Val nodded enthusiastically. “I want to get some shots there. But also in La Boca.”
“Is that the area with those crazy colorful buildings?” Xander asked.
“Yup.” Frederik nodded.
“Count me in,” Aksel said.
“What about you, Kaj?” Markus nudged his shoulder. “You coming, no?”
“Huh? Maybe.” He pocketed his phone, trying to focus on the conversation. “I want to see that cemetery Frederik mentioned.”
“That’s on the other side of the city,” Frederik pointed out. “We need to sit down and actually check the map. We won’t have time for everything, but that one’s definitely impressive, like walking through an outdoor sculpture museum with all those massive mausoleums and statues.”
“Sounds like the perfect spot for our resident goth,” Markus teased.
Kaj flipped him off automatically, but his mind was elsewhere. The door to the lounge opened, and everyone’s heads turned. Niels entered first, his usually composed demeanor slightly off-kilter. Noah followed behind, his face a careful mask that didn’t quite hide the strain underneath. His eyes were slightly reddened and his hair was messy, as if he’d been running his fingers through it.
“Finally,” Val said, stretching dramatically. “We were about to send a search party.”
Noah’s mouth curved into what was technically a smile but lacked his usual spark. “Sorry to keep you waiting, guys.”
“No worries,” Frederik said, either not noticing or politely ignoring the tension. “We’ve been entertaining ourselves with Kaj’s pathetic gaming skills and food porn.”
“Go fuck yourself,” Kaj called, catching Noah’s eye.
Seeing how affected he was made Kaj’s heartbeat falter. They’d been in a public place and were famous, but no one had the right to intrude on their lives and steal private moments to share online. Thank fuck they’d been keeping their dirty deeds behind closed doors.
“The reservation’s in twenty minutes,” Frederik noted after checking his watch. “We should get going.”
The group began to fragment, gathering coats and phones, before walking outside the hotel. Niels hadn’t said anything, but his knowing look as Noah and Kaj followed the crew spoke a hundred volumes.
Their procession of taxis wound through the evening traffic, past elegant colonial buildings and modern high-rises. Buenos Aires was a city of contrasts—European elegance mixed with Latin passion. Stars winked above the city’s glow, and the streets pulsed with a particular energy that seemed universal to all great cities after dark.
Under different circumstances, Kaj would have enjoyed every second until they pulled up at the restaurant, but there was a sense of dread pressing in his lungs that made it hard to focus on the present. After fumbling to get his phone out of his leather jacket’s pocket, Kaj shot Noah a text.
You good?
Just tired
More messages?
Yeah
Sorry
Not your fault
The place was cozy, with an old-school vibe and rustic decorations that felt like they’d gone back in time. It was dimly lit, giving a super chill and relaxed atmosphere while keeping a nice buzz. It was one of those places where you could just kick back with a drink and soak in the localness.
Rich, savory scents of grilled meat hung in the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Everyone was in high spirits, but Kaj couldn’t fully join in. He kept glancing at Noah across the table, catching the way his smile didn’t reach his eyes when he laughed and how his fingers tapped nervously against his beer.
Around them, the restaurant filled to capacity, the ambient noise rising with each new group as they devoured their desserts. Waiters moved efficiently between tables, balancing plates of steaming meat and bottles of local Malbec.
“Earth to Kaj,” Xander waved a hand in front of his face. “You’ve been spacing out all evening, man.”
“Sorry,” Kaj mumbled. “I’m kinda tired.”
Aksel leaned back in his chair with a smirk playing on his lips and interlaced his fingers together on his stomach. “Tired? Is that what we’re calling it now?”
