It wasn't unusual for Lucy to call out of the blue, but Luca' needs to stop thinking that his sister was ever going to talk with an indoor voice whenever they're on the phone.

"Dae, you're going to blow out my eardrums like this," Luca had to push the phone away from his ear because of Lucy's volume.

"But Taya! Have you seen the comments! You've been getting recognition after that boy idol group you interviewed. But that's not the important one. Look at the comments between you and Taya or you and Kai!" She shrieked.

"There's no need to read them," he sighed as he nursed himself a flute of champagne.

He was having a leisurely day, indulging in the comfort of his own space. The air was filled with the invigorating fragrance of citrus, emanating from multiple diffusers strategically placed around his expansive balcony.

The soft glow of the pastel red lighting set a tranquil ambiance, casting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Luxuriating on the generously sized, deep blue silk robe, he settled into the cushions of the plush, oversized couch that dominated one corner of the balcony.

Delicate fairy lights adorned the edges of the couch, cascading gently down the railings, casting a magical shimmer over the entire space.

The balcony was a small oasis within the bustling city, a serene space that Luca had carefully cultivated to provide a sense of peace and comfort. Potted plants of various sizes and shapes adorned the edges, adding a touch of greenery and life to the otherwise urban setting.

The plush couch, a deep indigo in color, provided a luxurious seating option, its cushions enveloping Luca in a cocoon of softness. A cashmere throw was draped over the back, its delicate fibers adding an extra layer of comfort. A small side table was within arm's reach, holding a bottle of freshly opened champagne.

From this vantage point, Luca could gaze out at the twinkling city lights, the distant hum of the metropolis providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.

"Oh, come on, Taya! You're not telling me you haven't seen the images and speculations about you and Taya. It's everywhere!" Lucy exclaimed, her voice laced with amusement.

"Images? Speculations?" Luca raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity creeping into his tone. "What are they saying?"

Lucy's laughter bubbled through the phone. "Oh, you know, the usual. People are analyzing every interaction, every glance. They're convinced you two are secretly in love and that your show is just a front for your undying passion for each other. It's quite entertaining, to be honest."

Luca leaned back into the comfort of the plush cushions, allowing a small smile to play on his lips.

"Let them be," he echoed, the hint of amusement evident in his voice. He took another sip of the champagne, relishing its calming warmth as he listened to Lucy's infectious laughter on the other end of the line.

"They're kinda funny," she giggled, "someone made a meme out of Kai and you when Kai almost called you 'Taya'. And they didn't even edit out the 'dae' or that you cursed, lol."

Luca couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. "Oh, that one," he remarked, his amusement evident in his voice. "I have to admit, that slip-up was quite unexpected. Kai didn't slip up last time, but I guess he was too excited."

Lucy laughed, her voice filled with mirth. "And your reaction! It was hilarious!"

Luca laughed along. "Yeah, I guess I wasn't expecting him to say that."

The two siblings just sat there in silence.

"You should call him Taya. He's older than you," Luca said as he looked into the twinkling lights.

He could hear Lucy shaking her head. "He's practically my other half. You know that. It's gonna feel weird to call him Taya."

Luca nodded, even though Lucy couldn't see him. "But still, it's a sign of respect."

"It's a sign of respect that I even see him as my equal," Lucy retorted.

Luca gave a sigh as he leaned back into his plush couch. He felt like sinking into it even more.

"Oh, are you busy Taya?" Lucy asked.

"No, not really. I was just relaxing." Luca murmured.

"Alright then. I'll be a good dae and not bother you," Lucy said and as quick as she was to call, she was quick to leave.

Luca looked at Lucy's contact on his phone before he placed it on the small table. As he went to go back to his previous state of tranquility, his phone rang again.

"Hello?" He asked as he didn't bother to check the caller id.

"Taya!" Kai screeched just like Lucy, "Did you see the memes! This isn't funny! They're making fun of me."

Kai's tone made Luca chuckle as he imagined a puppy with cartoonish tears and sulking.

Luca couldn't help but chuckle at Kai's distress. "Oh, come on, Dae. They're just having fun. It's not like they mean any harm."

"But it's embarrassing! I thought people would focus on the interview, not my slip-up," Kai lamented, his voice carrying a hint of genuine frustration.

