The sun was setting over the small town, casting a warm, golden hue over everything it touched. Two high school juniors, Wei and Luca, sat on the porch steps of Wei's house, their long-standing friendship filling the air with comfort and familiarity.

"Luca, you've been acting a bit strange lately," Wei remarked, raising an eyebrow as he sipped his lemonade.

Luca, his cheeks slightly flushed, looked away momentarily, his fingers playing with the edge of his shirt.

"Well, Wei, there's something I've been wanting to ask you..."

Wei leaned in, a playful twinkle in his eye.

"Oh? I'm all ears, my friend."

A soft, nervous chuckle escaped Luca's lips before he finally mustered the courage to speak.

"You know we've been best friends for, like, forever, right?"

Wei nodded, his smile encouraging. "Of course, Luca. You're practically family."

"Yeah," Luca agreed, taking a deep breath. "And, well, I was wondering... What if we tried being more than just friends?"

Wei blinked in surprise, his lemonade forgotten. He watched Luca closely, trying to gauge his sincerity.

"Luca, are you asking me out?"

Luca's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, and he nodded.

"Yeah, Wei. I am. I think... I think I've liked you more than just a friend for a while now."

Wei couldn't help but laugh, the tension melting away as he leaned closer to Luca.

"You dork! You could've just asked. You didn't need to give me a speech!"

Luca's embarrassment transformed into a sheepish grin.

"Well, I wanted it to be special."

Wei chuckled, ruffling Luca's hair affectionately.

"You made it special, alright."

Luca's grin widened as he took Wei's hand in his.

"So, does that mean you'll be my boyfriend?"

Wei leaned in even closer, their noses almost touching.

"Well, since you asked so nicely, how could I say no?"

With a burst of laughter, Luca pulled Wei into a warm, heartfelt hug.

But just as they were savoring the moment, a mischievous cheer erupted from nearby.

Startled, they turned to see their siblings, Lucy and Kai, grinning mischievously.

"Luca! Kai! Stop spying on us!" Luca whined, his cheeks still flushed with both embarrassment and happiness.

Lucy winked playfully. "Sorry, Luca, but we couldn't resist witnessing the birth of a beautiful love story!"

Kai nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, it was like a scene from a rom-com."

Wei rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile. "Well, you got your show. Now, scram!"

Their siblings laughed and retreated, leaving Wei and Luca alone on the porch. As they settled back into each other's embrace, they couldn't help but feel grateful for the friends who had shared in their journey from childhood pals to something more.

"Finally, that's a wrap for today," Luca announced, his voice carrying a mix of relief and exhaustion as he signed off from his broadcasting duties.

As Luca finished his broadcasting for the day, he switched off the microphone and leaned back in his chair, feeling the familiar sense of accomplishment wash over him.

Leila grinned and teased, "Luca, your performance today was on fire! You're getting better and better."

Luca chuckled and rubbed his tired eyes. "Thanks, Leila. To be honest, I really didn't notice anything different."

Leila nodded in understanding, knowing that broadcasting was not an easy job.

"I dunno, you've been radiating these past few days. What did you do Dae?" she smirked as she leaned closer and wiggled her eyebrows.

Luca couldn't help but laugh at Leila's playful teasing. "Radiating, huh? Maybe it's the studio lights," he replied with a wink.

Leila shook her head, her smirk still in place. "Nah, it's more than that. Come on, spill the beans. Did something exciting happen in your life?"

The two had clipped off their microphones and handed it over to one of the technical staff.

Luca shook his head. "Not really. I went racing this weekend."

Leila's eyes widened with interest as she heard Luca's mention of racing. "Racing, huh? I didn't know you race. Did you win?"

"It was just a casual race. A friend of mine invited me to race on his cousin's track."

Leila nodded, intrigued by Luca's interest in racing.

"You still didn't tell me if you won," Leila nudged Luca's shoulder as they walked side by side out of the broadcasting room.

