"Hey Wei, did you complete the history assignment?" Luca asked as he hung his coat in his locker.

Wei's locker happened to be a bit far from Luca's, but they always hung out at each other's lockers until they finished their business. Wei leaned against the locker's metal door, glancing at Luca with a warm smile.

"Of course I finished it. It's due tonight," Wei replied with a smile, pulling out his neatly typed assignment from his backpack.

"Can you help me with mine? I got confused, and you know me. It all turns into a mess," he asked, waving his arms in a comically exaggerated manner to demonstrate the chaos that often engulfed his assignments.

"Oh really? What would you give me in return?" Wei gave a mischievous smile as he leaned closer to Luca's face.

He leaned in closer, meeting Wei's gaze with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Well, what do you want in return, Wei?" he asked, feigning curiosity.

Wei's grin widened, and he whispered in a mock conspiratorial tone, "How about a date this weekend?"

Luca fake gasped.

"A date, huh? You drive a hard bargain," he mocked as he held a hand against his chest.

With a sly grin, Wei tapped a finger against his chin, as if pondering the terms. "I do, don't I? But you see, I believe I deserve something grand for helping you out."

Luca rolled his eyes playfully.

"Alright, you've got yourself a date," he agreed, his heart skipping a beat at the thought.

Wei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Great! I promise it'll be a night to remember."

As they continued chatting and helping each other with their assignments, the world around them seemed to fade into the background. It was just the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of happiness.

Luca found himself at an upscale restaurant, formal attire and anticipation setting the tone for the evening.

Seated with potential investors, he began his well-rehearsed pitch, emphasizing innovation in journalism.

Investor A leaned forward, a hint of skepticism in his voice, "How do you plan to stand out in such a crowded digital media landscape?"

Luca met his gaze confidently, "We prioritize in-depth, investigative reporting and foster deep connections with our audience. It's about quality over quantity."

Around him, the ambiance of the restaurant buzzed with hushed conversations and clinking glasses.

Investor B chimed in, "And what about monetization? How do you see your revenue streams evolving?"

Luca outlined their revenue model, "We're exploring subscriptions and partnerships with like-minded organizations, but our primary focus is on building a loyal reader base."

Dinner progressed, and the discussion shifted to the media industry's challenges and opportunities.

Luca's passion for journalism shone as he shared stories of impact and the role of responsible journalism.

Investor C, a seasoned business leader, leaned in and said, "Luca, what you're doing is commendable. It's not just about profit; it's about the impact your journalism can have. We're intrigued."

The investors expressed interest in further discussions, signaling the start of a promising journey in the ever-evolving world of journalism.

This type of setting was not new to Luca. He had been attending business dinners ever since his days as an intern under one of the executive producers, a seasoned anchor and journalist.

As the conversation continued, he couldn't help but reminisce about his mentor's advice: "Luca, always remember the core of journalism is about telling stories that matter."

The purpose of this dinner was to secure funding for the new news segment Luca envisioned—a segment that would uphold the principles he had learned from his mentor.

Investor A, now leaning back with a thoughtful expression, asked, "Tell us more about your team. Who's behind this ambitious venture?"

Luca smiled, proud of the talented journalists he had assembled, "We have a diverse team with years of experience in investigative reporting and digital storytelling. They share the same passion for meaningful journalism."

Investor B nodded, seemingly impressed. "And what's your long-term vision for this news startup?"

Luca's eyes lit up with conviction, "To become a trusted source of news, a platform that fosters informed discussions and drives positive change. We want to redefine how journalism engages with its audience."

Investor C, the seasoned business leader, raised his glass in a toast. "To meaningful journalism and a promising partnership," he proposed.

The clinking of glasses filled the air as Luca and the investors sealed their commitment to a shared vision—a vision that aimed to navigate the complex media landscape while staying true to the core values of journalism.

As the evening drew to a close, Luca couldn't help but feel like he accomplished something. The past few days were hectic. These investors were new in their position but were the most gullible as they did not understand much of the industry they are partaking in.

With a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, Luca finally made his way toward the exit of the restaurant. The evening had gone better than he had ever hoped for, and the commitment of the investors filled him with optimism for the future of his news startup.

As he stepped outside, he was greeted by a torrential downpour. Raindrops pelted the pavement, creating a rhythmic symphony that drowned out the city's usual noise.The wet pavement reflected the city lights, casting a shimmering glow over the sidewalk.

He had arrived at the restaurant by taxi earlier in the evening, mindful not to drink and drive. However, as he stood there, he realized that finding a taxi in this rain would be impossible.

Luca's thoughts wandered as he contemplated his options. He considered waiting under the restaurant's awning for the rain to subside or attempting to hail a taxi.