Luca's amusement softened into understanding. "I get it, Kai. It can be overwhelming, especially when the spotlight's on you. You're doing great, and people love you. There's barely any negative feedback."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Kai let out a resigned sigh. "I know, I know. It's just a lot to take in, you know?"

Luca nodded, even though Kai couldn't see him. "Yeah, I understand. But trust me, this will blow over soon. People always find something new to talk about. Besides, these memes are hilarious. They got close-ups of our faces."

Kai's mood seemed to lift slightly at Luca's reassurance. "Yeah, they really went all out with those memes. Some people are seriously talented with their editing skills."

"Absolutely," Luca agreed with a chuckle. "They've managed to turn a small slip-up into a full-blown internet sensation. It's quite impressive, actually."

"I guess you're right," Kai replied, his voice lighter. "Thanks, Taya. I appreciate you listening to me whine."

"You're welcome, Dae. Anytime," Luca said warmly. "You know I'm always here to listen. And hey, the internet has a short memory. This will blow over sooner than you think."

Kai let out a small laugh. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks for being the voice of reason, Taya. I'll catch you later!"

"Take care, Dae. See you," Luca bid him goodbye before ending the call.

He set the phone down and allowed the tranquility of the night to envelop him once more, a soft smile gracing his features.

His phone rang again.

Luca let out a loud groan. Was he not allowed to get some moments of peace?

"Hello?" and he was met with a soft breath.

"Dae?" Came out a soft voice.

Luca scrambled up as he brought his phone closer to himself.

"Taya? Is everything fine?" He asked, concerned.

"Am I bothering you?" Noah asked, his voice coming out as a whisper. Noah hasn't spoken nor texted to Luca ever since that fateful event.

Luca's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Noah's voice. He hadn't expected to hear from him after such a long silence. Concern mingled with a tinge of apprehension as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"No, you're not bothering me," Luca reassured, his tone soft and understanding. "I'm just a bit surprised. It's been a while since we last talked."

Noah let out a quiet sigh. "I know. I'm sorry for disappearing like that. I just needed some time to sort through my thoughts."

Luca leaned back into the plush cushions, the cool night air soothing his nerves. "It's okay, Noah. I understand. How have you been?"

Noah hesitated for a moment before responding, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability. "Could I come to you? I don't know where else to go right now. I just need to be near someone right now."

Luca nodded even though Noah couldn't see him. "That's fine Taya. Do you need my address?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Noah spoke again. "Thank you, Luca. I appreciate that. I... I'm in front of your door."

Luca blinked before he pulled his phone away and look at the caller id and then went to his door.

Luca's breath caught in his throat as he took in Noah's disheveled appearance. He hadn't seen him look like this before, and the raw vulnerability in his expression tugged at Luca's heart.

Noah's eyes widened as he took in Luca's appearance. Luca exuded an air of sensuality, wrapped in his deep blue robe, which contrasted beautifully against his skin. His lips had a soft, inviting pink hue that caught Noah's attention.

"Taya," Luca breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. He hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let Noah enter. "Come in. You look like you could use a seat."

Noah nodded wordlessly and stepped into Luca's apartment, his gaze flickering around the unfamiliar space. Luca closed the door behind him and turned to face Noah, a mix of concern and curiosity swirling in his chest.

"What happened?" Luca asked softly, gesturing for Noah to take a seat on the living room couch.

Noah looked at Luca, his lips trembling. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Luca asked, confused.

Was he referring to that day when Noah had been so protective of Wei? Because Luca understood.

"Taya," Luca said gently, stepping closer to Noah. "You don't need to apologize."

Noah's shoulders were shaking now as he tried to stop himself from crying.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he kept mumbling.

Luca felt lost. He wasn't used to comforting people. He could give advice, but he had never actually consoled a crying person before.

Luca took a deep breath and put a hand on Noah's shoulder. "It's okay," he said softly. "Let it out."

Noah burst into tears, and Luca held him close. He didn't know what to say, but he knew that Noah needed someone to be there for him.

Luca held Noah close as he cried. He could feel Noah's body shaking in his arms, and he felt a pang of sympathy in his chest. He didn't know what to say, but he knew that being there for Noah was the best thing he could do.

After a while, Noah's sobs began to subside. He pulled away from Luca and wiped his eyes.