Luca's confident smile widened as he confirmed his victory to Leila.

"Yep, I did win. It was a close race, but I managed to pull ahead in the end."

Leila playfully punched him on the arm. "Impressive, Luca! You've got some hidden talents. Maybe you should consider a side career as a motoracer."

Luca laughed, appreciating Leila's humor. "As tempting as that sounds, I think I'll stick to broadcasting for now. But riding a bike is amazing. Not sure it A'Omar would let you try it but you know."

Leila raised an eyebrow at the mention of Omar. "Ah, the mighty T'Omar. I can just imagine his reaction to the idea of me on a bike."

Luca chuckled, knowing all too well how protective and cautious A'Omar could be.

"Yeah, he's pretty strict when it comes to your safety. But I'll make sure to enjoy the thrill of racing on your behalf, Leila."

"Hey!" Leila exclaimed as she fake punched Luca's shoulder.

"I'Leila! That hurts," Luca grumbled as he was rubbing the spot that Leila punched.

Leila couldn't help but giggle at Luca's playful reaction. "Luca! You can't be that weak?"

Luca continued to rub his shoulder, pretending to be in mild discomfort. "But it hurts. You hit pretty hard."

"No I didn't," Leila quickly retorted.

"How would you know? I'm delicate," Luca pouted as he turned away.

Leila couldn't help but laugh at Luca's playful antics. "Oh, come on, Luca! I barely touched you. You're not delicate; you're just trying to get sympathy points."

Luca turned back to face her with a mischievous grin. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. But now that you've injured me, you'll have to carry my bags for me."

Leila rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Nice try, Luca. I'm not carrying your bag. I already have mine to carry."

Luca chuckled, realizing he wouldn't get far with his playful attempts to have Leila carry his bags. "Alright, then. I guess I'll have to find another way to get them home."

As they continued walking and chatting, Luca's thoughts turned to the upcoming evening.

He knew that after a long day at work, he was looking forward to something a bit different.

"You know, Leila, I might head to the club tonight," he mentioned casually.

Leila raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The club, huh? On a work night?"

Luca nodded. "Yeah, a friend from college invited me to join."

"Work starts at 5? You won't have time to sleep?" Leila pondered out loud.

"I'm going to get home and sleep. I need one after today. I've been feeling tired for a while so this is very much needed," Luca planned.

Sleeping for a good 6ish hours should be enough.

"Imma go at like 8 or 9 and then leave early enough to get home and freshen up for work."

"You're lucky that you can instantly wake up and get to work. I have to wake up at 3 just to wake myself up," Leila complained.

Leila chuckled. "Well, someone has to keep the night alive, right? Just make sure to get enough rest, Luca. You don't want to be too tired for work tomorrow."

"I have a great way of sobering myself up if I get too intoxicated. I don't even drink that so much so it shouldn't be a problem," he shrugged as they made it to their offices.

Leila laughed at Luca's nonchalant attitude.

"You've got it all figured out, don't you? Well, as long as you stay safe and have a good time, that's what matters. Enjoy your night at the club, Luca."

With that, they parted ways, each heading to their respective offices to tackle the rest of their workday.

Luca couldn't help but look forward to the evening ahead, knowing that it would be a chance to unwind and have some fun with friends.

And as he settled into his work, the thought of dancing the night away helped make the day go by a little faster.

The workday passed relatively quickly for Luca. He focused on his tasks, eager to wrap things up and prepare for the night ahead.

When the clock finally struck 1, Luca wasted no time packing up his things.

He exchanged a few casual goodbyes with colleagues before making his way to the parking lot.

His motorcycle awaited him, and Luca couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom as he revved the engine.

It was the perfect way to kick off the evening.

The ride home was a refreshing one. The wind in his hair and the roar of the engine helped clear his mind and prepare him for the night of dancing and laughter that lay ahead.

