Wei stood in front of his bedroom mirror, carefully examining his reflection as he tried on different outfits. Luca had texted him earlier, asking if he wanted to hang out over the weekend, and Wei had eagerly accepted the invitation.

He couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the prospect of spending time with Luca again.

As he pondered over his clothing options, Wei couldn't shake the anticipation building within him. It had been a while since they had hung out together, just the two of them..

He held up a couple of shirts, comparing colors and styles, trying to decide which one would make the best impression. It wasn't that he needed to impress Luca, Wei wanted to look his best for their day together.

Wei felt a sense of gratitude towards Dr. Aslanov for recommending the idea of changing the dynamics of his relationship with Luca. While Wei's feelings for Luca still lingered, the intense pain that once consumed him had gradually lessened, replaced by a more subdued and manageable ache.

Wei decided on a light blue button-down shirt, paired with a pair of dark wash jeans and a pair of brown loafers. He also added a silver watch and a pair of sunglasses.

Wei took a deep breath and walked out the door, excited for his day with Luca. He knew that it was going to be a good one.

Wei retrieved his keys, secured his front door, and descended to the underground garage, where his sleek, well-maintained vehicle awaited him.

The car's exterior was an understated elegance, blending seamlessly with the urban surroundings. His interior was extra as well with him having a star ceiling, RGB lights near his dashboard, as well as several other gadgets that made the driving experience more enjoyable.

Wei got into his car and smiled as he looked around. He was proud of what he had accomplished. He had worked hard to build a good life for himself, and his car was a symbol of his success.

He started the engine and pulled out of the driveway. As he drove through the city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He was in control of his own destiny, and he was excited to see what the future held.

He drove to the park that Luca texted to meet up with him at.

Upon reaching the designated park, Wei parked his automobile and patiently awaited Luca's arrival. When Luca appeared, dressed in chinos and a "CREW" t-shirt, he held out what seemed to be a folded t-shirt in shades of blue. Wei's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why do I need to wear this?" Wei inquired, his curiosity now fully piqued.

A sly grin played on Luca's lips as he maintained an air of mystery. "You wouldn't want to risk ruining your attire, would you?"

"Ruining my clothes?" Wei echoed, his intrigue deepening.

"I'll fill you in once we arrive," Luca replied casually, leaning against Wei's car with his hands snugly tucked into his pockets.

Wei released a sigh as he popped open the trunk, accepting the t-shirt from Luca. As he began unbuttoning his shirt, he couldn't help but notice Luca deliberately averting his gaze. An impish grin danced across Wei's lips.

"You're not going to watch?" he teased, playfully leaning in closer to Luca while continuing to unfasten his shirt.

Luca, pretending to be the picture of innocence, deliberately looked away, avoiding Wei's eyes while maintaining a teasing demeanor. "Just change," he grumbled, though a subtle hint of amusement was undeniable.

Luca observed as Wei applied the deodorant spray with a practiced flourish, an amused smile tugging at his lips. Once the ritual was complete, Wei secured the spray in his bag, shut the trunk, and turned his attention back to Luca.

"Okay, I know I omitted some parts, but is it fine if you're recorded? Else I can take you somewhere else," Luca inquired, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Wei furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "Recorded? What's being recorded?" Luca had been rather cryptic about their plans.

Luca gestured ahead, leading Wei towards a clearing in the park. As they approached, Wei's eyes widened in surprise.

The area was bustling with activity. Several people wore the same blue t-shirt that Wei now sported, while others were clad in black shirts labeled "STAFF." Cameras, microphones, and various technical equipment were scattered about.

"This is supposed to be a small segment on the talk show, where I go in person and help out," Luca explained. "It's fine if you don't want to be a part of it. You don't have to be interviewed. You can just be part of the background footage."

Wei absorbed the information, his initial confusion giving way to a hesitancy that Luca couldn't help but notice.

"You still haven't told us what we're doing," Wei finally said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"I thought you would guess by now. We're picking up trash!" Luca declared with an infectious grin.

Wei's jaw dropped, and he couldn't help but react with genuine disappointment. "Picking up trash!" he exclaimed, his tone filled with disbelief. "You're making me pick up trash as an excuse to hang out with you? What? I thought we were going somewhere fun, not trash," he grumbled, his enthusiasm deflating.