When Noah finally pulled away, Luca looked at him and said, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Noah shook his head.

"You don't wanna talk?" Luca asked as he caressed Noah's face, wiping away some of the tears.

Noah nodded. As he sank into Luca's touch.

"Okay," Luca nodded to himself. "You think you can take a shower? I'll help if you need it."

Noah blankly looked at Luca before nodding.

Luca smiled and helped Noah stand up. "Come on," he said. "I'll be there with you."

He led Noah to the bathroom and helped him turn on the shower. He left a similar silk robe for Noah to change into and a pair of underwear. Then he stepped outside and waited.

After a few minutes, Noah walked out and barrelled into Luca.

"I'm here," Luca said. "Do you need any help?"

Noah shook his head as he wrapped his arms around Luca and sunk his head into the crevice of Luca's neck.

They stood there in silence for a moment longer, then Luca put his arm around Noah and pulled him close.

He could feel Noah's body shaking with sobs, but Luca didn't mind.

"Follow me," Luca said softly, leading Noah to the balcony where the gentle city breeze greeted them. Noah's audible gasp made Luca smile, knowing that the small oasis had a way of soothing troubled minds.

Luca settled himself on the plush couch, gesturing for Noah to take a seat beside him. He adjusted his robe, making sure to appear somewhat composed despite the turmoil in the air.

"Take your time, Noah. I'm here for you," Luca assured him, his voice a calming presence in the midst of Noah's storm.

Noah nodded, his gaze fixed on the sprawling cityscape before them. The soft twinkle of distant lights seemed to have a calming effect as he took in the tranquil scene. Luca remained quiet, allowing Noah the space to collect his thoughts.

After a few moments, Noah's breathing began to steady, and he wiped away the tears from his eyes. With a soft sigh, he lowered himself onto the couch, finding solace in the curve of Luca's neck as Luca instinctively wrapped his arms around him.

The warmth of Luca's embrace provided a sense of comfort that Noah hadn't realized he needed, and he found himself relaxing into the familiar touch. The gentle evening breeze played across the balcony, carrying with it a sense of peace that enveloped the two of them in a moment of quiet solidarity.

Luca sank into the warmth Noah brought in the moment Luca wrapped his arms around Noah.

This felt surreal. Just a couple weeks ago, Noah and him argued and now he has his arms wrapped around Luca.

Luca remained silent, allowing Noah the space to collect himself as the gentle evening breeze ruffled their hair. The soft glow of the fairy lights cast a warm ambiance around them, adding to the soothing atmosphere of the balcony.

Noah's breaths gradually steadied, and his body relaxed against Luca's, the tension slowly ebbing away. Luca continued to hold him, offering a silent support that conveyed more than words ever could.

The subtle city sounds in the background provided a gentle soundtrack to their shared moment of respite. As the minutes passed, the weight of the world seemed to lift from Noah's shoulders, replaced by a sense of calm that settled deep within him.

"I'm sorry," Noah repeated, his words muffling and tickling Luca's neck by the vibration.

Luca tightened his embrace gently, offering reassurance and comfort. "It's okay, Noah. You don't need to apologize," he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Noah met Luca's gaze, and with a resolute expression, he pushed himself away slightly, ensuring that their eyes were level.

His voice was steady but filled with regret. "No, I have to. My reaction earlier... I'm sorry," he said, his words tinged with sincerity and a hint of vulnerability.

"What are you exactly sorry for?" Luca asked, staring deep into Noah's eyes.

"My behavior. I pushed you away. I screamed at you. I got angry at you. You did nothing. You were just being friends. But I couldn't control myself and got angry," Noah's feeling kept on spilling like a faucet.

"It's okay, Noah. It's okay," Luca said, his tone gentle and reassuring, "you were protecting Wei."

"No, it's not okay. I hurt you," Noah's voice trailed off, and he clenched his jaw, struggling to put his thoughts into words.

It's fine. I'm not hurt. See," Luca reassured, taking Noah's hands in his own and intertwining their fingers.

He held Noah's gaze, hoping to convey his sincerity through their locked eyes. But Noah pulled away, his expression pained and distraught.

"You're a bad liar. You're still hurting. I hurt you," Noah insisted, his voice rough with emotion as he attempted to stifle the sob rising in his throat.

