"How was your date with Taya?" Kai inquired with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Kai, dressed in a smart button-down shirt and chinos, couldn't help but tease his brother as he was getting ready for his day.

Wei, perched on the floor, was more interested in scrolling through TV show options, clad in a casual black T-shirt and red shorts. He let out a melodramatic groan, burying his face in his arm as if the mere memory of the date was unbearable.

"We don't talk about it," Wei replied, his voice filled with exasperation.

Curiosity got the better of Kai, and he pressed on, "Was it not fun?"

Wei's response was a half-hearted protest. "You'll see. You always tune into his show. You'll see it then."

Kai couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's theatrical misery, but he had to prepare for his own day. He turned his attention to looking presentable, tucking his shirt into his chinos with care.

"By the way, where are you going?" Wei asked, finally emerging from his arm hideout.

Kai spun around to give his brother the full effect, ensuring his appearance was impeccable. Wei's thumb of approval was all he needed to strut out the door. "I have an interview with Taya. Wish me luck."

With a peace sign flashed to Wei, Kai dashed out of their shared space, leaving his brother perplexed.

"What do you mean, interview with Luca!" Wei screeched, but Kai had already disappeared.

Downstairs, Kai picked up his sleek convertible, an open-roof beauty that perfectly complemented the sunny summer day. Its vibrant red paint glistened in the sunlight, and the inviting white leather interior promised a luxurious drive.

Excitement swelled as Kai got behind the wheel, starting the engine. The sound was a sweet symphony to his ears. Lowering the roof, he inhaled deeply, relishing the fresh air. With the sun beaming brilliantly in the clear blue sky, it was a day made for a drive.

Kai smoothly exited his driveway and merged onto the road, the wind tousling his hair and the sun warmly caressing his face. He couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, reveling in the freedom that driving a convertible provided.

Kai didn't have to wait long to arrive at Luca's ever-changing makeshift studio. He liked the idea that Luca kept changing the location of the studio, constantly keeping viewers on their toes as they tried to guess where he might pop up next.

...

This time, the studio was set up in a beautiful garden, with vibrant flowers in full bloom and a picturesque pond reflecting the clear blue sky. The natural setting was a perfect match for the summer day, and the upcoming interview with Luca.

Kai parked his convertible and headed towards the bustling scene of the studio. He noticed several white tents pitched up, each serving a different purpose.

One of them had Luca sitting still, his makeup being touched up by a skilled artist. Luca held a handheld fan, trying to stay cool amidst the lights and equipment, while a couple of people attended to his needs.

Luca had his hair tied up in the front in a small ponytail. Kai guessed his hair wasn't done yet. He wore a pristine off-white button-down shirt paired with white chinos that exuded a professional yet casual charm.

"Dae!" Luca called when he glanced up and saw Kai looking around.

"Taya!" He greeted, as he approached Luca.

"Come, have a seat," Luca said, gesturing toward a nearby chair.

Kai fetched the chair and settled in, only to have a makeup artist approach him immediately.

"I really don't need it," Kai tried to decline. "I'll be wearing a mask.

"The makeup artist insisted, "It's just to ensure you look perfect under the lighting."

Luca, still scrolling through his phone, engaged his friend, asking, "Are you excited?"

Kai nodded with anticipation, a hint of excitement in his eyes.

"Anything to spend more time with my favorite Taya."

Luca's smile widened as he shook his head playfully. "Don't let Wei hear that. He'll be pissed."

Kai shrugged nonchalantly. "He knows that," he replied.

Despite his nonchalance, Luca couldn't help but sense the complex dynamics between the two brothers. A tinge of sadness passed through Luca's mind, a reminder that he had to leave Kai behind too.

He had to leave Kai behind.

He didn't realize it but he had to leave Kai behind along with Lucy. Whereas Lucy saw him in his last few moments, Kai haven't seen him.

He hadn't realized it until now, but he had to part ways with Kai as well. While Lucy had been there to see him during his last moments, Kai hadn't. As a child, Kai had been adorable, always clinging to him. Kai had preferred to imitate "Taya" Luca instead of "Taya" Wei, a choice that had always irked his older brother.

