Under the clear blue sky, Luca and Leila were bustling with excitement as they walked towards the grand entrance of the city's renowned art museum. It was a bright and sunny day, perfect for exploring the world of art and culture. Omar trailed behind them, looking somewhat less enthusiastic but willing to accompany his friends on this adventure.

Leila, with her camera slung around her neck and a notebook in hand, couldn't contain her enthusiasm.

"I can't believe we got free tickets to the museum!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Luca, equally thrilled, flashed a grin. "I know, right? There's this new exhibition that just opened up and I've been waiting to see it."

As they approached the entrance, Luca's grin remained fixed, but beneath the facade of excitement, he was wrestling with emotions he couldn't quite shake.

His thoughts kept drifting back to recent events in his life, the conversation with Noah still fresh in his mind, and the weight of his unresolved feelings for Wei.

Leila, caught up in her own enthusiasm, didn't notice the turmoil brewing beneath Luca's smile.

She continued to chatter away about the museum's exhibits and the artists whose works were on display, her voice filled with anticipation.

Omar, on the other hand, cast a concerned glance in Luca's direction. He could tell that something was amiss, that Luca's cheerfulness was a facade.

As they entered the museum, the grandeur of the space once again overwhelmed them.

Luca tried his best to immerse himself in the world of art, to allow the vibrant colors and intricate details to capture his attention.

It was usually an easy thing to do but nowadays, it's been getting more and more difficult.

He followed Leila's lead, nodding in agreement as she discussed the significance of different pieces.

Leila, oblivious to Luca's inner turmoil, insisted on taking photos of him posing in front of various artworks.

"Come on, Luca, this will be a great memory!" she said, holding up her camera.

With a forced smile, Luca obliged, posing beside sculptures and paintings as Leila snapped away. Each click of the camera felt like another layer of his true emotions being buried beneath the facade.

Omar, now more attuned to Luca's state of mind, made an effort to engage him in conversation.

"Luca, have you seen this artist's work before?" he asked, pointing to a striking piece.

Luca, grateful for the distraction, turned his attention to the artwork. "No, this is my first time," he replied, genuinely interested in the piece.

Leila, still enthusiastic and holding her camera, chimed in, "Isn't it incredible how art can evoke so many emotions and thoughts? Each piece has its own story to tell."

Luca nodded in agreement, his mind briefly wandering to his own story and the intricate web of emotions he was navigating.

He looked back at the artwork Omar had pointed out, appreciating the way it seemed to capture a sense of both chaos and harmony simultaneously.

Omar continued to guide Luca through the exhibition, sharing his insights and knowledge about various artists and their creative processes.

Luca was grateful that Omar kept the conversation going regardless whether he gets a response or not.

As they moved from one gallery to another, Luca's façade began to crack, and the weight of his emotions pressed in on him.

He stopped in front of a particularly poignant painting, depicting a solitary figure in a desolate landscape. The colors were muted, and the sense of isolation was palpable.

Without realizing it, Luca's smile faded, replaced by a look of contemplation. Leila, who had been absorbed in taking photos of sculptures nearby, noticed the change in Luca's demeanor.

"Luca, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Luca quickly shook his head, bringing his smile back in full force, "I'm completely fine. This painting though. It's by VIA."

Leila regarded Luca for a moment, her concern lingering. She knew Luca well enough to recognize when he was putting on a front, but she also understood that he might not be ready to open up about whatever was troubling him. She decided to respect his boundaries for the time being.

"VIA, huh? Isn't he your dae? This work is amazing," Leila commented, shifting her attention back to the artwork. "I love how they capture the complexity of human emotions in such a minimalist way."

Luca nodded, "he is my dae. I wonder what inspired him to make this one."

There was a time in Kai's life where he felt lonely. Like the colors of everything just faded away and it was just him there.

There was so much going on in this work and Luca couldn't help but feel drawn to it.

Luca's eyes lingered on the painting, his expression thoughtful. He remembered the time in his life when he had felt the same way as Kai. It was as if the world had lost its vibrancy, and he was all alone.