But before he could make a decision, a group of finely dressed people also emerged from the restaurant, their laughter and cheerful conversation contrasting with the weather.

Luca couldn't help but notice their celebratory mood.

Their expressions were filled with jubilation, and it soon became apparent that they were Wei's coworkers. Luca recognized Wei among them, a hint of surprise on his face when he saw Luca standing there.

Before Luca could react, one of Wei's coworkers, a woman with a radiant smile, approached him. "Hey there," she said, her voice filled with friendliness. "Aren't you getting cold? Why don't you join us?"

Luca hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected invitation. He glanced at Wei, who offered a small, encouraging nod.

"I appreciate that," Luca replied. "But I don't want to intrude."

The woman's smile remained warm and inviting. "Nonsense! We're celebrating a successful deal, and you're more than welcome to join us. Besides, it's pouring out here!"

Feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity, Luca finally relented. "Alright, thank you. I'd be happy to join."

As he stepped back into the restaurant with Wei's coworkers, the transition from rain-soaked pavement to the cozy ambiance of the restaurant was almost surreal.

As the last of Wei's coworkers bid their farewells, Luca and Wei found themselves alone in the restaurant's waiting hall. The rain outside showed no signs of letting up, and Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability.

Wei's eyes met Luca's, and they shared a glance filled with unspoken words, their past and present converging in the most unexpected of circumstances.

"Luca," Wei finally called out, breaking the silence between them.

Luca took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. "Wei..."

Finally, he cleared his throat, the weight of their shared history pressing on him. "So, Wei, it's been a while."

Wei nodded, his gaze fixed on the glistening pavement beneath their feet. "Yeah, it has. Six years, I think."

Luca couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—nostalgia, curiosity, and a touch of uncertainty. "A lot has changed since then."

Wei glanced at him, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "It has."

There was an awkwardness in the air, as if they were both tiptoeing around the elephant in the room. Luca wondered if this encounter would lead to closure or reopen old wounds.

As the minutes passed in silence, the rain continued to pour outside, a reflection of the unresolved emotions swirling within Luca's heart.

One of the staff comes towards Wei, with Wei's keys in hand.

"Sir, your car has been brought up front," she curtly responded before leaving the two.

The staff member's interruption offered a brief respite from the lingering awkwardness between Luca and Wei. Luca glanced at Wei, who seemed equally grateful for the distraction.

Wei accepted his car keys with a polite nod, then turned to Luca. "Do you need a ride, Luca?"

Luca hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by Wei's unexpected offer. The rain outside showed no signs of relenting, and he had forgotten to call a taxi. While part of him wanted to decline and maintain the distance that had grown between them over the years, practicality won out.

"That would be appreciated," Luca replied with a nod, his gratitude genuine.

Wei smiled, and the tension that had lingered between them seemed to dissipate slightly. "Alright, let's get out."

As they walked toward Wei's car, Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It was a far cry from the awkwardness that had initially marked their reunion, and he found himself silently appreciating the small moments of familiarity.

Inside Wei's car, the atmosphere was more relaxed than it had been in the restaurant's waiting hall. The sound of rain hitting the car roof provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

"So, where do you live now, Luca?" Wei asked, breaking the silence.

Luca gave him the address, and Wei navigated the rain-soaked streets with ease, the occasional lull in conversation filled with the sound of raindrops. It was as if the rain itself was washing away some of the tension that had hung between them.

"Luca, about what happened back then..." Wei spoke, his tone hesitant.

Luca knew exactly what Wei was referring to, and the memories flooded back. Their breakup had been painful and had left a lingering sense of unfinished business between them.

"Wei, it's in the past. We both moved on."

"Have we really?" Wei asked as he faced Luca. His expression is contemplative, his car engine idling in the background.

Luca met Wei's gaze, the weight of their shared history and the unspoken questions hanging in the air.

"I guess not. We were each other's first relationship after all. We were each other's firsts in a lot of things. Including our breakup."

Wei nodded, the car's engine still idling as if waiting for their conversation to reach its conclusion.

The memories of their time together, the laughter and the tears, the dreams they had shared—those moments felt vivid, even as the years had passed.

"I still love you, you know" Wei stated.

The words hung heavy in the air, and Luca felt his heart skip a beat at Wei's confession. It was a declaration that carried the weight of years of separation and unresolved emotions.

"I... I don't know what to say," Luca admitted, his voice wavered, caught between the familiar warmth of the past and the uncertainty of the present.

Wei's gaze went back to the road, his eyes filled with a vulnerability that mirrored Luca's own feelings. "I didn't plan on saying it tonight, but seeing you again, it just brought everything back."