Realizing the implications, Luca felt compelled to issue a reminder. "You do know that you can't call me Taya or anything, right?"

Kai nodded solemnly, a sense of maturity and understanding in his expression. "I know that. It's for me to stay anonymous."

"It's good that you know," Luca nodded as the hair stylist came and started to fix on his hair, undoing the front ponytail that made Luca look dorky.

Kai watched with curiosity as the hair stylist worked on Luca's hair, transforming him from casual to polished in moments.

The area buzzed with activity as the crew prepared for the show, ensuring that everything was perfect for the show.

A few meters away, Luca's camera crew set up the equipment, adjusting lights and cameras for the best angles.

Kai leaned back in the chair, taking in the bustling environment. It's a bit surreal to witness the behind-the-scenes preparation when it's comes to anything.

With a final touch to Luca's hair, the stylist stepped back, clearly satisfied with her work.

On the other hand, the makeup artist was fixing on Kai's mask so that it looks and sets properly. She smiled at Kai and gestured to his mask. "You're all set, dear."

Kai nodded his thanks, adjusting the mask to ensure it was secure. Meanwhile, Luca checked himself in the mirror and nodded in approval at his transformed appearance.

"Ready to go?" Luca asked, offering Kai a reassuring smile.

Kai took a deep breath and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Luca stood and they walked towards the camera crew, making their way onto the set. The white tent provided a serene and elegant backdrop for the show, enhancing the vibrant colors of the cityscape beyond.

"You'll do fine, Dae," Luca reassured Kai in a hushed tone as they waited for the crew to complete their final checks.

Kai nodded, trying to shake off the nerves. "I'll follow your lead, Taya."

Luca appreciated Kai's trust, which had been built over the years. "Just remember to keep your reactions genuine, and if you get stuck, look at me. I'll guide you, and you can follow my cues."

Kai, nodded again, his eyes shining with determination, before he went off camera to the area a staff member had requested he stay. "Got it."

With that, Luca turned his attention to the crew as they signaled that they were ready to start filming. The bustling atmosphere on set fell into a hush as the cameras began to roll, capturing every moment of the show.

Luca took a deep breath, a hint of excitement evident in his eyes as he began his opening monologue.

"Hello, everyone, and welcome back to 'Golden Hour with Luca.' Today, we have a special treat for you, a guest whose identity is a well-kept secret as well as a guest who's fingers you guys will definitely recognize. But before I introduce this remarkable individual, let's dive into today's topic."

As the camera focused on Luca, he started discussing the day's subject, building anticipation for the surprise guest appearance.

"Secrets can be exciting, tantalizing, and sometimes, even a bit mysterious. But what happens when you live with a secret? When you have to hide a part of yourself? Today, we're going to peel back the layers of this complex topic."

As Luca continued with the show's opening, Kai watched from the designated area, feeling a mix of anxiety and exhilaration. He knew he had an important role to play in today's episode.

A short while later, Luca transitioned smoothly to the introduction of the special guest.

"And now, I'd like to introduce you to someone whose identity we all know has been veiled in secrecy. Today, we're going to peel back a few layers to reveal the person behind the alias."

With the audience's anticipation building, Kai, also known as VIA, walked onto the stage. He took his seat across from Luca, the studio filled with an electric energy, as everyone awaited the revelations that were about to unfold.

Luca started with an easygoing smile, keeping the atmosphere light. "VIA, it's great to have you on the show."

Kai grinned, his enthusiasm contagious. "Thanks, Anya Luca. It's a pleasure to be here."

"Let's dive right in," Luca began. "VIA, you're known for your thought-provoking art and your mysterious persona. Can you tell our audience a bit about what you do and why you chose this path?"

Kai leaned forward, engaging the audience with his earnestness. "Well, Anya Luca, I create art that aims to spark discussion about various topics. It's a way to encourage people to think critically and engage in conversations about things that matter.

As for the mysterious persona, it adds an element of intrigue and curiosity to the content, making people more inclined to explore."

Luca nodded in understanding. "I know I asked this before, but your motif is masks. Why masks?"

Luca's question about the motif of masks gave Kai a moment of contemplation.