Once he reached home, Luca popped in some melatonin gummies and set his alarm for 7. He then set another alarm to every five minutes until 7:30 so that he doesn't sleep through.

He kicked off his shoes, changed into comfortable loungewear, and settled into his bed.

As he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but smile, thinking about Wei.

He hasn't seen him since last Wednesday which was new. Not that it mattered. He and Wei walk separate paths.

The alarm clock buzzed to life at 7pm, jolting Luca awake. With a yawn and a stretch, he got out of bed, ready to tackle the evening.

Luca carefully selected his outfit for the night, wanting to strike the right balance between stylish and comfortable.

He opted for a pair of fitting black chinos that accentuated his figure, giving him a confident and sleek look.

For his upper half, he chose a v-cut blouse that added a touch of sophistication while showing off just the right amount of skin.

It was a perfect choice for the club, ensuring he would feel both stylish and at ease while dancing the night away.

He carefully slid on his favorite rings, including the one with chains that added a touch of edginess to his ensemble.

The weight of the rings on his fingers felt familiar and grounding, like a personal signature. Next, he fastened his necklaces, a simple set of chains and a dog tag.

With his outfit in place, Luca checked himself in the mirror, making sure everything looked just right.

Satisfied with his appearance, he grabbed his essentials – phone, wallet, and keys – and headed out the door.

The club awaited, and Luca couldn't wait to join his friends for a night of music and fun.

Luca stepped into the lively club, immediately engulfed by the energetic ambiance.

The music pulsed through the air, reverberating in his chest, and the dazzling lights created a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the crowd.

As Luca's eyes scanned the crowded club, he spotted Kofi at the bar, a big grin on his face.

Before Luca could make his way over to join him, Kofi caught sight of him and let out a hearty shout.

"Luca!" Kofi's voice carried above the music, and he waved enthusiastically, beckoning Luca to join him at the bar.

Luca couldn't help but grin in response to Kofi's spirited greeting.

With a nod and a wave, he started making his way through the pulsating sea of people towards the bar where Kofi was stationed.

The music continued to thump in his ears as he navigated the crowd, and he exchanged friendly nods and smiles with fellow club-goers along the way.

Finally, he reached the bar, where Kofi was waiting with a wide, welcoming smile and a drink in hand.

"Kofi!" Luca shouted over the music, matching Kofi's enthusiasm. The energy of the club, combined with the sight of his friend, had him feeling ready for a fantastic night.

Kofi's grin widened as he handed Luca the drink he had prepared. It was a vibrant concoction of strawberries, alcohol, and a hint of citrus, a perfect blend for a night of dancing.

"Luca!" Kofi shouted back, raising his own drink in a toast. "Glad you made it. This one's on the house, my gift to you for gracing us with your presence tonight."

Luca took the drink and clinked his glass against Kofi's, the clinking drowned out by the thumping bass of the music.

"Thanks, Kofi!" he exclaimed before taking a long sip of the delicious cocktail.

The first sip of Kofi's strawberry-infused cocktail sent a tingling sensation down Luca's throat, and he could feel the warmth of the alcohol spreading through his body. It was like a gentle embrace from within, relaxing his muscles and loosening any remaining traces of tension.

With each subsequent sip, Luca's inhibitions melted away, replaced by a growing sense of confidence and euphoria.

He could feel the music in his bones, the rhythm coursing through him, urging him to move.

The dance floor beckoned, and Luca couldn't resist its call.

As he joined the dancers, the world around him transformed. The flashing neon lights painted kaleidoscopic patterns on the walls, and the thumping bass became a heartbeat, synchronized with his own.

Luca's body became a vessel for the music, his movements fluid and graceful.

He twirled, spun, and swayed, letting the music guide him. The alcohol added an extra layer of sensuality to his dance, enhancing every sensation.

The touch of other dancers, the pulse of the music, and the rush of exhilaration created a heady cocktail of pleasure and abandon.