"Wei, it's been a long time," Luca finally replied, his tone gentle. "A lot has changed for both of us."

Wei nodded, his expression a mixture of understanding and acceptance. "I know, Luca. But some things... some feelings... they never really change."

Luca's heart ached at the truth of Wei's words.

"So much had happened. It's not like we can go back to what we were," Luca admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "Seeing you again, it's brought up a lot of emotions."

Wei's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles almost white against the backdrop of the rain-streaked windshield. The complexities of their feelings seemed to hang heavy in the car.

"I understand, Luca," Wei said softly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I didn't expect everything to magically fall back into place. It's just... after all these years, I needed you to know."

The rain continued its steady drumbeat on the roof of the car, a steady rhythm that matched the uncertainty of their conversation. Luca couldn't help but replay the memories of their time together in his mind, each moment etched vividly in his memory.

"Wei," Luca began, his voice filled with sincerity, "what we had was special. It was intense and beautiful, but it also had its challenges. We were young, and we didn't know how to navigate it all."

Wei nodded in agreement, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're right. We were passionate, but we were also figuring things out."

As the car glided through the rain-soaked streets, Luca found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. He remembered the laughter they had shared, the late-night conversations, and the way their dreams had once aligned.

"But," Luca continued, his voice steady, "we've both grown since then. We've had our own journeys, our own experiences."

Wei turned to look at Luca, his gaze searching for something, perhaps a glimmer of hope. "Does that mean there's no chance for us?"

Luca's heart ached at the question, and if he wanted to reach to grab a hold of Wei's hand, he kept that to himself.

"I can't give you a simple answer, Wei. It's not just about the past; it's about where we are now and where we want to go."

The car pulled up in front of Luca's apartment building, the rain still falling steadily outside.

"Wei," Luca said, his voice filled with gratitude, "thank you for the ride, and for being honest with me."

"Thank you for listening, Luca. Take care of yourself," Wei managed a small smile, his eyes softening.

As Luca stepped out of the car and into the rain, he felt a swift change. It felt like someone dumped a bucket of ice cold water on him.

He quickly ran back to his apartment without checking if Wei had driven off or not.

He felt so drained.

He was happy talking with Wei. He missed being in Wei's presence.

As he fumbled with the lock, his trembling hands struggled to find the keyhole, a physical manifestation of the internal turmoil he was experiencing.

Once inside, he stood in the dimly lit foyer, his shoulders slumped in defeat. The weight of his emotions bore down on him, leaving him feeling adrift and uncertain.

He pulled open his tie with a sense of desperation, as if loosening its constricting grip could free him from the confusion that enveloped his thoughts.

With each step he took into his apartment, he shed the trappings of the evening, removing his blazer with an almost mechanical detachment.

This wasn't fair.

He ran away from this on purpose. He didn't want it to come slinging back in full force.

Life had a cruel way of shattering carefully constructed walls all at once.

A wave of sadness surged within him, and an involuntary sob tore its way out of his chest.

He crumpled to the floor, the weight of his emotions overwhelming him. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring the room around him.

"This isn't fair!" he cried out, the anguish in his voice echoing his inner turmoil.

The world wasn't being fair to him. It was conspiring against him.

He didn't want to see Wei again.

He could keep running.

He would do anything to run away from this again.

But he's so tired.

There has to be a point where you stop.

This was a love he had never truly moved on from, buried deep within his heart.

He pounded the ground with his fists, his sobs echoing in the empty room.

As he sobbed, he gasped out, "Why are you doing this to me?"

Tears streamed down his face. "I let him go, just as you requested."

The world outside seemed to respond, intensifying the downpour, the relentless rain matching the storm within him.

"Ay Dae, your eyes... they're so puffy," Leila fretted as the morning light crept into the room.

"I'm sorry," Luca replied, his voice still hoarse from the previous day.

"You don't have to be sorry, Dae. Come on, let's get that fixed before we go on air," Leila gave a reassuring smile. She took his hand and nudged him to move along with her until they reached one of the standby makeup artists.

"Hi, could you fix him up before we go on air?" Leila asked the makeup artist.

The girl took a quick look at Luca and nodded. "It shouldn't be much work. Come here," she motioned toward the empty seat next to her.

Luca sat down, and he could feel the makeup artist working her magic.

"Everything will be alright," the girl reassured him. "Even if not everything goes the way you want it, a part of it will."

Despite everyone being curious as to why one of the most popular anchors had cried, no one dared to ask.

Despite the curiosity of those around him regarding why one of the most popular anchors had cried, no one dared to ask. They understood that he had a right to his privacy.