He chose his words carefully, revealing a bit more about his creative process. "Masks, to me, are symbolic of the layers we all have in our lives. They represent the different roles we play, the personas we wear in different situations. The act of peeling back these layers, like removing a mask, is an exploration of our true selves. So, it's not just about creating an intriguing persona; it's also about encouraging self-reflection and the search for authenticity."

Luca leaned forward. "You haven't changed your response VIA. That's great you stick with the same philosophy. Recently you hosted an exhibition. Well it's not recent, it's been a couple months but still. Your very first exhibition. How does that feel for you?"

"Well, Ta-Anya Luca," Kai began, catching himself before calling Luca 'Taya' and Luca seemed to have noticed as he sent Kai a quick stern look. "It was amazing. I'm thankful for being under Dewdrop Collective as they recommended that I should do an exhibition. They also helped with setting it up and everything."

Luca nodded, acknowledging Dewdrop Collective's role in VIA's journey. "It's fantastic to have the support of a company like that. Exhibitions are a great way to connect with your audience on a different level. How was the response from your fans?"

Kai's expression brightened. "The response was overwhelming, Anya Luca. It was heartwarming to see so many people engage with my work and share their thoughts and emotions. It made the whole experience even more rewarding."

Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in VIA's achievements. "That's wonderful to hear. It sounds like you've built a strong and engaged community around your content. I'm sure they're excited about your upcoming projects."

Luca, at some point, glanced at Kai and grinned mischievously. "You know what, VIA, I think it's time for a little challenge."

Kai's curiosity piqued as he looked at Luca. "A challenge, Anya?"

Luca nodded. "Exactly! How about we play a quick game? We'll call it the 'Masked Truth' game. I'll ask you a series of rapid-fire questions, and you have to answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. No overthinking allowed!"

Kai chuckled, "I've never been great at these games, but sure, let's do it!"

Luca leaned in closer to the camera, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Excellent! Let's get started."

The game began with Luca firing off questions, and Kai responding with unfiltered, amusing answers that showcased his quick wit and humor.

Luca kicked off the game with a grin, "Alright, VIA, first question: Cats or dogs?"

Kai replied without missing a beat, "Dogs, of course! They're loyal like a secret identity."

"Of course, you act like one too," Luca mumbled with a sly grin, his comment picked up by the microphone.

The audience burst into laughter as Luca continued, "Bungee jumping or skydiving?"

Kai chuckled, "Neither! I prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground – just like my secret blogs."

Luca playfully teased, "Well, we can't have VIA plummeting from the skies. How about spicy food or sweets?"

Kai's eyes lit up, "Spicy! I'm not much of a sweets lover, and I love making my food extra spicy to keep intruders at bay."

"Not even me?" Luca quirked an eyebrow as he scanned the questions.

"I mean... unless you can handle ghost peppers, you're fine," Kai replied with a mischievous grin.

"Ghost peppers?" Luca asked, amused.

"Yup! Had to train myself to eat them, so my Taya doesn't raid my secret food stash," Kai boasted.

Laughter filled the studio as Luca couldn't help but join in. "Invisibility or teleportation?"

Kai leaned forward with a dramatic whisper, "Invisibility. Perfect for sneaking into the snack stash. My Taya has a secret food stash filled with top-tier snacks, and I need to protect it."

The audience roared with laughter, thoroughly entertained by the playful banter between Luca and VIA.

The game continued with more questions, each revealing a bit more about VIA's quirky personality and sense of humor.

"Books or movies?" Luca asked.

Kai didn't hesitate, "Books, for sure! You can immerse yourself in a secret world and keep your identity concealed."

"Alright, speaking of books, which genre do you prefer?" Luca inquired.

"Thrillers, definitely. The suspense, the mystery – it's like uncovering secrets with every turn of the page," Kai explained with enthusiasm.

The banter between the two continued, with Luca and VIA sharing jokes and playful comments, keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining. The audience appreciated the lightheartedness of the interview, and it quickly became a memorable episode of Luca's talk show.

As the game concluded, Luca thanked VIA for his participation in the fun interview. The audience had thoroughly enjoyed the playful banter between the host and his secret guest.