Luca chuckled, trying to persuade Wei with a persuasive smile. "Wei, c'mon. Just do it for me. If you decide to speak, you can promote your company. Or you can be eye-candy in the b-roll. I'm not forcing you."

"Fine, because you asked. I'm just doing b-roll," Wei conceded, his disappointment still evident in his voice.

Luca gave a small fist bump, grateful that Wei had agreed to participate in his plan.

"Here, let me introduce you to some people," Luca said as he guided Wei towards a couple wearing the same blue t-shirt.

Wei couldn't help but notice the wedding bands adorning the couple's fingers, a detail that piqued his curiosity.

"I'Leila, A'Omar, this is Wei," Luca said with a warm smile. "Wei, these are my coworkers and friends, I'Leila and A'Omar. They're helping out today too."

Leila and Omar both extended their hands, greeting Wei with friendly smiles. "Nice to meet you, Dae," Leila said, her camera hanging around her neck.

"Yeah, Luca told us you'd be joining us for some... trash picking," Omar added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Wei shook their hands, returning their smiles. "Nice to meet you both too. And yeah, it seems I'm here for the trash duty," he sighed.

"You'll fit in just fine, Dae," Leila laughed, "Luca pulled the same thing on us too."

"A'Omar knew, he just didn't tell you because it's funny," Luca laughed as he threw an arm around Wei.

"What!" Leila screeched as she turned to Omar, who was looking through his phone. "Omar! Why didn't you tell me!"

"Dae cashed in his favor," Omar shrugged as he continued reading.

"Dae, you're cruel," Leila pouted, crossing her arms.

"Then why aren't you leaving?" Luca asked.

"Because you two promised me food," she said with a playful smile, her arms unfolding.

Luca chuckled, patting Wei on the back. "See, you're not alone in this. We all have to endure the trash duty together."

Omar finally looked up from his phone, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Besides, it's not just about the trash. It's about the experience and the company."

Leila rolled her eyes at Omar's attempt to be philosophical. "Yeah, yeah, we get it, Mr. Wise. But I'm still mad at you for not warning me, Dae."

"Sorry, Leila, but you're a good sport about it," Luca replied, giving her a playful nudge. "And don't worry, I'll make it up to you with some delicious food after this."

Leila's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Deal! As long as it's not garbage."

"Ieon! It was a one-time thing!" Luca whined.

"One time too many!" Leila claimed.

As they continued their friendly banter, someone from the crew called Luca over. "Luca, we're ready to start filming the opening segment. Are you ready?"

Luca nodded, excusing himself from the group. He turned to Wei, Leila, and Omar. "I'll be right back, folks. Don't have too much fun without me."

Leila chuckled. "We'll do our best not to."

Wei watched as Luca excused himself and headed towards the filming area.

This whole trash cleanup thing was unexpected, but if it made Luca happy, then he was willing to give it a shot.

The crew quickly got to work setting up the equipment, and Luca took his place in front of the camera. Wei watched him with a sense of pride, knowing that he was about to help his friend with something important to him.

Luca stood confidently in front of the camera, a genuine smile on his face as he began his recording.

"Hello everyone! I'm Luca Chantrisi, and we've got something a little different for you. You see, we're here at this beautiful park, and we're not here for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Nope, we're here to make a change, to give back to our community in a meaningful way."

Wei couldn't help but be amazed as Luca transformed into a charismatic and TV-ready persona. He was literally shining in Wei's eyes.

Luca's voice was clear and confident, and his smile was infectious. He spoke with a passion that was impossible to ignore. Wei could feel his heart swelling with admiration.

"We all love spending time in parks like this, right? The fresh air, the greenery, the sense of escape from the daily grind. But sometimes, we forget that these spaces need our love and care too. They need us to come together as a community and lend a helping hand."

Wei listened intently to Luca's words, nodding in agreement. He knew that Luca was right. Parks were precious resources that needed to be protected.

"So, today, we're rolling up our sleeves, grabbing those trash bags, and we're going to clean up this park. It's not about just picking up litter; it's about preserving this natural beauty for generations to come. It's about making a positive impact right here in our own backyard."

"Wow, Dae, that was amazing!" Leila exclaimed as Luca headed back towards them. "You looked like a prince. I can't believe we're friends with this person."

Luca grinned sheepishly. "Come on, that's a bit too much praise."

"She's not wrong. That was like a whole different person up there," Wei added, his gaze fixed on Luca.