"No, I'm fine. I'm fine, Taya. You didn't hurt me," Luca denied, reaching up to gently cradle Noah's face in his hands, the touch tender and comforting. He searched Noah's eyes, trying to convey the depth of his understanding and forgiveness.

"Yes I did. Stop lying, dae. You're lying. I know I hurt you," Noah sobbed, shaking in Luca's hands.

"No, you didn't hurt me," Luca repeated softly, his gaze unwavering as he leaned in closer to Noah. Without another word, he pressed a gentle kiss to Noah's lips, a tender gesture filled with understanding and reassurance.

Noah resisted for a moment, but then he melted into the kiss, his lips moving in sync with Luca's. He wrapped his arms around Luca's waist and pulled him close, seeking solace in the embrace.

Luca kissed Noah until he was breathless, until his sobs subsided and his tears dried. When he finally pulled away, Noah's eyes were still wet, but there was a different emotion in them.

"I'm sorry," Luca apologized softly, his gaze locked with Noah's as he assessed the emotions reflected in his eyes. The intensity of Noah's grip on his waist heightened, pulling Luca closer in a silent plea for closeness and understanding.

"You're not gonna admit it?" Noah whispered, his voice barely audible as he searched Luca's expression for the answer he sought. Luca furrowed his brow, unsure of what Noah was alluding to.

"Admit what, exactly?" Luca questioned, his voice tinged with concern as he searched Noah's eyes for clarity.

Noah's grip remained firm as he held Luca's gaze. "You're hurting. You've been letting people hurt you for so long. Helping them heal while you hurt inside," Noah revealed, his voice heavy with realization.

Luca's breath caught in his throat as the weight of Noah's words settled in the space between them. It was as if Noah figured him out and the truth hurt. It hurt a lot.

"Do you have permission?" Luca asked as he forced himself to stare at Noah's lips and hide away from the intense and calculating stare of Noah's eyes.

Noah's expression softened, and he ran a hand through Luca's hair, his touch tender and filled with unspoken understanding. "I have permission. He gave me permission."

There was a flicker of something unspoken between them, a silent agreement that hung in the air like a promise waiting to be fulfilled.

The tension between them was palpable, and Luca could feel his heartbeat quicken as he leaned in just a fraction closer, drawn by an irresistible force. His lips hovered over Noah's, a mere whisper away from closing the gap between them.

Noah leaned in closer, and their lips finally met. The kiss was soft and gentle at first, but it quickly deepened into a passionate embrace. Luca wrapped his arms around Noah's neck, savoring the taste of his lips.

Noah moaned softly in pleasure, and Luca felt a shiver run down his spine. He kissed Noah with all the passion and love that he had been holding inside.

They kissed until they were both breathless, and then they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other. Luca looked into Noah's eyes, and he saw a happiness that he had never seen before.

"Fuck that was good." Noah panted as he sucked in air, his chest heaving.

Luca's laughter rippled softly. "I'm thrilled you enjoyed it," he murmured, his voice tender.

Drawing closer, he pressed his lips against Noah's once more, the kiss gentle and unhurried. Pulling back slightly, Luca's gaze fixed on Noah's face, searching for a trace of worry.

"Will T'Miles be cross?" Luca teased, his voice laced with playful affection, before he captured Noah's lips again in a soft embrace.

Noah rolled his eyes, sinking back into the couch with his arms outstretched. "He's given me the green light. Just kisses and light touches," Noah explained, a mischievous giggle escaping his lips. "It's all part of the game. The anticipation only makes it more exhilarating."

With a chuckle, Luca nestled back down, resting his head on Noah's arm, showering him with delicate pecks on the lips. The two of them lay there, lost in each other's company, the world beyond their cozy haven melting away into insignificance.

Noah's fingers wove through Luca's hair as Luca sought refuge in the crook of Noah's neck. "Taking care of Wei was a lot of work," Noah murmured, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

Curious, Luca gazed up, locking eyes with Noah. "Why was it so difficult?" he inquired.

Noah's gentle fingers continued their soothing motion through Luca's hair, his voice laden with the weariness of the past. "Wei was in a delicate state, and it took everything out of both Miles and me. We had to be constantly vigilant, making sure he remained safe and secure," Noah explained, the memory of their shared burden evident in his eyes.