"What happened to your dae for him to feel this?" Leila asked curiously.

"I don't know, the first time I saw him in so long was that interview that I was asked to do as part of the special," Luca stated.

If I ever meet him," Leila said, "I'm going to ask him about every single painting and sculpture he did."

Luca smiled. "I'm sure he would be happy to talk to you about them. He loves talking about his art."

Luca and Leila continued to look at the painting for a while longer. Then, Leila turned to Luca. "Well, we should continue on. We have so much more to go through. Come on Omar."

The two men followed behind Leila as she jumped from one painting to another.

As they explored the gallery, Leila's enthusiasm was contagious, and Omar couldn't help but be drawn into the world of art.

Each painting told a unique story, and they were captivated by the variety of styles and subjects.

After a while, Omar couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and turned to Luca. "Luca, do you have any favorite artists or styles that you're particularly fond of?"

Luca pondered for a moment, then replied, "I appreciate many different styles, but I have a soft spot for impressionism. The way artists capture light and mood in their paintings has always fascinated me. How about you, Omar? Is there a specific type of art that resonates with you?"

"To be honest, I'm not much of an arts person. You know that," Omar said as he ran after Leila, who was leaning over to touch the sculpture.

"Meira, you're gonna get yourself kicked out!" He claimed as he pulled Leila back who pouted and grumbled in response.

The reason why Luca was at the museum was because he needed some inspiration with his talk show. The museum held a bunch of artwork from local artists which allowed Luca to find artists that he's never heard of before.

Coming with Leila and Omar was a plus because it stopped Luca being distracted and being the art nerd that he and Leila are, allowed him to move quickly from place to place.

Omar made sure to check in to them so that they don't get sucked into the art world and ground them back to reality.

"Luca, you hungry yet?" Omar checked in, "it's 11 right now and I know you didn't have breakfast."

Luca shook his head and gave a genuine soft smile, "it's fine Ain. I already ate breakfast."

Luca chuckled, seeing Omar's confusion. "I had a quick bite before we left. I didn't want my growling stomach to disturb the tranquility of this place," he explained, gesturing to the museum's serene surroundings.

Wei had texted Luca to remind him to eat. After a big more nagging through text, Luca had eaten a decent meal before heading out to meet Leila and Omar.

Omar nodded understandingly, relieved that Luca had taken care of his hunger before their museum visit.

"Good to know you are, remember we can take breaks if you need it. Let's continue our art exploration then," he suggested, and the trio resumed their inspiring journey through the museum's collection.

"Thanks, Ain. I appreciate that," Luca replied with a grateful smile. With Leila and Omar by his side, Luca felt both inspired and supported, making their art exploration all the more enjoyable as they continued to immerse themselves in the museum's captivating exhibits.

As they strolled through the museum, Leila couldn't help but point out her favorite pieces, discussing the intricate details and the emotions they evoked.

Luca absorbed every word, finding new perspectives and ideas for his talk show with each artwork they encountered.

Omar, the ever-practical one, kept an eye on the time and ensured they didn't lose track of the day, reminding them of the outside world beyond the museum's walls.

The trio's shared passion for art and their friendship created a perfect balance of inspiration and grounding, making this museum visit an unforgettable experience that would undoubtedly fuel Luca's upcoming talk show.

It was long before morning quickly turned to evening. The three made their way to a charming outdoor restaurant with cozy string lights and a delightful atmosphere.

They settled into their seats, still buzzing with the energy from the museum visit.

The restaurant's menu was a delightful mix of flavors and cuisines, reflecting the diversity of the city. Luca scanned the menu and claimed, "I think I'll try the local specialty, the seafood paella."

Leila, always the adventurous eater, decided on a fusion dish, saying, "I'm going for the spicy sushi burrito. It's got a bit of everything I love."

Omar, opting for something comforting, chose the classic lasagna. "I see you judging me Leila. Stop that," he remarked, rolling his eyes.