Luca's laughter rang out, infectious and carefree, as he danced with strangers who felt like old friends. He felt alive, liberated from the constraints of the everyday world.

With each beat, he let go a little more, surrendering to the intoxicating blend of alcohol and music that filled the club.

As Luca lost himself in the rhythm, he felt a presence behind him, a familiar energy that made his heart race even faster.

He turned, and there was Noah, wearing a mischievous grin that matched the twinkle in his eyes.

"Hey there, pretty. You look delicious," Noah said as he shamelessly licked across his lower lip.

Luca laughed as he wrapped his arms around Noah's neck, hips swaying to the beat. Noah in response placed his hands on Luca's hips.

"You think so?" he asked, pressing himself against Noah's chest, "you're here without A'Miles?"

Noah shook his head as he moved around until Luca could get a full view of Miles at another bar, looking at the pair with dark eyes.

"Miles is over there," Noah said, his voice low and serious.

"Did he give you permission to dance with me?" Luca asked, his voice low and husky, his eyes gleaming with desire.

"That and a little bit more," Noah whispered, his lips brushing against Luca's ear.

Luca's heart skipped a beat as Noah's lips brushed against his ear. He could feel Noah's breath on his neck, and he shivered with anticipation. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks.

"What are you thinking about?" Noah asked, his voice low and husky.

Luca met Noah's eyes, and their gazes locked. He could see the desire and passion in Noah's eyes, and it mirrored his own.

"I don't know," Luca said, his voice matching Noah's in tone and intensity. "You."

Noah smiled and leaned in closer. Luca closed his eyes and waited.

Luca's lips met Noah's, and he felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. His heart pounded in his chest, and his breath caught in his throat. He wrapped his arms around Noah's waist and pulled him close, kissing him with all his might.

Noah kissed him back with equal fervor, his hands roaming Luca's body, igniting every nerve. Luca moaned in pleasure, his head spinning with desire. He felt like he was melting into Noah, becoming one with him.

They kissed for what felt like an eternity, their lips moving together in a passionate dance. Luca could taste Noah's hunger on his lips, and he felt his own desire growing stronger with each passing moment.

When they finally pulled away, they were both smiling.

"That was fun," Noah smiled as he licked the bottom of his lips, smirking when he noticed Luca was following the movement.

Luca swayed against Noah, his eyes locked with his.

"That was fun." He paused, a sly smile curving his lips. "I think that explains the look Miles is giving you. Good luck."

Noah's smile plummeted, his eyes widening in horror. Luca waved cheerfully as a brooding Miles emerged from the shadows, his jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed. He strode forward and grabbed Noah's wrists, pulling him away.

Luca waved until the two disappeared, the betrayed look in Noah's eyes bringing amusement.

Now alone, Luca let out a sigh.

The adrenaline rush from the kiss had instantly died down.

He leaned against a nearby wall, taking a moment to catch his breath. The club's music thumped in the background, but Luca felt a sense of calm wash over him as he reflected on the unexpected encounter.

He should go back to Kofi who was more likely still at the bar.

With a sigh, Luca pushed himself away from the wall and began to make his way through the crowd once more.

The thumping music grew louder with each step, and he could feel the energy of the club pulling him back in.

As he approached the bar, he didn't see Kofi at all. He must have left while Luca was dancing and making out with Noah.

Feeling a mix of disappointment and worry, Luca scanned the area, wondering where Kofi might have gone.

The night hasn't really even started yet, and Kofi's already gone?

Luca felt a mix of disappointment and worry as he scanned the area, wondering where his friend might have gone. He hoped that nothing serious had happened.

He decided to check the bathroom first. Maybe Kofi had just gone to the bathroom and would be back in a minute. But the bathroom had just some people making out.

He decided to check his phone and found a message from Kofi.

Kofi: Hey!

Kofi: Sorry I ditched.

Kofi: My girlfriend called me to take her home.