Their eyes met, and Luca couldn't resist a playful remark. "Oh really? Did I also look like a prince to you?"

Leila decided to playfully fan herself, prompting identical looks of confusion from the two men. "Don't mind me, continue with your flirting."

Luca and Wei exchanged awkward glances before quickly looking away, their discomfort not escaping Omar's watchful eyes. He regarded them both with a suspicious look, wondering about the unspoken dynamics at play.

The moment passed, and the group moved on to more practical matters. They were handed trash bags, gloves, and pickers, and Luca explained the plan for the cleanup.

"We're going to divide into teams and cover different areas of the park," Luca said, all traces of his earlier charismatic persona gone as he adopted a more practical tone. "Remember, this isn't just about picking up trash. It's about sorting it for recycling and proper disposal. Let's do our part for the environment."

The team split up into groups, and Wei found himself partnered with Luca as they headed towards a particularly littered section of the park. It was a chance for them to work side by side, and Wei was determined to make the most of it.

As they started picking up discarded wrappers, bottles, and other debris, Wei couldn't help but steal glances at Luca.

He marveled at the change he had witnessed earlier when Luca addressed the camera, speaking with such confidence and charisma. It was as if Luca had transformed into a completely different person, and Wei couldn't deny that it was impressive.

"I can't believe you still made me come here," Wei grumbled as he held the trash bag for Luca.

Luca chuckled, tossing another piece of trash into the bag Wei was holding. "Come on, Wei, admit it. It's not so bad, right? We're making a difference, even if it's one piece of garbage at a time."

Wei sighed, but there was a small smile on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I suppose you're right. But I still can't believe you tricked me into picking up trash."

Luca shrugged playfully. "Well, you're still hanging out. I'll treat you later with I'Leila."

As they continued their cleanup, the evening breeze rustled the leaves above them, and the park began to take on a tranquil, almost magical atmosphere. It was a stark contrast to the bustling city they were used to, and it allowed them a brief escape from the daily grind.

Wei couldn't help but notice on the volunteers being interviewed for the show.

"It's alot of work you know," Luca said as they stared at the cameraman and the interviewee.

Wei observed the volunteers being interviewed for the show, some sharing their thoughts on the importance of community efforts and environmental conservation. He nodded, acknowledging Luca's comment.

"Yeah, it definitely is a lot of work," Wei agreed, his gaze still fixed on the ongoing interview.

Luca let out a sigh as he watched the proceedings. "In the end, most of these volunteers won't even make it to the final cut. Some might be here just for promotional purposes, but that's about it."

Curiosity piqued, Wei inquired, "Can't you select who gets featured?"

Luca contemplated for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "I do have some input. In fact, this idea was mine. I'd rather highlight those who genuinely want to give back to the community rather than accidentally harm someone's reputation," he explained, a shiver passing through him as he recalled a clip he had seen of a host destroying a person's business on television.

"That's a good approach," Wei commented. "It's important to highlight the genuine efforts of those who truly care about their community."

Luca smiled appreciatively at Wei's words. "Yeah, I'd rather educate than do drama."

Throughout the day, there were a couple of instances when the crew wanted to interview Wei, but Luca politely declined on his behalf.

"Dae, how did you meet Luca?" Leila asked as she and Wei both reached for the same piece of trash with their pickers. "I got this one first, dae. You should give it to your seniors."

"I didn't want to call you old, but if that's how you want it. Also, I was the one who got it first," Wei replied with a playful smirk.

The two of them locked eyes, embarking on a playful staring match that Omar shook his head at, and Luca couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.

The staring match ended in a draw as both Wei and Leila burst into laughter, abandoning their competition for the discarded item.

Omar joined in on the fun, saying, "You two are like kids fighting over a toy."

Luca nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I should have known better than to bring you both here together. It's chaos."

"But I got it first though, right Luca!" Wei protested, feigning innocence.

Leila laughed, entertained by their playful argument. "No way, I definitely got it. You can clearly see my stick jabbed right through."

Luca chimed in with a mischievous grin, "I think your old age has finally caught up with you, Wei. That's definitely Wei's stick."

Leila's theatrical reaction to Wei taking Luca's side drew laughter from everyone. She dramatically feigned being appalled and exclaimed, "How can you take this dae's side? I've fed and raised you, and this is what I get? Betrayal!" She then turned to Omar, seeking support, and pouted, "Do you see this?"