As their orders arrived, the rich aroma of the dishes filled the air, tantalizing their taste buds. They shared bites of their meals, continuing their lively conversation about art and life, all while savoring the delicious food that perfectly complemented their memorable day.

The evening breeze rustled the leaves overhead, creating a gentle, soothing backdrop to their dinner. Soft laughter and the clinking of cutlery blended with the distant sounds of the city as they savored their meals.

"This is so good," Leila claimed as her sushi burrito was more than half finished. Immediately after finishing her last bite, she got up.

"Don't mind me. Just need to go to the bathroom."

Omar, nodded through his forkful of lasagna. "Alright, your stuff is safe with us."

Luca nodded and watched as Leila disappeared behind the divider that separated the restaurant to the bathrooms.

Omar then turned to Luca, setting down his fork and spoon.

"Is there something wrong that's taking up your mind?" He asked.

Luca wasn't surprised that Omar kinda saw through Luca. He always saw through Luca, stopping him from several attempts from time to time.

Luca knew there was no use lying to Omar. Not only that, Omar has ways to pry the information out of Luca.

"I'm not sure," Luca admitted, his thoughts scattered like puzzle pieces waiting to be put together. Emotions swirled within him, a tangled web he struggled to decipher.

Omar leaned in, his eyes focused and concerned. "Tell me, Luca, what's going on inside you? It's okay not to have all the answers, but it's important to understand your feelings."

Luca took a deep breath, searching for words to articulate his inner turmoil. "I guess... I was hungry, and now I'm full, but it's more than that. It's like a mix of emotions, a jumble of everything."

Omar nodded, encouraging Luca to continue. "That's a start. Can you try to pinpoint some of those emotions?"

Luca furrowed his brow, pondering deeply. "I feel... overwhelmed, uncertain, and maybe a bit lost."

Omar's expression softened, understanding dawning on his face. "See? You do know what you're feeling. It's completely normal to have a complex blend of emotions. Let's talk about it, and maybe it'll help clear things up."

Luca appreciated Omar's patience and concern. With each word, he felt a bit more at ease, as if he was untangling the emotional knots inside him.

"You're right," Luca admitted, a sense of relief washing over him. "But I don't want to burden you though. You're my friend, not my therapist."

"You don't have anyone to talk about this. I know you won't go as far as going to ask for help. You never did. At least let me know and I can try to help.

Luca nodded. "So many things have happened within the past few weeks. I finally found the answers for some of the questions I had. I'm not sure if I'm happy with the answers and what I should do."

Omar nodded in understanding. "That's fine. Finding the answer doesn't always make it a good thing. But, remember, you don't have to do it all alone. Leila and I are here to support you every step of the way."

Luca smiled appreciatively. "I know, and I'm grateful for that. It's just hard to shake off this uncertainty about whether I can pull it off."

Omar and Luca shared a moment of quiet understanding, their unspoken support echoing in the peaceful atmosphere of the restaurant. The weight of Luca's uncertainty felt a bit lighter, knowing he had friends who believed in him.

Just as the tranquility settled, Leila returned to the table, her presence breaking the silence. She smiled warmly, sensing the shift in the conversation.

"Did I miss anything important, or are we still discussing the mysteries of life?"

Luca chuckled, the tension of his earlier uncertainty now a distant memory. "We were discussing the mysteries of life and how you're still hungry."

Leila raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, really? Well, I guess I have an appetite for both deep philosophical discussions and delicious food."

She pulled out her chair and sat down, leaning forward in anticipation. "So, what else have you two been discussing? Anything that I can chime in on?"

Luca looked at Leila and smiled. "We were just talking about the meaning of life," he said. "Or at least, trying to."

Leila nodded. "Well, that's a big one," she said. "But I'm always up for a challenge."

Leila and Luca continued to talk for hours, discussing everything from the nature of reality to the purpose of existence. They shared their thoughts and ideas, and they listened to each other with respect and curiosity.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Omar reminded them that it was getting late and they should start getting home.