With a bright smile, Luca said, "Dae, it's been an absolute pleasure having you here. You're not just a talented artist, but your sense of humor is infectious."

Kai nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Anya Luca, for having me. It's been a blast."

Luca wrapped up the segment and moved on to the next part of his show, continuing to entertain his viewers with interesting guests and engaging discussions.

After the camera stopped rolling, a man approached Luca. "A'Omar," Luca greeted him warmly.

"You called VIA dae," Omar pointed out, not looking too impressed.

Luca's eyes widened with surprise as he glanced at Kai. He realized that his microphone wasn't muted when he inadvertently said, "Oh, no."

The audience erupted in laughter at Luca's candid reaction.

"You heard nothing," Luca pleaded, trying to save face.

Omar then turned to Kai. "If you want to wait for Dae, you should come with me."

Kai hesitated, looking at Luca for reassurance. Luca motioned for him to go.

"He won't do anything wrong," Luca reassured him, and Kai followed Omar to the cameras. Various screens displayed different camera angles for the show.

The crew began to prepare the set for the next segment. Lights were adjusted, cameras were shifted, and props were arranged. Luca, still wearing his microphone, took the opportunity to chat with the audience. "So, who's having fun today?" he asked with a grin.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

"That's what I like to hear!" Luca exclaimed, clearly enjoying the energy in the room. He spotted a young fan in the audience holding up a sign with a heartwarming message, and he gave them a nod of appreciation.

As the crew made the final preparations, Luca took a moment to look at the monitor displaying Kai and Omar. They seemed to be engaged in a lively conversation, and Luca was glad to see Kai handling the situation well.

Soon, it was time for the next segment, and Luca's focus shifted back to the show as he prepared to continue the entertaining and engaging interview.

As the show continued, Kai marveled at Luca's ability to engage the audience. Luca was charismatic, confident, and witty, effortlessly drawing viewers into the conversation. It was clear why he had such a dedicated following, and Kai felt a sense of pride knowing that he was a part of Luca's talk show.

Kai was surprised at how quickly time passed during the interview. It felt like they had just started, but before he knew it, they were already nearing the end of the show.

Luca wrapped up the segment with a smile and a heartfelt message to the audience. "That's all the time we have for tonight, folks. Thank you for joining us on 'Golden Hour with Luca.' And a special thanks to our special guests. Until next time, keep the curiosity alive!"

The applause from the audience was thunderous as Luca signaled the end of the interview. Kai couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for this unique experience.

Once Luca headed off the set, he made a beeline towards Omar and Kai.

"Dae, you did great out there!" Luca praised and Kai bashfully looked away. "Also, this is Ain Omar. I wasn't able to introduce you too before. HIs wife, Ieon Leila was my former co host for our morning newscast."

Kai's surprise was evident as he addressed Omar, "Wait, really? You're Leila's husband?"

Omar chuckled, offering a friendly hand for a shake. "That's right. Luca has talked alot about you. You're also Wei's dae right?"

Kai shook Omar's hand and continued the conversation with a sense of curiosity. "Yes, I am. I'm glad to meet you, Omar. Wait, you've met Wei?" Kai looked at Luca with wide eyes, his surprise palpable. "I thought..."

Luca cut in, offering a reassuring smile. "It's fine, Dae. There are no more hard feelings. Life goes on."

Kai nodded and returned to his usual upbeat demeanor, but there was a touch of wistfulness in his eyes as he contemplated the past.

Luca, now makeup-free, turned to Kai with a friendly grin. "Dae, do you have anything else to do today?"

Kai shook his head with a smile. "I'm more than likely going to bother Taya or stay in my studio for the rest of the day."

Luca contemplated for a moment before suggesting, "How about heading out for lunch, then? Ain won't be joining us since he has to pick up I'Leila."

Kai's eyes lit up at the idea. "Lunch sounds great. Any particular place you have in mind, Taya?"

Kai's face lit up with excitement. "Lunch sounds perfect! I'd love to join you, Taya."

Luca smiled as he cleaned up, feeling grateful for the budding friendship between them. "Great. Let me just get changed, and we'll head out. Any particular place you have in mind?"

Kai shrugged, "Surprise me. I'm sure you know all the best spots."

