Ren lay under the thick blanket, feeling the warmth start to reach his frozen body. His head was still heavy, and his throat a little dry, but at least he wasn't outside anymore. The soft sound of rain hitting the window had now turned into the gentle hiss of snow.
From the small kitchen area, Noah peeked at him. He was making soup—simple chicken soup from a can—but it was hot, and right now, that was enough.
Ren sat up slowly, wrapping the blanket tighter. "Um… Noah?"
"Yeah?" Noah answered without looking back.
"I… really am sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to blame you like that."
Noah stirred the soup and let out a sigh. "You already said that."
"I know, but…" Ren paused. "You still helped me, even though I was rude. I don't get it."
Noah finally turned around, holding a bowl. He walked over and handed it to Ren.
"You looked like a kicked puppy on that bench. What was I supposed to do? Leave you there to freeze?"
Ren looked down at the soup. "...Maybe."
"Well, I didn't," Noah said and sat down on the floor near the futon, leaning against the wall.
Ren took a spoonful and smiled. "It's good."
"It's canned," Noah replied. "Don't expect a five-star meal."
Ren gave a small laugh. "Still better than starving in the cold."
Noah tilted his head. "You really just moved here today?"
"Yeah," Ren nodded. "My sister lives here. I came from a small town—first time in a big city. She was supposed to meet me at the station, but I got on the wrong bus. Then I fell asleep... and my phone was gone."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "That girl who sat beside you. I remember her. She got off right before me. You think she took it?"
Ren nodded slowly. "I didn't notice at the time… but maybe. She was wearing a mask and didn't say a word."
"Figures," Noah muttered. "And you thought I looked suspicious?"
Ren looked embarrassed. "You did have that serious face. And headphones. And a mysterious vibe."
Noah scoffed. "Mysterious, huh? That's a new one."
There was a short pause, and then Ren smiled a little. "Thanks for not yelling at me again."
"I was going to," Noah replied flatly. "But you looked so pitiful I lost the mood."
Ren leaned back against the wall. "You live alone?"
"Yeah. Parents are abroad. I stay here for college."
"What do you study?"
"Design. Graphic design."
Ren's eyes lit up. "That sounds cool."
"It's okay," Noah shrugged. "What about you?"
"I haven't started college yet. I wanted to work first. Earn some money, help out my sister."
Noah nodded, looking thoughtful. "So… tomorrow, you'll call her?"
"If I can find a way," Ren said, his smile fading a bit. "She must be worried."
"You can use my phone," Noah offered without hesitation.
Ren blinked. "Really?"
"Yeah. But just one call. Don't go through my photos or anything."
"I'm not a creep!" Ren laughed.
Noah cracked a smile. "You did call me a thief, though."
"I said I was sorry!"
"Yeah, yeah."
The two boys looked at each other for a moment. The tension that had been there earlier was gone now. In its place, something softer had started to form.
Ren finished his soup and handed the bowl back. "Thanks, Noah."
Noah stood and took the bowl. "You're lucky I'm a nice guy."
"You don't look like one," Ren teased.
"Keep talking and I'll throw you back out," Noah replied with a smirk.
Ren lay back down, pulling the blanket up to his chin. "I'll shut up now."
"Good," Noah said as he turned off the lights. "Try to sleep. We'll figure things out in the morning."
In the dark, Ren closed his eyes. His fever was still there, but now there was warmth. A stranger had become a shelter. And maybe… just maybe, something else had started too.