Omar, with his deadpan humor, couldn't resist a witty response. He looked at Leila and deadpanned, "I don't. All I see is your hair."

Leila burst into laughter at Omar's remark, playfully swatting his arm. "You're the worst, Omar!"

"C'mon meira, we still have more to cover," Omar said as he dragged Leila away.

As Omar dragged Leila away to continue their cleanup duties, Wei turned his attention back to Luca.

"They're married?" Wei asked with genuine curiosity as he watched the couple disappear from their sight.

Luca nodded, confirming it. "Yup, I was at the nikah."

"Nikah?" Wei inquired, clearly confused.

Luca chuckled softly. "Oh, they're Muslim. I thought that was obvious."

Wei shrugged, realizing he hadn't picked up on that detail. "Oh, I didn't notice," he admitted as he resumed picking up trash.

Luca was beside him, picking up stray branches and leaves and putting them in a paper leaf bag.

"You're not picking up trash?" Wei asked, a bit confused.

Luca shook his head, explaining, "There's a lot to do here. This park isn't as well-maintained as others because the community around here is somewhat poor. There are other tasks that need attention, like fixing broken benches and clearing overgrown vegetation."

Wei nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. It's good that you're doing something to help the community here."

Luca smiled appreciatively. "Yeah, every little bit helps. Besides, it's not just about cleaning up. It's about showing that we care."

Luca checked the time on his watch and noticed someone approaching. He turned to Wei with a reassuring smile. "Looks like I'll have to do the closing speech. It shouldn't take too long. We'll clean up right after," he informed Wei before heading off.

Wei observed as Luca effortlessly slipped back into his charismatic persona to address the gathering. It was remarkable how Luca could switch between being his genuine self and the charismatic host of his talk show. Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his friend.

Once Luca had finished speaking, he rejoined Wei, and together, they started to lug their trash bags towards the already substantial collection of filled bags.

"This is so heavy," Luca grunted as he hauled his bag along.

"That's precisely why you should consider working out more. Those fake muscles don't seem to be helping much," Wei teased, a playful glint in his eye.

Luca rolled his eyes, trying to suppress a grin. "Very funny. At least you're only dragging the garbage bag. I've got this enormous paper leaf bag with no handles."

Wei chuckled and gave Luca's bag an exaggerated sympathetic look. "Well, that's a you problem. By the way, where are we going to eat?"

Luca pondered their dining options. "I'm not too familiar with this area, but there might be a mom and pop shop around if you're up for that. Alternatively, we could go to a slightly more upscale restaurant."

Wei nodded in agreement. "A mom and pop shop sounds great. Are Ieon and Ain going to join us?"

Leila suddenly appeared out of nowhere, throwing an arm around both Wei and Luca's shoulders. "Luca promised me food, so I'm here to claim it."

Luca couldn't help but complain, "Ain, how do you handle her?"

Omar, who had joined them, chimed in with a grin, "I don't. It's called turning a blind eye."

With their hands washed and their bags of trash properly disposed of, they set off together in search of a local mom and pop shop where they could enjoy a well-deserved meal and continue their day of bonding.

As they strolled through the neighborhood, Wei took the initiative to approach a couple of locals and ask for recommendations for a good mom and pop shop.

He figured that getting suggestions from the residents themselves would lead them to an authentic and delicious meal.

Wei struck up a conversation with a friendly elderly gentleman who was sitting on a park bench, enjoying the afternoon sun. "Excuse me, sir. Do you know of any good mom and pop restaurants around here?"

The gentleman, with a warm smile, nodded appreciatively. "Ah, yes, there's a lovely place just a couple of blocks down the road. It's called Fah's Kitchen.' They serve the best homemade dishes in town. You can't go wrong there."

Wei thanked the man and relayed the recommendation to Luca and the others.

With their newfound local knowledge, they eventually found "Fah's Kitchen" and settled into a comfortable booth. The aroma of home-cooked food wafted from the open kitchen, and they couldn't wait to dig in.

As they perused the menu, Leila couldn't help but comment, "I'm starving. D'Luca, what's good here?"

Luca, wanting to get the best suggestions, motioned to one of the workers—an elderly woman who was bustling around the restaurant with a warm and welcoming demeanor. "Excuse me, ma'am. We were wondering what the restaurant's best dishes were. Everything looks really good here and we want an opinion."