Luca thought for a moment before responding, "How about that cozy little café not far from here? They have the best pastries and coffee in town. I think you'll like it."

Kai nodded in agreement, his enthusiasm evident. "That sounds perfect. I've heard about it but haven't had a chance to try it yet."

As they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The interview had gone well, and now he had the chance to spend some quality time with Kai. The day was shaping up to be a good one.

In the cozy corner of the café, Luca and Kai found themselves engrossed in conversation. The quiet murmur of patrons around them provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate dialogue.

"Taya, you've never visited my studio since that one time," Kai pouted, taking a bite of his panini.

Luca raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "You think I have time?"

Kai grinned playfully, teasing Luca as he listed examples. "Well, you went to dinner the other day with Taya, and the other day you mentioned racing in most of your free time, and - oh, and then there's the other day..."

Luca, unable to keep up with Kai's teasing, decided to take action. He playfully shoved Kai's straw into his mouth, effectively silencing his friend and earning a surprised look.

"How have you been, Dae?" Luca inquired, genuinely curious about Kai's recent endeavors.

Kai's eyes lit up, and he couldn't contain his excitement. "Oh, it's been incredible! I've been working on this super secretive project that's just mind-blowing. I wish I could spill the beans, but it's all hush-hush. I got to meet some amazing people, and they're all so down-to-earth, you wouldn't believe it! It's just—"

Luca couldn't help but chuckle as Kai rambled on with fervor. He knew once Kai got started on a topic he was passionate about, there was no stopping him.

"Dae, don't forget to eat," Luca gently reminded Kai, who had been lost in conversation. Kai quickly looked down at his food and realized he'd neglected it for a while.

"Oops," Kai admitted, his cheeks slightly reddening as he took a bite, savoring the flavors of his meal.

Luca looked at Kai with a mix of curiosity and concern. "By the way, Dae, you don't have to answer this, but there was this painting. It depicted a child with a porcelain mask. Can you tell me about it?" Luca watched as Kai froze momentarily, his utensils clattering awkwardly on the plate.

Kai cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "Why do you want to know about that painting?"

Luca leaned in a little, his tone gentle. "What's the story behind it, Dae? I'd rather hear it from you than anyone else."

Kai hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the remnants of his half-eaten panini. He took a deep breath and began to speak, his voice quiet and reflective.

"It's an old painting, one that I did when I was much younger," Kai explained robotically. "The child in the painting is symbolic of innocence, of someone trying to hide behind a mask to protect themselves from the world. That porcelain mask represents a facade, a defense mechanism to keep their true self hidden."

Luca observed Kai with a deep understanding in his eyes. "Was this how you felt when everything happened?" he inquired gently, his tone full of empathy.

Kai's hands trembled slightly, and he took a moment to compose himself before responding.

Kai's voice quivered as he continued, "So much was happening, Taya. Everything seemed to be falling apart, and then you left. It felt like the final straw. I was overwhelmed, and everything came crashing down."

Luca could see the pain in Kai's eyes, and he leaned in closer, his voice gentle and empathetic. "I'm sorry. If I had known, I could have helped."

Kai took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's okay, Taya. It wasn't your fault. Everything went out of hand."

"Could you possibly tell me what happened?" Luca whispered.

Kai thought for a bit before nodding, "it all started when our dad murdered Granny Lu."

"What?" Luca gasped.

Kai nodded, "Dad staged it as a normal death but we all knew it was a murder. He murdered granny because she didn't like that he had a mistress. When we first found out she died, Taya couldn't handle it. He was rejecting it. I couldn't handle it either. I was taking care of granny for weeks and now, I had nothing to take care of.

You're familiar with Taya trying to forget and it became worse when we found out dad had a mistress. Everything was in chaos. Mom was hysterical, Taya went mad, and I was just there lost. So many things happened and we didn't know what to do.

Then you left. I understand that you left. I'm not angry about that either. You supported Taya the best you could but even that was difficult. You were purposely left in the dark. You had your own problems to take care of and your former taya was making things worse."

Kai's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the past. Luca could see the pain in Kai's eyes, and he reached over, gently squeezing his hand in a reassuring gesture. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to help you. I wish I could have done more."