Omar and Leila had dropped Luca off at his apartment with their car. Luca waved goodbye to them and then walked inside. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, his heart pounding in his chest.

He had had a wonderful time, but now that he was alone, he felt completely drained. His social battery was empty.

Luca started to tremble. He felt the anxiety coursing through his veins. He wanted to curl up into a ball and hide from the world.

But Luca knew that he couldn't let the anxiety control him. He had to find a way to calm himself down.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He focused on the sound of his own breathing. He tried to clear his mind of all thoughts.

Nothing was helping. So many things out of his power to control.

Wei.

Granny Lu.

Talk show.

His family.

He left to find control when everything was out of control.

Luca opened his eyes and stood up. He walked over to the window and looked out at the city. He could see the lights of the buildings twinkling in the distance. He could see the cars moving below him like ants.

Luca felt so small and insignificant. He felt like he had no control over his own life.

Luca thought back on the advice Omar once gave him.

"Focus on the things you can control, and take things one day at a time."

Luca knew that Omar was right, but it was hard to follow his advice when he felt like everything in his life was out of control.

He took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present moment. He looked at the lights twinkling and listened to the sounds of the city.

Luca realized that he could control his own thoughts and feelings. He could control his own actions.

He decided to focus on the things that he could control. He decided to take things one day at a time.

Despite the anxiety settling, there was still a buzz under his skin.

He was not ready to go to bed yet. He felt like he needed to do something.

Luca decided to change into casual sweats and went outside. He didn't know where he was going, but he needed to move.

He walked through the park and down the street. He passed by shops and restaurants, but he didn't pay them any attention. He was lost in his thoughts.

Luca thought about his relationship with Wei. He knew that he had made mistakes, but he still loved Wei more than anything in the world.

Luca kept walking until he reached the river. He sat down on a bench and watched the water flow by. He felt the cool breeze on his face and the warm sun on his skin. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Luca started to think about what he wanted to do with his life. He knew that he wanted to be happy, but he didn't know what that meant for him. He thought about his career, his relationships, and his goals. He realized that he needed to figure out what was important to him and what he wanted to achieve.

Luca immersed himself in contemplation, seeking to identify his life's purpose and the values that would guide him. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the gentle shaking of his shoulder until he felt the warm rays of the morning sun on his face.

Luca peeked open one eye and was met with shining light. It was morning.

He blinked a few times to clear his vision, and then he saw Kai standing over him, shaking his shoulder.

"Taya," Kai said. "Did you sleep the entire night here?"

He slowly opened both eyes and sat up, stretching his arms above his head. He looked around and saw that he was still on the bench by the river. He must have fallen asleep.

"I guess so," Luca shrugged.

"Taya, this isn't safe," Kai said worriedly, shaking Luca's shoulder. "You're supposed to sleep in your own bed, the one you worked hard for, not outside here."

Luca couldn't help but chuckle at Kai's scolding tone. He rubbed his eyes, feeling a bit disoriented from waking up outdoors. "I know, Kai, I know. It's just... I needed some fresh air, you know? I guess I must have dozed off."

Kai crossed his arms, concern etched on his face. "Taya, that's not very healthy. No one is comfortable sleeping in public like this."

Luca ran a hand through his tousled hair and yawned. "I won't do it again Dae. By the way, why are you here?"

Kai's stern expression softened slightly, and he let out a sigh of relief. "I usually take a run in this park before I do anything. Actually, I think Taya is working out in the outdoor gyms."

Luca's curiosity was piqued. "Wei? Working out?"

Kai chuckled. "Yeah, he's been working out for a while. You saw his muskles; those don't appear magically."

Luca rolled his eyes. "very funny. I should go home. Sleeping like that on the bench is painful." He got up and stretched, feeling a satisfying crunch in certain places.

As Luca prepared to leave, Kai offered him a friendly pat on the back. "You want to stay a bit longer? Wei is probably done, and I ran more than I needed today."

Luca contemplated the idea for a moment, but shook his head. "Nah, it's fine. I have some stuff to take care of at home. I didn't plan on falling asleep like that."