His voice quivered with a mix of sentiment as he continued, "Learning about your past with Wei, it stoked a deep-seated anger within me. It was hard to comprehend the depth of Dae's love, a love so consuming that he couldn't imagine life without it. But then again..." Noah's voice trailed off, softened by a newfound understanding, "I don't think I could live without Miles now."

Luca let out a quiet hum, nestling himself even deeper into the shelter of Noah's embrace.

"It was a constant battle," Noah confessed, his voice edged with a mix of remorse and fear. "Even the thought of bringing Wei here was fraught with anxiety. I couldn't bear the idea of undoing all the progress we had made together. It's not an excuse, but I was gripped by this overwhelming fear of losing him, of watching everything we had built crumble before our eyes."

Noah's voice wavered, his emotions raw and unguarded. He hesitated, the weight of his words pulling him deeper into the memory that still haunted him. "And then... one of my patients..." Noah's voice trailed off, the sentence hanging in the air like a fragile thread.

A flicker of concern sparked in Luca's eyes, a sudden alertness that prompted him to sit up, his gaze fixed on Noah. "They committed?" Luca's voice held a note of disbelief, a flicker of disbelief mingling with concern. "Not attempted?"

Noah exhaled deeply, the weight of the truth heavy on his shoulders. "Yes, they committed," he confirmed, the words escaping him with a heaviness that spoke of shared sorrow. "It echoed so much of what Wei had gone through that..." Noah's voice faltered, the unspoken connection between past and present hanging palpably in the air. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I let my own pain and fear manifest as anger. I didn't mean to direct it at you."

In response, Luca offered a gentle squeeze of Noah's hand, a wordless reassurance that conveyed his unwavering support. "It's fine, Taya. I forgive you," Luca reassured him.

Noah's shoulders relaxed as he felt Luca's reassuring grip, and a small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Their shared connection seemed to grow stronger with every moment, and the weight of Noah's past began to feel less burdensome.

"Is this what you were doing before I came?" Noah asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Luca nodded, a contented smile gracing his lips. "Exactly," he confirmed. "I had planned for a quiet, relaxing night—just lying here, enjoying the night lights and my champagne, letting myself drift in a state of serene weightlessness. But then, my dawn started calling," Luca added, his eyes filled with warmth as he glanced at Noah. "And then you came."

He snuggled even deeper into the cozy space they had created together, reveling in the simple joy of their connection. "But you know what?" Luca continued, his voice tender. "This is even better."

Noah's gaze swept over the balcony, he couldn't help but notice the delicate arrangement of fairy lights that cast a gentle, ethereal glow, creating a whimsical ambiance that seemed to embrace them both.

"You decorated this place?" Noah inquired, his voice carrying a note of admiration as he took in the charming details.

Luca's nod was accompanied by a soft chuckle. "I did. I wanted to create a little haven, a sanctuary of sorts," Luca explained, his eyes reflecting a sense of fondness for the space he had carefully decorated. "A place where I can just sink into and relax."

Noah's gaze shifted, taking in the thoughtful arrangement and the way the soft light played against the lush greenery. "It's beautiful," he remarked, genuine appreciation lacing his words.

With a gentle gesture, Luca reached for a nearby throw blanket, draping it over their legs as they nestled closer.

"Yep. Now lemme sleep," Luca murmured, his words muffled by the drowsiness that began to wash over him.

With a small sigh, he allowed himself to surrender to the pull of slumber, his breathing gradually slowing as he settled deeper.

Noah's gaze wandered towards the sky, noting the subtle shift in the atmosphere. "Isn't it supposed to rain tonight?" he asked, a playful yet concerned edge to his tone. He couldn't help but worry about the prospect of getting caught in a sudden downpour, even within the shelter of the balcony's cozy haven.

Luca's response came in the form of a sly half-opened eye, his expression soft and drowsy.

"There's a remote to your left," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just press the close button, and panels should appear."

Noah followed Luca's instructions, reaching out to the left and feeling the smooth surface of the remote under his fingertips.

With a soft click, he pressed the button, and the previously unseen panels began to emerge, slowly encasing the balcony in a protective shield against the impending rain.