Kai managed a faint smile. "It's not your fault, Taya. You were trying to survive your own chaos. I'm just glad we're all here now."

Luca nodded, grateful for Kai's understanding.

"By the way, how are you going to your studio?" Luca asked.

"I brought my car, it should be parked by the park. I left it since it's not too far," Kai nodded to himself, reminding himself that he needs to go back to take it.

Luca raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "You left your car all the way at the park?"

Kai laughed self-consciously, realizing how absentminded it was. "Yeah, I guess I got too caught up in the moment. I'll need to head back and pick it up."

Luca couldn't help but chuckle at Kai's forgetfulness. "No worries. We can go together if you'd like."

Kai nodded appreciatively. "That would be great, Taya. How's Lucy? I haven't heard from her for a while."

Luca nonchalantly remarked, "I just ask her for a weekly check-in, nothing too complicated. By the way, she recently returned from vacation; you might have seen it on her socials."

Kai, taking a sip from his drink with a pensive expression, confessed, "We actually had a bit of a disagreement recently, and she decided to block me."

Luca arched an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice as he crossed his arms. "Really? About what?"

Kai sighed and leaned back in his chair, his shoulders slumping. "It was about... well, your relationship with Taya. Lucy's been hoping to see you two back together, and I don't like that. It's not that I don't want both of you to be happy; it's just... well, you're both at different stages in life now. We've all grown and matured, or well most of us. Those days were bad as is. I'd rather have both of my tayan rather than one gone and the other emotionally damaged."

Luca shook his head in confusion. "What do you mean by 'emotionally damaged'?"

Kai shifted uncomfortably and looked away. "I mean... we're both in therapy, but our issues are pretty persistent. Taya seems to be making progress with his therapist, but I've just switched mine recently. It's complicated."

Luca couldn't help but feel complicated. Kai looked like nothing had happened, but in a way, his feelings felt similar to Luca's. The fact that nothing around them was going the way they wanted it to be and getting out of hand.

"I'm sorry," Luca apologized.

Kai shook his head. "It really isn't your fault. We were all hurting."

"I guess so," Luca had a faraway look. He kept hurting people.

First Wei.

Then his mom.

Lucy.

Kai.

Kai.

Kai used to follow him like a puppy. Would look up to him and ask him for advice. Luca grounded Kai when Kai was lost and didn't understand the world around him.

Luca left Kai alone when he was hurting. Luca was so caught up in his loneliness that he didn't care to make sure anyone else was fine too.

"I left you alone when you needed me the most," Luca said with regret.

Kai shook his head. "You didn't leave me alone," he said. "We can't keep spiraling back to this conversation. Just let go at this point and live the life you want to. We only live once."

Luca nodded.

We only live once.

He was happy that he had a support system. He hoped Kai had one too. Losing your safe place can be devastating. It can make you feel lost, alone, and unsafe.

Kai must have felt that for a long time.

Luca sighed. "Fine," he conceded.

Kai gave him a soft smile. "You still like Taya?"

Luca hesitated. "I... don't know," he said honestly. "Maybe a little bit. But it's not the same as it used to be."

He gave a deep sigh. "I... still like the Wei that I left behind. He was my world back then. But then he changed. Everything was changing so fast, and I couldn't do anything to stop it or slow it down. He changed. You changed. Everyone changed. Wei and I are friends, I guess. But I'm just chasing after a person who's long gone."

Kai's soft smile faded as he listened to Luca's words. He could hear the pain and longing in Luca's voice. "So you still love Taya?"

Luca shook his head, "No."

Kai hummed thoughtfully. "I just hope the end result is healthy. That's what's important in the end."

Luca nodded. "Me too."

He and Kai sat in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts.

Kai then broke the silence when he started stretching his arms. "I should get going. I just got an idea for that secret project." He gave a huge grin, instantly changing the atmosphere.

Luca watched Kai's excitement with a smile, feeling lighter and more optimistic.

As Kai left the cafe, Luca sat for a moment, sipping the last of his drink and reflecting on the unexpected and meaningful conversation he'd had. He then gathered his things, paid the bill, and decided to head home.