Luca sighed as he read Kofi's message. He was relieved to know that Kofi was okay, but he was also disappointed that Kofi had left without telling him.

Luca: Hey, no worries. I hope your girlfriend is okay.

Feeling a bit bored and lonely, Luca decided to sit by the bar and order a drink. He scanned the room, hoping to see someone he knew, but everyone seemed to be engrossed in their own conversations.

Luca sighed and took a sip of his drink. He had been hoping to have a fun night out with Kofi, but now that Kofi was gone, he didn't know what to do.

Ending his night early, he decided to go home. He took a deep breath of the cool night air and started walking.

Luca thought about the night he had had.

The fierce and aggressive kiss with Noah. It wasn't something that was supposed to happen but Luca felt safe that Noah at least got permission before he made a move.

He didn't want to be a homewrecker.

Luca reached his apartment building and went inside. He took the elevator up to his floor and unlocked his door. He walked into his apartment and closed the door behind him.

Luca took off his shoes and jacket and put them on the coat rack. He walked into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. He sat down at the kitchen table and took a sip of water.

He still had a while before he needed to get ready for work. A short nap should be fine. It would also help him get rid of the buzz that he got from the alcohol.

Luca finished his water and stood up. He walked into the living room and turned off the lights. He went into the bedroom and got into bed. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Wei had a very busy schedule. He decided to bury himself in more work in retaliation against the thoughts of Luca creeping back into his mind.

Wei glanced at the clock on his desk. He had a meeting with Miles in five minutes, and he was still not prepared. He had been so busy thinking about Luca that he had barely been able to focus on his work.

He quickly finished reading the last email in his inbox and then closed his laptop. He stood up and walked over to the mirror. He straightened his tie and fixed his hair.

He took a deep breath and tried to clear his head. He knew that he needed to focus on the meeting with Miles.

He walked out of his office and headed to the conference room.

It wasn't later until Miles walked into the conference room and saw Wei seated at the table. He smiled when he saw that Wei looked a little better than usual.

"Hey, Wei," Miles said. "You look better today."

Wei smiled back. "Thanks, Miles. I'm feeling a bit better, yeah."

Miles took his seats and Wei opened the folder in front of him.

"So, let's get started," he said. "I've put together a presentation on the new marketing campaign."

Wei spent the next hour giving Miles a presentation on the new marketing campaign. He covered everything from the target audience to the budget to the timeline.

Miles listened intently and asked a few questions along the way. He was impressed by Wei's work on the campaign.

When Wei was finished, Miles nodded his approval.

"Great job, Wei," he said. "This is a really impressive campaign. We should start it once it gets approved by the others."

Wei smiled. "Thanks, Miles. I'm glad you like it."

They stood up and shook hands.

"I'm really proud of you, Wei," Miles said. "You've been working really hard lately, but remember to take breaks. We're all human and we tend to break easily."

Wei felt a warm feeling in his chest. He was grateful for Miles' friendship and support.

"Thanks, Miles," he said. "That means a lot."

Miles left the conference room, and Wei closed the door behind him. He leaned against the door and took a deep breath. He was exhausted, but he was also satisfied. He had done a good job on the presentation, and he had impressed Miles.

Wei's next meeting was with his team to review the monthly sales report. He congratulated the team for exceeding their goals for the month and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

"Thanks to everyone for a great week," Wei said. "We exceeded our sales goals by 10%, and that's a huge accomplishment. I'm really proud of all of you."

The team cheered.

"Now, let's take a look at the individual numbers," Wei said. "Who wants to go first?"

One of the team members raised her hand.

"I'll go," she said.

Wei nodded and the team member began to share her sales results. The rest of the team followed suit, one by one.

Wei listened carefully to each team member's report. He offered feedback and encouragement where needed. He also made note of any areas where the team could improve.

"Overall, it was a great month," Wei said when everyone was finished. "But there are a few things we can do to improve our performance next week. First, we need to focus on converting more leads into customers. Second, we need to increase our average order value. And third, we need to reduce our customer churn rate."

