And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 1 Noah

I leaned against the smooth kitchen counter, the cool surface a welcome contrast to my body, heated with anticipation. The new-paint smell mingled with the mouthwatering aroma of takeout spread out in boxes across our fresh start. It was a beautiful mess, punctuated by Sophie's lively dancing and colorful streamers—a prelude to the housewarming party. Her laughter filled our sparse apartment with warmth and light, and I couldn't help but smile as her joy infused the sterile space with life.

"Can you believe this is real?" Sophie's voice rang out, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"It feels like a dream," I whispered, my heart beats as I took in our humble abode on the Upper East Side. The walls echoed my desire to fill them with life and laughter, but a nagging doubt whispered in my ear.

Sophie, ever the catalyst, pulled me into the living room, where her colleagues began to arrive, each bearing gifts of wine and mirth. Their laughter was infectious, reverberating off the walls and infusing the room with a vibrant energy. Yet I felt myself withdrawing, a stranger on the periphery, as my anxiety twisted within me like a vine.

"Get back here," Sophie teased, nudging me gently toward the lively crowd.

As I stepped forward, my gaze landed on a figure by the window, and my heart skipped a beat. His dark, tousled hair and easy smile captured my attention, holding it hostage.

"That's Liam," Sophie said, her voice buzzing with excitement. I could feel her excitement like a physical force, but my stomach flipped with nerves as I processed the torrent of emotions he had unleashed.

Approaching him, I extended my hand, palms sweating. "Hey, I'm Noah."

"Liam." His voice was smooth like honey, and our handshake lasted a beat too long, sending warmth coursing through my veins. His eyes held a spark of curiosity that drew me in, making my heart pound in time with the music.

"What do you do?" He tilted his head, a playful smile dancing at the corners of his mouth.

"I'm a graphic designer," I replied, feeling suddenly self-conscious among the myriad talents that New York District housed.

"No way! What kind of design?" His interest seemed genuine, and I relaxed a fraction, the tension in my shoulders easing.

"Branding and web design, mostly. A lot of brands are tired of AI software these days, they prefer real human work." I said, finding my footing in the conversation. The room faded away, and it felt as though we were enveloped in our own little bubble.

He glanced around, taking in our handiwork. "You two have done a great job making this place your own."

Laughter came easily as we shared stories of our chaotic moving day. It felt as though we had known each other for years, not mere minutes.

But then, the moment shattered. "Hayes! Over here!" someone called, and Liam turned, a flicker of something passing over his features.

"That's my girlfriend," he explained casually, his last name serving as a reminder of his attachment. "That's what people usually call me." The weight of his words hung between us, the unspoken connection now burdened by reality.

My chest tightened as I processed this new information. "Oh," I managed, forcing a smile that threatened to shatter.

Liam seemed reluctant to break away, glancing back at me with uncertainty. "She's amazing," he added, a subtle edge to his voice. "We've been together for a while."

I nodded, my mind racing as the air between us crackled with unspoken words and unacknowledged desires.

"Are you seeing anyone?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.