The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow across the cozy apartment. Nalani stretched, feeling the stiffness of travel begin to ease from her muscles. She glanced over at Lena, still asleep in the bed, and smiled. Quietly, she slipped out from under the covers and padded across the hardwood floor to the window.

With a gentle push, she opened the window, allowing the crisp morning air to fill the room. Nini, her beloved cat, hopped down from the bed and trotted over to join her at the window sill. The two of them peered out at the bustling street below, watching as Paris began to awaken.

As Nalani stood there, lost in thought, she couldn't shake the feeling of excitement that pulsed through her veins. They were really in Paris – the city of love, art, and endless possibility. It felt like a dream come true.

Nini let out a soft meow, drawing Nalani's attention away from the window. She chuckled and bent down to stroke the cat's fur. "Hungry, are you?" she teased, her voice barely above a whisper. Nini purred in response, rubbing against her hand.

With a final pat, Nalani straightened up and tiptoed out of the room, careful not to wake Lena. She made her way to the bathroom, relishing the warmth of the morning light as it flooded the space. After a quick shower, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and began to dry her hair.

As she worked, Nini continued to meow at her, growing more insistent with each passing moment. Nalani chuckled and shook her head. "Alright, alright," she said, giving in to the cat's demands. "Let's get you fed."

She retrieved Nini's food from their room and set it down on the floor, watching as the cat eagerly dug in. With a smile, Nalani made her way to the kitchen, her stomach grumbling in anticipation of breakfast.

But as she opened the fridge, she realized that it was empty – a stark reminder of their recent arrival. She sighed, closing the fridge door with a soft thud. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Curious, Nalani made her way to the entrance and peered through the peephole. It was Mr. Antoine, their helpful guide and driver, holding a tray of food. Nalani's eyes widened in surprise as she quickly opened the door.

"Mr. Antoine, is that perhaps—"

"Breakfast, Mademoiselle," Antoine said with a warm smile, stepping inside and setting the tray down on the table. "Your uncle asked me to prepare it for you. He was certain you would be too tired after your long flight."

Nalani felt a rush of gratitude wash over her. "You didn't have to, Mr. Antoine. We could've gone out or gone grocery shopping. I can cook," she protested.

Antoine shook his head. "Your uncle gave me specific instructions, Mademoiselle. He wanted you to have a proper breakfast to start your day."

Nalani sighed, realizing she couldn't argue with her uncle's kindness. "Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Please thank your wife for me as well. Her cooking is truly delicious."

Antoine nodded, his expression grateful. "I will pass along your message, Mademoiselle. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask."

With that, Antoine took his leave, leaving Nalani alone with the tempting spread of food on the table. She couldn't resist the aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee, and she eagerly tucked into her breakfast.

As she ate, Nalani couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the generosity of her uncle and his thoughtful arrangements. It was clear he wanted nothing more than for her to feel welcome and at home in Paris.

Once she had finished her meal, Nalani cleaned up the kitchen and made her way back to their room. Lena was still fast asleep, lost in dreams. Smiling softly, Nalani quietly gathered her sketchbook and pencils before settling down at the window.

With the city spread out before her, Nalani lost herself in her art. She sketched the rooftops, the winding streets, and the graceful architecture of Paris, each stroke of her pencil capturing the beauty of the city.

Hours passed in blissful silence as Nalani worked, the only sound the scratch of her pencil against the paper. By the time Lena finally woke up, the sun was high in the sky, casting a golden light over the city.

Lena stretched and yawned, blinking sleepily as she took in her surroundings. "Good morning," she said, her voice still thick with sleep.

Nalani looked up from her sketchbook and smiled. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you sleep well?"

Lena nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Like a log. What's for breakfast?"

Nalani chuckled and gestured to the empty plates on the table. "You missed it, I'm afraid. But

 don't worry, I saved you some pastries."

As Lena finished her breakfast and took a refreshing bath, Nalani continued sketching at the window, lost in the rhythm of her pencil against the paper. She glanced up as Lena emerged from the bathroom, a contented smile on her face.

Lena sidled up beside her, picking up Nini and settling the cat in her lap. Nini purred happily, enjoying the attention. "That's nice," Lena commented, nodding toward Nalani's drawing of the bustling streets outside. "You're really talented."

Nalani grinned, grateful for Lena's praise. "Thanks. We both are, aren't we?," she said, returning her attention to her sketchbook. "I'm glad you like it."

Lena leaned back, resting against the wall. "I'm sorry I slept in," she apologized. "I guess I was more tired than I thought."

Nalani shook her head, waving off Lena's concerns. "It's okay," she reassured her. "I know you needed the rest. Besides, I'm used to waking up early."

Lena raised an eyebrow, a hint of worry in her voice. "Are you sure you're okay, Nalani? You didn't stay up all night again, did you?"

Nalani chuckled, shaking her head. "No, I'm fine, really. I just have a lot on my mind, that's all."

Lena nodded, accepting her answer. She glanced down at the small package of a pair of pearl bracelets Nalani had tossed her way earlier. "These are really pretty," she commented, examining the delicate jewelry. "Where did you get them?"

Nalani laughed, remembering Mrs. Amelie's unexpected gift. "Remember the small package Amelie gave me last night?"

"Ooh, so this was it. I thought it was pie," Lena cluelessly said.

They both chuckled at the memory before Nalani turned the conversation to their final project. 

"So, what's your plan for our project on identity?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Lena shrugged, her brows furrowing in thought. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted. "But I'll think of something. It has to be something meaningful."

Nalani nodded, her enthusiasm contagious. "Exactly! It could be anything, as long as it represents identity in some way."

With a mischievous grin, Nalani jumped up from her seat, raising her arms in the air. "That's why we must make haste and explore Paris!" she declared, her voice ringing out in the small apartment.

Lena laughed, shaking her head at her friend's dramatics. "I can't believe you're using Eloise Bridgerton on me," she teased.

Nalani shrugged, unapologetic. "She's an icon!" she proclaimed, earning another laugh from Lena.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, Nalani and Lena ventured out into the streets of Paris. To their surprise, Mr. Antoine was waiting for them outside, ready to chauffeur them wherever they needed to go.

Nalani raised an eyebrow, impressed by Mrs. Amelie's foresight. "Have you been waiting here all day?" she asked, surprised.

Antoine shook his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "No, Mademoiselle. I only arrived a few minutes ago. My wife had a feeling you might need a ride this evening."

Lena grinned, impressed by Mrs. Amelie's intuition. "She must be psychic," she joked as they climbed into the car.

Antoine chuckled, starting the engine and pulling away from the curb. "I guess you could say she has a way of telling things," he said cryptically, his eyes twinkling in the rearview mirror as they disappeared into the Parisian night.