Wei went on to discuss each of these areas in more detail. He and the team developed a plan for addressing each issue.

"I'm confident that we can meet our goals next month," Wei said. "Just keep up the hard work and we'll be unstoppable."

The team cheered again.

Wei's next meeting was with his team to review the quarterly performance report. The team had also exceeded their goals for the quarter. Wei was very proud of his team's accomplishments. He thanked them for their hard work and dedication.

"This was an amazing quarter for our team," Wei said. "We exceeded our sales goals by 20%, and that's a huge accomplishment. I'm so proud of all of you for your hard work and dedication."

The team cheered.

"I want to take this opportunity to announce some promotions," Wei said. "Alaine, you're being promoted to senior sales representative. Giovanni, you're being promoted to team lead. Congratulations to both of you."

The two team members smiled and thanked Wei.

"I'm also excited to announce that we're expanding our team," Wei said. "We'll be hiring two new sales representatives in the next few weeks. I'm confident that we can continue to grow our business and achieve even greater success in the future."

The team cheered again.

Wei's final meeting of the day was a one-on-one meeting with a painter who was trending nationally.

The painter was new to Wei's company, but he was already making a big impact. His paintings were selling for top dollar and galleries all over the country were clamoring to exhibit his work.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Wei said. "I've been following your work and I'm very impressed. You're a very talented artist."

"Thank you," the painter said. "I'm glad you like my work."

"I'm curious to learn more about your process," Wei said. "How do you come up with your ideas? And what are your favorite materials to work with?"

The painter went on to discuss his process and his favorite materials in detail. Wei listened intently and asked follow-up questions.

"It's clear that you're very passionate about your work," Wei said. "And it shows in your paintings. I'm confident that you're going to continue to be successful. I'm here to support you in any way I can."

"Thank you, Wei," the painter said. "I appreciate your support."

Wei and the painter talked for a while longer. Wei offered his feedback on some of the painter's current projects and they discussed the painter's future goals.

When the meeting was over, Wei felt confident that he had established a good relationship with the painter. He was excited about the painter's potential. He knew that the painter was going to continue to be successful, and he was proud to be a part of his journey.

As Wei left the office, he thought about his day. He had had a lot of meetings, but it had been a good day. He had achieved a lot and he had helped his team succeed.

He was also excited about the future. He knew that his company was going to continue to grow and he was proud to be a part of it.

As Wei drove home, he wondered if he should grab Kai for dinner.

He decided to go ahead and call his brother the moment he reached an intersection. The phone rang and rang but it seems as if there was no response from Kai.

Wei was about to call Kai again when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Miles.

"Taya? Is there anything you need?" Wei asked the moment he answered the call through the steering wheel buttons.

"I just wanted to let you know we saw D'Luca at the club the other day. He and Noah had some fun before I took Noah home," Miles said, his voice not holding any amount of emotion.

Wei's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he listened to Miles's voice through the car's hands-free system.

The mention of Luca's name made his heart race, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity mixed with a hint of unease.

"Oh, I see," Wei replied, his tone carefully neutral. He didn't want to reveal any of the complex emotions that Luca's name stirred within him. "I hope they had a good time."

Miles chuckled on the other end of the line. "Oh, they definitely did. D' Luca was... let's say, quite the center of attention on the dance floor. And Noah seemed thoroughly captivated."

Wei couldn't stop a flicker of jealousy from creeping into his thoughts, but he quickly pushed it aside. "I'm glad to hear they enjoyed themselves, but you don't need to report me to me on Luca. It makes me sound like an obsessive ex."

Miles let out a sympathetic sigh. "I didn't mean to come across that way, Wei. I just thought you should know. Both of you still miss each other, you know? We can see it from miles away. Lol miles."

Wei sighed, the truth in Miles' words hitting home. "Yeah, it's hard not to miss him sometimes. But we've both chosen our paths, and I respect that. It's just... complicated."