The elderly woman, who wore a colorful apron and had a kind twinkle in her eye, approached their table with a warm smile. "Welcome to Fah's Kitchen, dears! I'm Aom, and I'll be happy to help you decide."

Luca and the others introduced themselves and expressed their eagerness to try the restaurant's specialties. "We'd love to hear your recommendations, Aom," Luca said.

Aom's eyes crinkled with delight. "Certainly! Well, our most popular dish is the homemade lasagna. It's a family recipe that's been cherished for generations. The flavors are rich, and the layers of pasta and cheese just melt in your mouth."

Leila's eyes lit up at the mention of lasagna, and she nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds amazing! What else do you recommend?"

Aom continued, "Our lamb kebabs are another favorite. The meat is tender, marinated to perfection, and grilled with our secret blend of spices. And don't forget to try the baklava for dessert—it's sweet, flaky, and simply divine."

Wei and Luca exchanged glances, both impressed by Aom's warm hospitality and her mouthwatering recommendations. "Thank you, Aom," Wei said sincerely. "We'll take one serving of each of those dishes, please."

Luca then turned to Omar and Leila, his friendly demeanor inquiring, "Anything in particular you two are craving?"

Omar contemplated for a moment before asking, "What about drinks?"

Luca considered their preferences. "Alright, we're going for a strawberry mojito, passionfruit tea for Wei, a caramel chai for Leila, and a refreshing watermelon lime mocktail for you, Omar. Does that sound good to everyone?"

Omar nodded in agreement, and Luca, with his charismatic charm, conveyed their choices to Aom. "That should complete our order. Thank you so much, Ieon Aom."

Aom beamed with pride. "Excellent choices, dears! I'll get those orders in for you right away."

As they waited for their meal, the scent of delicious food filled the air, and the cozy atmosphere of Fah's Kitchen was incredibly inviting.

Wei looked around the restaurant, absorbing the warm ambiance created by the soft lighting and wooden furnishings.

Several pictures adorned the walls, offering glimpses into the history of the place. Handwritten notes from satisfied customers added a personal touch, and the overall decor gave the impression of a cherished local establishment that had stood the test of time.

"It really does feel like a home," Leila remarked, her smile reflecting her appreciation for the cozy atmosphere.

Wei, examining the numerous photos adorning the walls, soon noticed a recurring figure—a young girl with wide, sparkling eyes, often accompanied by a boy. "Is that Fah?" he wondered aloud.

Luca joined in, his curiosity piqued. "It's quite likely."

"That is Fah," Aom confirmed with a wistful, nostalgic look in her eyes. "Your food should be coming out shortly."

Wei, showing empathy, wore a comforting expression. "I hope I'm not overstepping, but could you share a little bit about Fah? We'd love to know more."

Aom hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on the old photographs. Finally, she nodded and began to speak. "Fah is short for Farah. She didn't like using her name at home, so we kept it to Fah. She was my foster daughter. Such a bright and happy girl."

"Was?" Omar questioned, a sense of unease in his tone. "I'm sorry, is she not here anymore?"

Aom's eyes welled up with tears. "They put her down recently."

"Put her down?" Leila asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

"Yes," Aom admitted, her voice trembling. "She was the Fairy Killer."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Luca, Wei, Leila, and Omar absorbed this shocking revelation. The name "Fairy Killer" sent shivers down their spines, and they exchanged uneasy glances.

"You see that boy next to her? That is my son, Leo. She and Leo used to be very close. Too close, in fact. It went as far as killing anyone who came in Leo's way."

Aom's eyes were filled with sorrow as she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Leo and Fah had a bond like no other. They were inseparable since they were children. But as they grew older, Fah became fiercely protective of Leo, to the point of obsession."

Omar, Leila, Luca, and Wei listened intently, captivated by the tragic tale that was unfolding.

"She would do anything to keep him safe," Aom continued. "And she did. She was the Fairy Killer, hunting down anyone who threatened Leo or made him sad. The killings were brutal, and it terrified the entire neighborhood."

"Did anyone try to stop her?" Omar asked, his voice hushed.

Aom's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke, her love for Fah shining through despite the dark history. "She was good. She acted as the perfect daughter of our family. No one suspected her. It was Leo who found her when she made her last kill. She gave herself up in the end. I don't care what people think about her. She was my daughter. My perfect baby. She will always be my baby. Who knows what people could have done to Leo and, by extension, us."

Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the complexity of human emotions and the bonds of family that could transcend even the darkest of deeds.

The group sat in respectful silence, each lost in their own thoughts, contemplating the tragic tale of Fah and the profound love of a foster mother who could not forget her.

Aom's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she apologized, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. "Please forgive this old woman for ruining the mood."

Luca offered her a warm smile. "No need to apologize, Aom. You shared something very personal with us, and we appreciate your openness. Fah's story is a part of this place, and we're grateful to have heard it."

With a nod of understanding, Aom quickly got up and disappeared into the kitchen to check on their food.

"That was dark," Wei remarked once Aom was out of earshot.

Leila nodded, her expression solemn. "I remember the Fairy Killer. It was hard to find her because it was challenging to establish a link to all the suspects."

"We've seen her once," Luca added, nodding at Wei.

"It was when we were little," Wei confirmed.

Leila looked surprised. "You two knew each other when you were little?"

Luca nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yeah, we're childhood friends."

Before Leila could inquire further, Aom returned with a cart laden with plates of steaming, delicious-looking dishes.

The aroma wafting from the trays was mouthwatering, and it was enough to shift the focus of the conversation from the somber topic of the Fairy Killer to the delightful meal before them.

"Oh, it looks amazing!" Wei exclaimed, his eyes fixed on the array of dishes.

Luca offered a warm smile to Aom. "Thank you so much."

Aom nodded and began serving the food onto their plates, her melancholy expression replaced by a more hospitable one. "Enjoy your meal, dear. And if you need more, feel free to ask."

As they savored the delicious meal, Leila couldn't resist her curiosity about Luca and Wei's childhood friendship. She leaned forward with a playful glint in her eye.

"So, childhood friends, huh? Tell me more about that. How did you two meet?" Leila prodded, clearly interested in unraveling the layers of their friendship.

Luca exchanged a glance with Wei, a fond smile touching his lips. "We met in the park, actually. It's funny how life works sometimes."

Wei chimed in, reminiscing about their early days. "Yeah, our moms used to take us to the same park when we were kids. We were both only about five years old back then. Luca was playing near the swings, and I was too shy to approach anyone. But eventually, we started talking, and, well, here we are."

Leila raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what about your moms? Are they still close?"

Luca cast a fleeting, wistful glance at Wei before returning his attention to Leila. "Well, they're not as close as they used to be."

Leila's expression turned puzzled. "Oh, really? What happened?"

The somber expressions on both Wei's and Luca's faces told the story. "It's just life," Luca sighed, his voice carrying a hint of resignation.

Noticing the mood, Leila quickly changed the subject. "How come you've never mentioned Wei? I mean, I understand not mentioning anyone from City B, but Wei is here."

Luca was momentarily taken aback by Leila's question, not expecting it to come up so directly. He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words.

"I guess... it just never came up," he finally replied, not revealing the deeper complexities of his feelings and history with Wei.

Leila obviously didn't believe Luca. She might be somewhat oblivious, but she's been around Luca long enough to get a feel for him.

"Leila, you're making a mess," Omar pointed out as he was getting himself another serving.

Leila glanced at her plate, realizing she had been a bit too enthusiastic with her food. She grinned sheepishly and replied, "Oops, sorry about that. I got carried away. The food is too good!"

Wei offered a slight smile, shaking his head in amusement. Leila glanced at him and then let out a gasp of recognition.

"Even they act similarly!" she whispered excitedly to Omar.

Omar raised an eyebrow, curious. "What are you talking about?"

Leila nodded toward another table in the restaurant, where a couple seemed to be mirroring each other's gestures and expressions.

Leila noticed the similarities between Luca and Wei and commented, "They have similar habits and gestures."

Omar shook his head at Leila's response and directed his question to Wei, "By the way, what do you do for work?"

Wei paused mid-bite, gently setting down his spoon before responding, "I'm the COO of Dew Drop Collective."

Leila's eyes widened with surprise, "Dew Drop Collective? Where VIA and Vision are both listed under?"

Wei couldn't help but chuckle, "Yes, but never put Vision and VIA whenever VIA is around."

Luca took a sip of his drink and asked, "Dae doesn't like D'Levani?"

Wei shook his head, puzzled, and replied, "No. I really don't know why."

Leila made a connection, "Oh yeah, VIA would be your dae too."

Wei nodded, acknowledging the fact, "Yeah, he's my dae."