As the first droplets began to dance upon the panels, a soft, rhythmic melody seemed to unfurl, weaving a symphony that spoke of serenity and renewal. Noah shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket around them, ensuring that Luca remained snug and sheltered from the cooling touch of the night air.

"We're safe and sound in here," Noah murmured, his voice a mere whisper amidst the calming patter of the rain. "Just you and me, weathering the storm together."

Luca's breathing had deepened, his face morphing into something peaceful. Noah, too, found himself drifting, the soothing symphony of the rain creating a tranquil backdrop that eased the remnants of tension from his mind.

...

The morning light filtered gently through the glass windows, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. As Luca gradually emerged from the depths of sleep, he became aware of the sensation of warmth enveloping him, along with the rhythmic rise and fall of a steady chest beneath him.

Blinking sleepily, he adjusted to the soft morning glow, the familiar surroundings gradually coming into focus. The gentle rise and fall beneath him brought a sense of comfort, and he shifted slightly, finding himself nestled against the firm presence below.

With a quiet yawn, Luca lifted his head, his gaze softening as it settled on the serene face of Noah, still deep in slumber. The lines of worry that lingered on Noah's features previously were smoothed away, his chest rising and falling in a steady, peaceful rhythm.

As Luca took in the sight, a gentle smile played at the corners of his lips, a silent acknowledgment of the quiet joy that Noah's presence brought to his life. Careful not to disturb the peacefulness of the moment, he shifted slightly.

Feeling the warmth of the morning sun seeping through the window, Luca leaned back slightly, allowing himself to bask in the gentle tranquility of the morning.

It wasn't long before Noah woke up. The morning rays became brighter and brighter as the sun rose.

His eyelids fluttered open, revealing the deep, thoughtful gaze that seemed to hold a universe of emotions. A small, serene smile graced his lips as he met Luca's gaze.

"Good morning," Noah murmured, his voice low and tinged with sleep. His fingers instinctively found their way to Luca's, intertwining with them in a gentle embrace.

"Good morning," Luca replied, his voice equally hushed, mirroring the tranquility of the moment. "Did you sleep well?"

Noah nodded, a sense of contentment shining in his eyes. "I did," he affirmed, a hint of gratitude lacing his words.

"That's good," Luca murmured, gradually untangling their limbs as he eased himself off the bed. As he stood up, the silk robe he wore slipped slightly, draping him in a way that was both alluring and slightly disheveled.

Noah's playful gaze followed Luca's movements, a teasing glint in his eye. "Now that's something I wouldn't mind waking up to every morning," he quipped, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously as Luca huffed and swiftly adjusted his robe.

"Not now, Taya," Luca chided, a soft chuckle escaping him. "It's too early for that. I'm pretty sure your boyfriend is waiting outside the door." With measured strides, Luca made his way to the main door, swinging it open to reveal the figure that stood just as expected.

Noah let out a low chuckle, watching as Luca interacted with Miles. As Luca and Miles exchanged a few words, Noah sat up, stretching his arms above his head before moving to stand behind Luca. Wrapping his arms around Luca's waist, he rested his chin lightly on Luca's shoulder, the familiarity of their embrace speaking volumes about their deep connection.

"Hello, my athri," Noah greeted Miles warmly, his voice laced with affection.

Miles, though giving an unimpressed look, couldn't hide a hint of fondness as he glanced at Noah. "You're lucky I know your location," he sighed, the corners of his lips twitching slightly.

As Miles stepped inside, carrying two bags brimming with food, Luca began to inspect the contents with a curious gaze. "You didn't have to bring all this," Luca noted, a touch of gratitude in his voice as he sifted through the bags, his eyes alight with appreciation.

Miles offered Luca a patient smile as he placed the bags of food on the nearby table. "I thought you both might be hungry," he explained, the hint of warmth in his gaze underscoring his thoughtfulness.

Noah, still wrapped in the cozy embrace of their morning ritual, leaned in to plant a soft kiss on Luca's cheek. "He's just worried we'll starve," he teased, his voice tender as he held Luca close.

Luca's lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes shining with affection. "Well, I appreciate the concern," he admitted, "but you didn't have to go through all this trouble."

As they began to unpack the bags, revealing an assortment of breakfast delights, it was evident that Miles had put considerable thought into the selection.