Miles nodded, even though Wei couldn't see the gesture. "Dae, don't think I forgot about what happened when we were in college. There were so many moments where it got so scary. You gave both me and Noah a scare. Even when we put you to therapy, you still haven't improved."

Wei's voice softened as he recalled their college days. "Yeah, those were some tough times, but we made it through together. You and T'Noah were always there for me, and I'll never forget that."

Miles chuckled. "And we won't forget the crazy stunts you pulled either."

Wei couldn't help but laugh at the memories. "I guess I did have my moments."

Miles's voice turned more serious. "Look, Wei, I know things didn't end well between you and Luca, but you both deserve happiness. If you ever decide to reach out or if fate brings you together again, I hope you can find a way to make amends."

Wei appreciated Miles's sentiment, even if it brought up complicated emotions. "Thanks, Miles. I'll keep that in mind. Right now, I just need to heal."

Miles sighed, understanding Wei's need for space. "I get it, Wei. Just remember, we're here for you, no matter what."

With that, they said their goodbyes, leaving Wei with a mix of emotions and thoughts about the past and the uncertain future.

Wei pulled up into the condo's garage. Kai's car seems to be there already so he must be home.

As Wei parked his car in the condo's garage, he couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. The conversation with Miles had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions, and he knew he needed some time to process it all.

He stepped out of the car and made his way to the elevator, his mind still racing.

As the elevator doors closed and he ascended to his condo, Wei couldn't help but wonder if fate had more surprises in store for him and Luca.

He managed to physically avoid meeting Luca for a week. It's been about three weeks since that encounter.

As he stepped into his home, he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to talk to someone about it.

He quickly reached for his phone and dialed Dr. Aslanov's number, scheduling a therapy session to help him.

"Taya? You're here early," Kai said, his face stuffed with food.

"I just didn't go anywhere today," Wei said as he hung his jacket in the closet. "Please don't talk with your mouth full. That's disgusting."

Kai swallowed his food and laughed. "Sorry," he said. "I'm just hungry."

"Did you cook today?" Wei asked as he went to the bathroom to wash his face.

"Yeah. I decided to make beef stroganoff. Some of the mushrooms were getting old. I also made it a bit spicier than usual. Try to survive, Taya," a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Wei returned from the bathroom, a look of mild concern on his face as he heard Kai's mention of making the meal spicier than usual.

"You're trying to kill me with spice now?" Wei joked, though there was a hint of trepidation in his voice.

Kai grinned mischievously. "Well, you're a grown-up now, Taya. Time to expand your taste buds," he quipped.

Wei sighed. "I don't know. I don't feel like doing anything crazy right now."

"Come on, Taya," Kai said, coaxing. "It's just a little bit of spice. It's not going to kill you."

Wei hesitated. He didn't really want to eat spicy food, but he didn't want to be a wimp either.

"Fine," he said finally. "I'll try it."

Kai smiled triumphantly as he fist bumped the air. "Yay!"

He served Wei a plate of beef stroganoff with a side of rice, and Wei took a tentative bite. The food was indeed spicier than usual, but it wasn't so spicy that it was unbearable.

"It's not bad," Wei said, surprising himself. "I can actually eat this."

Kai laughed. "See, not that spicy."

Wei continued eating, gradually getting used to the level of spice in the dish. Kai watched him with an amused expression, clearly enjoying Wei's reaction.

As Wei finished his meal, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had successfully tackled a spicier dish than he was used to.

"Alright, you win this round," Wei admitted with a playful smile. "But don't make it too spicy next time, okay?"

Kai chuckled. "Deal. I'll go easy on the spice next time. But you've got to admit, it was kind of fun seeing you squirm a bit."

Wei rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the fondness in his gaze. "Yeah, yeah, dae. You enjoy tormenting me, don't you?"

Kai grinned. "Very much."