"You should stay," Wei said as he approached the two. "We're going to get breakfast before we go home."

Luca's gaze inadvertently drifted toward Wei, his attention momentarily captured by his ex-boyfriend.

Wei had his usually down hair tied up into a ponytail in the back. The loose strands of hair framed his face perfectly, and Luca could see the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.

Luca's heart skipped a beat. He noticed the way the sunlight glinted off his skin and the way his eyes sparkled with mischief.

Wei was more beautiful than Luca had ever remembered.

Luca quickly tore his gaze away, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew that he shouldn't be looking at Wei like that, not after everything that had happened between them.

Luca shook his head and smiled softly as Kai exclaimed excitedly, "Taya, did you know that T'Luca slept on the bench? Even he didn't know!"

Wei looked at Luca with disbelief. "You still fall asleep in random places?"

Luca gave him a glare. "I can't help it if I get tired easily."

Wei chuckled as he put his sweaty arm around Luca's shoulder and started heading towards one of the food trucks. "Come on, sleepyhead. Let's get you some food."

"Get your sweaty arm off of me," Luca grumbled, pushing away Wei's arm with force.

Wei withdrew his arm, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Someone's grumpy today," he teased.

Kai, amused by the banter between the two, followed along as they approached the food truck. The scent of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee wafted through the air, making Luca's stomach growl in response.

"What are you in the mood for, Dae?" Wei asked, scanning the menu, his eyes darting across the different items.

"I'm just getting a croissant," Kai said, his voice light and airy, his lips curving into a smile as he said the word "croissant" in a funny way.

Wei shook his head, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips, before glancing at Luca. "Anything for you?"

Luca shrugged. "I haven't even brushed my teeth," he said deadpanned, his expression unreadable.

Wei shrugged, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You could do that once you get home."

"I'm not hungry, you know that," Luca said, his voice firm.

Wei sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Fine," he said. He turned to the girl in the food truck and smiled apologetically. "Hi, can I get an egg and cheese croissant, pain au chocolat, two coffees, both with half and half and three sugars, and a strawberry crepe and chai latte for my friend, please?"

He glanced at Luca, who shrugged. "Fine," Luca said.

"Okay," Wei said to the girl. "And a strawberry crepe for him and a chai latte."

The girl in the food truck smiled. "Sure thing," she said. "Coming right up."

Wei turned back to Luca, who had an apprehensive look on his face. "It's fine if you don't finish it, you know," he said gently. "Just get some food in your stomach for now."

Luca couldn't help but feel his heart flutter. Wei truly cares about him this much. Maybe it's a bit overstepping. He's not totally sure, but it feels unreal.

He glanced down at his hands, feeling a mix of emotions. He was happy that Wei cared about him, but he was also a little overwhelmed. He wasn't sure how to process his feelings for Wei, especially after everything that had happened between them.

As they waited, Luca listened to Kai animatedly recount a story about a mishap at work, his eyes gleaming.

"He then threw the coffee all over me!" Kai screeched, his eyes wide, and his arms flailing in exaggerated gestures.

"Dae, that's not what happened," Wei sighed, rolling his eyes at Kai's dramatization. "You accidentally spilled the coffee on yourself."

"That's totally what happened!" Kai insisted, undeterred. "He was so clumsy! I wasn't doing anything, and he just threw the piping hot coffee at me!"

"Dae, D'Levani did nothing," Wei asserted with a smirk, clearly enjoying teasing Kai about the story.

"Levani, Vision, same difference. He totally did it on purpose!" Kai protested with an exaggerated pout.

"No, he didn't! You had your foot out. You keep teasing the poor guy."

"I don't tease him."

"Yes, you do."

The lighthearted banter continued, with Kai and Wei playfully arguing about the incident at work. Luca watched with a smile, savoring the familiarity of their friendship and the comforting feeling of being surrounded by people who cared about him.

It wasn't long before the girl called them with their food.

"Here you go," she said. "Enjoy."