Freshly baked pastries, an assortment of fruits, and steaming cups of coffee filled the table, creating an enticing spread that was as visually appealing as it was inviting.

Miles watched the two of them with a faint smile, clearly pleased with their appreciation. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill," he said, his voice soft yet earnest. "Besides, I thought we could all enjoy breakfast together. It's a reward for you two talking it out."

Luca gently disentangled himself from Noah's embrace. "I'm going to change," he announced, making his way to the adjacent room.

There, he quickly indulged in a refreshing shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of sleep. Afterward, he slipped into an oversized t-shirt and a comfortable pair of sweats, relishing the cozy familiarity of his chosen attire.

Returning to the kitchen, Luca's gaze fell upon the sight of Miles and Noah entwined in a tender embrace. Shaking his head lightly, he redirected his focus to the spread of food that Miles had thoughtfully brought, each item a tempting choice in its own right.

As he contemplated his breakfast options, his phone buzzed, signaling a message from Wei. Wei would more than likely ask Noah or Miles if Luca actually had eaten breakfast.

Amidst the array of food laid out before him, Luca found himself contemplating the choices with a thoughtful gaze.

"Maybe some fruit to start with?" Miles suggested as he came behind Luca, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he gestured toward the assortment of freshly cut fruits.

Luca nodded in agreement, as he eyed the plate of sliced watermelon, papaya, and pineapple, the vibrant colors of the fruit practically calling out to him. He reached for a piece of pineapple and took a bite, the sweet and juicy flavor invigorating his taste buds.

"So, what else are you thinking of having?" Miles asked, as he helped himself to a bowl of yogurt and topped it with berries and granola.

"I'm not sure yet," Luca replied, as he continued to survey the breakfast options. "Maybe some eggs and toast?"

"Good choice," Miles said. "There should be some topping for the bread I got from the store. It's fine if you don't like any of them. In the end, Noah's going to be the one who eats it all. Watch."

Luca smiled and thanked Miles for the suggestion. He decided to go for a hard-boiled egg and two slices of whole-wheat toast, which he topped with avocado and a sprinkle of chia seeds.

Seated at the table, Luca reached for a slice of toast, prepared to enjoy his breakfast when his phone suddenly rang.

Noah, ever attentive, fetched Luca's phone from where it lay, his brow furrowing in confusion as he glanced at the caller's name, 'Dae,' flashing across the screen.

"You've got like five different 'Daes' here," Noah remarked, a hint of bemusement in his voice, when the caller name disappeared, displaying the list of recent calls.

A small chuckle escaped Luca as he leaned in to take a closer look at the screen, his gaze shifting between the names listed.

"It's actually very simple," he explained, pointing at the first entry. "That one there is my 'Dae,' Lucy. You met her at the exhibition. The other one," Luca continued, tracing his finger to another name on the list, "is Kai."

Noah nodded, his confusion dissipating as he followed Luca's explanation. "Ah, Kai flew Lucy over right? They claimed they were soulmates?" he recalled, a flicker of recognition crossing his features.

"They're platonic soulmates. Sometimes it feels like twin energy," Luca confirmed, a note of contemplation in his voice. "But they're not speaking to each other right now."

"Why is that?" MIles asked as he handed Noah an almond croissant once Noah sat down.

Luca gave a deep sigh, "Wei and I. Lucy wants us back together. Kai does not."

Noah's brows furrowed in concern. "That's rough," he said, taking a bite of his almond croissant. "Do you want to go back to him?"

Luca shrugged helplessly. "I don't know," he admitted. "I'm still trying to figure that out myself."

Noah nodded understandingly. "That's fair," he said.

"Well, I know Dae wants to go back," Miles said, his voice soft and understanding. "But a relationship is a two-way street. Don't feel pressured to do anything you're not comfortable with."

Luca nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that Miles was right, but that didn't make the decision any easier.

"I know," Luca said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just don't know what to do."

Luca's phone buzzed and everyone's attention went towards it.

Wei: Wanna play basketball?

Luca stared at the phone before deciding to flip it. "I'll answer later. I'm having a good morning right now. Let's keep it that way."

Noah offered a reassuring smile, while Miles continued to be the voice of reason. Luca smiled as he started to engage in a deep conversation with Noah about his bike and racing.