The makeup artist's skilled hands moved with precision, subtly concealing the evidence of Luca's emotional turmoil.

Leila, standing nearby, maintained a comforting presence. She had been with Luca through thick and thin, and her unwavering support was a source of strength for him.

Once the makeup artist finished her work, she stepped back and admired her handiwork. "There you go, all set," she said with a smile.

Luca looked at himself in the mirror and was impressed by the transformation. The puffiness around his eyes was significantly reduced, and he looked more composed.

"Thank you," he said to the makeup artist, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Leila patted him on the back. "You're a trooper, Dae. Now, let's go out there and give them the best show."

With renewed determination, Luca nodded. He knew that the show must go on, and he would do his best to deliver it flawlessly.

As they made their way to the studio, Luca couldn't help but reflect on the events of the previous evening. Seeing Wei again had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions, and he knew he needed to find a way to process them.

It did bring another wave of sadness that seemed to radiate off of him.

But for now, the professional anchor in him took center stage, ready to inform and inspire his audience, just as he had always done.

The studio lights bathed Luca and Leila in a warm glow as they assumed their positions at the anchor desk.

Showtime – it was a world of its own, where everything outside faded away. Their purpose was clear: deliver the news, inform, and guide their viewers through the day's events.

With cameras rolling and the familiar theme music playing, Luca assumed his professional persona.

"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice a steady river, confidently delivering the headlines.

Leila, the consummate professional, transitioned seamlessly from one segment to the next.

"Thank you, Luca. Now, let's turn our attention to the international headlines," she said, their on-air chemistry evident as they engaged in informed discussions.

Minutes flowed, and the show approached its end. As the closing credits rolled, Luca felt a surge of accomplishment.

"Thank you all for joining us today," he conveyed to the camera, "and now, back to you in the studio."

Off-camera, he exchanged words with Leila, their mutual appreciation evident. She commended his professionalism despite the emotional turmoil.

"You did great, Luca," she reassured him with a warm smile.

Post-show, Luca retreated to his dressing room. He couldn't evade the memories and emotions stirred by Wei's unexpected presence. It was time to confront them.

Seated alone in the dimly lit room, Luca embraced his emotions. "Why is it so complex?" he pondered aloud, his voice a mere whisper in the hush.

Thoughts of Wei loomed large, their shared history and unresolved feelings painting a complex canvas. Nostalgia, love, and the bitter sting of separation – all mingled within him.

Letting out a heavy sigh, "this is going to be a problem."

"What's going to be a problem?" asked Omar as he walked into the area with all the dressing tables.

"Nothing A'Omar," Luca sighed as he stared at the older man.

"That sigh doesn't sound like it's nothing," Omar stated, high right brow raised.

"It's nothing. Just me being me, I guess," Luca shrugged.

"That's not you being you Dae. You're more smiley and helping everyone."

Luca couldn't help but offer a faint smile at Omar's perceptive comment. Omar had a way of seeing through his façades, even when he tried to downplay his emotions.

"It's fine though. It shouldn't affect my work for the most part," Luca brushed off.

"You're entitled to your feelings, Dae. Don't let anyone, including yourself, tell you otherwise. And if you ever need to talk or just take a break, you know where to find me."

Luca nodded appreciatively, touched by Omar's unwavering support. "Thank you, A'Omar."

With a reassuring smile, Omar stood up. "Alright then, I'm heading out with Leila, but it looks like you can join us."

"It's fine," Luca politely rejected, "you guys should enjoy your date. We don't get off this early usually."

Omar chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not a date, Dae. And besides, you're part of the team. Your absence would be felt. You sure you don't want to join us?"

Luca considered Omar's offer for a moment. The prospect of spending more time with his colleagues was tempting, and perhaps it would help take his mind off the whirlwind of emotions stirred up by Wei's unexpected appearance.

"It's fine. Thank you for offering tho, A'Omar."

As Omar walked away, Luca couldn't shake off the slight regret he felt for declining his colleague's invitation.

With the 6 a.m. news segment completed for the day and the interns taking over for a while, Luca and Leila found themselves with more free time than usual.

It wasn't exactly free time, but at least they didn't have to worry about the morning segment for a couple of days.

Luca hoped that this break would allow him to regain his emotional composure.

The unexpected encounter with Wei had stirred up a whirlwind of feelings, and he needed some time to sort through them and find his equilibrium again. The weekend couldn't come soon enough.

Luca got up, gathering hit items as he made his way to his bike.

Luca rose from his seat, gathering his belongings as he prepared to go anywhere his mind felt like.

A nice ride to his safe spot would be nice.

