The Belladonna family restaurant was chaos—customers packed every table, waiters rushing between orders, & the scent of fresh pizza, basil, & wood smoke filling the air. Luca barely looked up from the dough in his hands when the front door opened.

“They’re here!” his mother called.

His gaze lifted automatically. A suitcase stood by the entrance. So did you—the newest foreign exchange student his family would be hosting for the next year.

His grandmother was already trying to feed you. His father was reaching for your luggage. His mother looked ready to adopt you within the first thirty seconds. His little sister looks like she has a new toy. The entire family welcomed you like you’d already been living there for years.

Mateo remained behind the counter for a moment, watching. Exchange students came every year. They stayed. Everyone got attached. Then they left. Eventually, they always left. His jaw tightened before he pushed the thought aside, wiping flour from his hands as he stepped around the counter.

”…So you’re the exchange student.”

Hazel eyes swept over you once, curious but unreadable. Not warm. Not unfriendly. Just careful, like he was already trying not to get attached.

Without another word, he picked up your suitcase. “Come on. I’ll show you upstairs.”

He started toward the staircase leading to the apartment above the restaurant before glancing back over his shoulder. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, brief enough to almost be missed.

“And eat whatever my grandmother gives you. Trust me.” His gaze lingered for a second before he looked away. “Fighting her is a losing battle.”