Leila, turning to Luca, asked for confirmation. "Wait, really? Dae, is he serious?"

Luca confirmed, "Yeah, he's friends with my dae."

Luca clarified, "VIA is Wei's little brother. He's also my sister's best friend."

Leila nodded, finally understanding the connection. "Oh, that makes sense now."

"How is working as the COO?" Omar asked, redirecting the conversation before Leila makes it go out of hand.

"Oh, it's nothing much. I have to handle the day-to-day operations, help with strategic planning, and ensure everything runs smoothly. But honestly, the job is a lot less interesting than it sounds," Wei replied with a wry smile.

"I guess it's the same for most jobs, isn't it? You start with big dreams and grand ideas, and then you find yourself caught up in the routine," Leila mused, her tone thoughtful.

Wei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, pretty much. But we do what we have to do to keep the ship afloat."

"You're not gonna ask about us?" Leila teased as she leaned closer.

Wei shook his head as he pursed his lips, "I mean you guys are pretty public. Leila is a newscaster and Luca just started his new talk show. What about you Omar?"

"I'm a production assistant," Omar replied with a modest smile.

Wei laughed, "Well, I'm sure you have some interesting stories too, even if you're behind the scenes."

Leila glanced at Luca. "Speaking of interesting stories, have you ever thought of sharing more personal ones on your show? People might find them intriguing."

Luca took a moment to ponder Leila's question. "I've thought about it. I'm not sure how I'm going to incorporate it though."

Leila and Omar shared a knowing look. It was clear they understood Luca's reservations.

"What about you, Dae?" Leila asked. "Got any personal stories you're hiding?"

Wei shook his head. "Not really. If you need to know anything, you can pretty much ask Luca."

Luca shot Wei a sharp glance, but he remained silent, not wanting to ruin the mood.

Leila leaned in and lowered her voice, adding a teasing tone to her words. "Oh, Dae, there's gotta be something interesting. Some secret talent, or a hidden hobby perhaps? Luca's got his racing addiction, and I've got my collection of A list celebrities' numbers. What's your secret?"

Wei chuckled at Leila's playful insistence. "Well, I do enjoy painting. I've had a few pieces that were sold to collectors from different parts of the world."

Leila looked surprised. "Art runs in the family, does it not?"

Wei nodded, a fond smile on his face. "Yes, my dae used to follow me around when we were little and picked up the hobby from me."

"That must be interesting," Leila remarked with genuine curiosity. "Do you have a particular theme that you often explore in your paintings?"

Wei leaned back in his chair, a hint of contemplation in his eyes. "Yes, I do," he began, his voice taking on a more introspective tone. "I'm particularly drawn to the interplay of light and shadows, the way they shape the world around us. So, I like to focus on capturing those moments where light dances on various surfaces, creating intricate patterns and moods."

He continued, "It's not just about painting the physical aspects but also about conveying the emotions and stories behind the scenes. Light can be a powerful storyteller, and I find that aspect incredibly fascinating."

Leila, Luca, and Omar were all ears, clearly engaged by Wei's passion for his art. Leila was the first to respond. "That sounds really intriguing. I'd love to see some of your work someday."

Wei smiled appreciatively. "I'd be more than happy to share it with you. It's always a wonderful experience when someone can connect with the emotions I try to convey through my art."

Leila was eager to continue the conversation. "Dae, have you had the chance to see D'Wei's art before?"

Luca shook his head, a sense of curiosity evident in his eyes. "Not recently, no."

Wei didn't hesitate to extend an invitation. "I'd be happy to show you my work. I actually create my art in Kai's studio."

Luca welcomed the offer. "That sounds great. Let me know when, and we can set it up."

Wei extended a warm invitation, a generous smile gracing his face. "You guys are more than welcome to join. I'd love to show you my art as well."

Leila was quick to accept the offer, her excitement palpable as she completed her meal. She was known for savoring every bite, making sure to truly relish the flavors of her food.

Omar, always practical, brought their attention back to the matter at hand. "Now that we've finished, shall we ask for the bill?"

With a nod from Luca, Wei signaled for the server to bring over the bill, and their delightful meal at Fah's Kitchen drew to a close. As they waited for the check, they continued to chat, sharing stories, laughter, and plans for future outings. The bonds of friendship grew stronger with each passing moment, and it was clear that this day was just the beginning of many more shared adventures.