tier..."

Noel leaned slightly toward Luca. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Luca said, but the word landed with a little too much weight.

Noel didn’t push. Instead, he let his shoulder brush Luca’s, a soft reminder that he was there.

The tapping stopped—just in time for the silence to mean something.