Before heading to his bike, he took a moment to change into more comfortable clothes, a pair of chinos and an oversized shirt, shedding the formal attire that had accompanied him through the morning segment.

Revving the engine to life, Luca felt the familiar vibrations resonate with the turmoil within.

The road stretched before him, an open invitation to leave his emotional complexities behind, at least temporarily.

As he rode, the urban landscape gradually gave way to lush greenery.

The city's cacophony surrendered to the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds. The cool breeze carried away his worries, offering a brief reprieve.

It didn't take long before he reached the park.

Ensuring that his bike was properly locked and safe in its parking, he made way along the overgrown path until he reached the alcove.

The alcove was a hidden gem in the heart of the park, a sanctuary known only to Luca.

Tall trees provided a natural canopy, filtering the dappled sunlight that speckled the ground below.

A small, meandering stream trickled nearby, its gentle murmur a soothing backdrop to the tranquil setting.

Moss-covered stones offered seating arrangements, and Luca settled on one, his personal refuge amidst the chaos of life.

As he closed his eyes, the distant chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves blended into a harmonious symphony. It was a stark contrast to the bustling city life he faced daily.

Just as he began to lose himself in the tranquility, his phone rang. With a sigh, he reluctantly answered, expecting another work-related call.

"Taya! Did you check your messages yet? Did you? Did you?" Lucy's voice practically screeched through the phone, interrupting the serenity of his sanctuary.

"Ai Dae, I just sat down to relax a bit. What's got you so excited?" he asked, lightly pulling the phone away from his ear.

"Excited? Me? Always! But seriously, Luca, you need to check your messages. There's something you won't want to miss," Lucy replied, her tone conspiratorial.

Curiosity piqued, Luca leaned back against the mossy stone and retrieved his phone from his pocket. He quickly navigated to his messages and began scrolling through them.

"Dae, these are just posts you shared with me," Luca rolled his eyes.

"No, no, look closely. Look at what those posts are," Lucy sounded very excited.

Luca pressed on one of the messages, redirecting him to the site of the post. When the page finally opened, he couldn't help but let his jaw drop.

"The tattoo design?" Luca instantly got up, bringing his phone closer. "How did they get this design?"

Lucy chuckled mischievously on the other end of the line.

"Isn't it intriguing? It seems someone out there is a fan of your work, Ai Dae."

Luca continued to examine the post, his mind racing with questions. This particular tattoo was a doodle of lines with small circles by the lines signifying string lights. In carefully placed positions were traditional lanterns.

The design was recreated with a watercolor tattoo with some color like red and yellow, nothing that made it look too much.

"But how did they even find this design?" Luca mused aloud.

This design was something that he randomly doodled on an assignment a long time ago. Since he found it cute, he kept it within his sketchbook filled with terrible drawings from an art class he took his junior year.

"I don't know Taya. I mean it is a very common doodle," Luca could practically hear Lucy shrug through the phone.

"No you idiot, this doodle was mine. The string lights have letters if you look closely. The artist even replicated those," Luca hissed, wondering how someone could grab hands on an old doodle.

It wasn't that Luca minded that his quote on quote artwork was good enough to be tattooed. He didn't know who would dig through his stuff to find something made more than half a decade ago.

Lucy fell silent for a moment, absorbing Luca's revelation. "You drew this design several times but there's a different version that is still similar to this version and they got that version?"

Luca nodded, even though Lucy couldn't see him. "Exactly. It's uncanny."

"That's... bizarre," Lucy admitted. "I mean, how could someone even stumble upon that and connect it to you?"

Luca shrugged, still perplexed. "I have no idea, but it's both eerie and flattering at the same time."

"Oh... When are you coming home again Taya?" Lucy asked.

"I'm not sure, Lucy," Luca replied, his thoughts still lingering on the mystery of the tattooed design. "I've got some things to sort out here, especially after that unexpected encounter with Wei."

Lucy's voice carried a note of concern. "You met Wei? Is everyhting fine"

Luca sighed, leaning back against the mossy stone as he contemplated his feelings.

"I guess so? I mean we did talk a little bit."

"Alright, just remember that I'm here for you, even from afar," Lucy reassured him.

"And if you ever need a distraction or just a good old-fashioned gossip session, you know who to call."

Luca couldn't help but smile at Lucy's unwavering support.

"Thanks, Lucy. You're the best. I'll keep you posted about everything, okay?"

"Deal, Taya. Take care of yourself. We miss you here," Lucy said warmly.

"I miss you all too," Luca replied, ending the call with a soft smile.

Someone was able to get hands on his artwork and replicate it? It couldn't be who Luca thought it would be- right?