"Thanks," they all said.

They paid for their food and walked away from the food truck.

"Do you have any plans for today, Taya?" Kai asked Luca after finishing a mouthful of his crossaint.

"I have some errands to run, then I need to work on some talk show stuff, and after that, I'm headed to the racetrack," Luca explained, contemplating his busy schedule. He knew that the errands alone would eat up a significant portion of his day, and there was always a pile of paperwork and show-related tasks waiting for him.

"You run?" Kai asked, a look of confusion crossing his face.

"No, he races," Wei chimed in casually.

Kai raised an eyebrow, directing his curious gaze at Wei. "How do you know that?"

Luca swiftly stepped in, attempting to divert the conversation. "Because I taught him how to ride a bike," he asserted with a grin.

Kai's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Can you teach me how to ride a bike?"

Both Luca and Wei responded simultaneously, their voices firm and united. "No."

Kai let out a strangled cry of disappointment. "I really want to learn."

Wei chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry, Kai, but teaching you to ride a bike might give our mom a heart attack."

Kai looked confused. "But Luca taught you, right?"

Luca nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Yeah, but Wei has a point. He tells Mom everything, so that might not be the best idea."

Kai pouted, realizing the truth in their words. "Fine, I get it. I'll just stick to running."

Wei ruffled Kai's hair affectionately. "That's the spirit dae."

The trio strolled through the park, their conversation shifting to lighter topics as they enjoyed their breakfast.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the park, and the vibrant greenery seemed to come alive in the gentle breeze.

"Taya, I heard your talk show is going to air soon," Kai said.

"Yeah, the first episode should be airing tomorrow, and then there will be a new episode every day after that," Luca confirmed, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"That's amazing, Taya!" Kai exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'll definitely watch it. What's the first episode about?"

Luca hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. He had always been somewhat private about his work, but he also wanted to share his passion with his friends. "The first episode is about the challenges and rewards of pursuing your dreams. It's a topic that's close to my heart."

Wei chimed in, his expression thoughtful. "That sounds interesting. I'm sure it'll be a great show."

Luca nodded, grateful for his friends' support. "Thanks, guys. I've put a lot of work into it, so I hope people find it inspiring."

Their leisurely walk continued as they finished their breakfast, the park gradually coming to life with more people enjoying the beautiful morning. Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the challenges he faced and the emotional turmoil he carried, moments like these with his friends reminded him of the simple joys of life.

Eventually, it was time for them to part ways. Luca needed to start tackling his long list of errands and work-related tasks, while Kai and Wei had their own plans for the day.

"Thanks for breakfast, guys," Luca said, genuinely appreciative of their company.

"No problem, Taya," Kai replied with a grin. "We should do this more often."

Wei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's been fun. Good luck Luca."

"Thank you," Luca said, touched by their words. "And take care, both of you."

They exchanged warm goodbyes and went their separate ways, each with their own day ahead of them. Luca went home and started to finish his errands.

Luca began to methodically go through his to-do list. The morning had been a pleasant distraction, but now it was time to focus on his responsibilities. He organized his paperwork, replied to emails, and made notes for the upcoming episodes of his talk show. The first episode was just around the corner, and he wanted everything to be perfect.

Hours passed, and Luca was deeply engrossed in his work. The sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on his desk. Despite the occasional challenges and setbacks, Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he made progress on his tasks.

As the day turned into evening, Luca's phone buzzed with a message. It was a reminder from Wei, asking if he had eaten yet and if he had finished his work yet.

Once finished with most of his work, he leaned back into his chair, spinning around for a bit.

With a sigh, Luca realized just how exhausted he felt. The past few days had indeed been filled with challenges and emotional encounters, leaving him drained both mentally and physically.

Pushing away from his desk, Luca decided to take a well-deserved break. He walked over to the window and gazed out at the cityscape. The twinkling lights of the buildings below seemed to beckon him, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of his busy life.

He wondered how it would have felt if time went still. Would there be anything different or would he be still feeling the same thing.