"Where did Luca go? I thought we had plans for graduation? I didn't see him at all," Wei asked Lucy as he was looking around her to see any semblance of Luca.

He was standing in front of the Luca and Lucy's family shop. Their house was empty as Wei repeatedly called and knocked.

Lucy had a downcast face as she avoided Wei's eyes.

"Lucy? Where did Luca go? He's been avoiding me for the past few days. Lucy?" Wei asked as he took her hands into his. His questioning becoming a bit erratic as he noticed the shiny eyes of Lucy.

"Dae? What are you not telling me? Where's Luca?" Wei asked, at this point shaking Lucy as tears rolled down her face.

"I'm sorry. He told me not to tell you. I'm sorry," Lucy mumbled as she tried wiping off the tears off her face. The tears just kept rolling.

"He...left?" Wei asked, piecing the thoughts together, "right he left? He's not dead. We would have been invited. Where did he go, Lucy?"

Lucy was visibly shaking as she started sobbing. Wei following right after her.

"Dae?" He cried, "Please tell me? Where did he go? I have something to tell him."

Wei gave a hopeful smile, maybe Lucy might say something about Luca's whereabouts. He missed his other half.

He hadn't seen Luca for a while and he wanted to apologize, make up, and hold Luca close forever.

The chapter for their story hasn't yet closed and Wei wasn't going to allow it either.

Lucy just kept shaking her head. She tried giving Wei a smile to convince him everything was fine. The smile turned back into a sob.

But it wasn't.

Nothing was fine.

"Please dae. Please tell me," Wei begged, not caring about the passersby staring at them.

"I can't Taya! I don't know where he went!" Lucy broke down.

Wei's heart plummeted.

He staggered back as if he was physically hit by the new fact.

Luca left?

He didn't tell Wei?

Luca left Wei willingly?

Why would Luca leave without saying anything?

Was Luca giving up on Wei?

Was Wei not enough?

Wei felt like his heart was going to burst with how he was feeling. His heart felt like it was squeezing itself until it would crush him.

He clutched on his shirt as he tried taking deep breaths.

What happened to spending the rest of their lives together?

What happened to all those promises?

"I'm sorry Taya! He left without saying anything!" Lucy cried out loud, the heartbreak evident in her voice.

Wei promised himself to Luca.

He promised to cherish Luca.

He promised to hold and love Luca.

He promised to love Luca forever.

But Luca was gone.

Luca left.

Wei looked up to Lucy, who at this point was towering over Wei.

"I'm so sorry," she said. "I didn't know he was going to leave."

Wei's world was crumbling right before him.

Tears welled up in Wei's eyes, and he struggled to talk with his voice choking through the tears.

"He promised..." Wei whispered, his voice choked with grief.

"He promised he would stay."

Wei's shoulders trembled as he tried to hold back his sobs.

Luca's absence felt suffocating.

"I should have known," Wei said, his voice barely audible.

"I should have seen it coming. I should have..."

"I could have at least said goodbye," Wei whispered, his voice breaking.

He didn't know what to think.

He didn't know what to do.

He just felt lost and alone.

Beads of sweat covered Wei's forehead as he jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest.

He blinked rapidly, trying to dispel the lingering images from the dream.

It felt so real.

It felt like he has seen that monster from that horror movie a couple days ago.

"Good morning!" Kai burst into the room with a cheerful greeting, but Wei responded with a with a shriek and a flying pillow.

"What was that for?" Kai asked, laughing.

"You scared me!" Wei said, his heart still racing. "I just woke up from a bad dream."

"Oh, sorry," Kai said with a mock pout. "I didn't know you were such a scaredy-cat."

"I'm not a scaredy-cat!" Wei protested.

"Sure you're not," Kai said with a wink. "So, what was your dream about? Did you wet your bed?"

Wei glared at Kai.

"It was about that monster from that horror movie."

"Oh, that monster," Kai said. "He's a real cutie, isn't he?"

Wei rolled his eyes. "Very funny," he said.

Kai burst out laughing at his brother's expression. "What? You don't think he's cute? He's got those big, beady eyes, and those sharp teeth... what's not to love?"

Wei sighed. "Kai, please be serious. I had a bad dream, and I'm not in the mood for your jokes."

"Alright, alright," Kai said, holding up his hands in surrender. "But seriously, are you okay? You look a little shaken up."

Wei nodded. "I'm fine," he said. "It was just a dream."

"Well, if you need anything," Kai said. "I'm here for you. Even if it's just to protect you from big, bad monsters."

Wei smiled. "Thanks," he said.

"No problem," Kai said. "That's what little brothers are for."

Wei laughed. "You're the younger brother," he said.

"Oh, right," Kai said. "Well, that's what younger brothers are for then."

Wei shook his head. "You're hopeless," he said.

"I know," Kai said with a grin. "But that's what makes me so lovable."

Wei rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say," he said.

Kai laughed again. "Come on," he said. "Let's go make breakfast. I'm starving."

"Lemme freshen up and then I'll make breakfast," Wei said as he stumbled into the bathroom.

Kai has been making all the meals the past few days so it should be Wei's turn to at least make something. After all, their mom refused to let them go without learning basic life skills.

A few minutes later, Wei came out of the bathroom. He was still in his pajamas, but he had brushed his hair and teeth.

"Okay," he said. "What do you want for breakfast?"

Kai shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "What do you want to make?"

Wei thought for a moment. "How about pancakes?" he said.

"Pancakes sound great!" Kai said.

Wei smiled. "Alright then," he said. "Let's get started."

Wei and Kai spent the next hour making pancakes. They laughed and talked as they worked, and Wei even let Kai help him mix the batter.

When the pancakes were done, Wei served them up with maple syrup and fresh fruit. Kai dug in immediately, and Wei couldn't help but smile. He loved seeing his brother happy.

"These pancakes are delicious," Kai said. "Thank you, Wei."

Wei smiled. "You're welcome," he said. "I'm glad you like them."

Wei and Kai finished their breakfast and then cleaned up the kitchen. They were both feeling full and happy.

"Dae," Wei said as he walked into the living room and sat down on the floor with his laptop. "There's still some finalization needed for the exhibition before you can hold it."

Kai put down his phone and looked at his brother.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well," Wei said. "I need to know some more information about the exhibition before I can start making any concrete arrangements. For example, do you have any specific ideas for the layout of the exhibition? What is your budget? Do you want to include any other elements in the exhibition, such as text panels, videos, or interactive elements? And what kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create in the exhibition space?"

Kai sighed. "I'm still working on some of those details," he said. "I can tell you that the main medium will be paintings. I have around 20 pieces to be displayed, and I also made some clay figures that I think would be nice to include."

"I'm still thinking about how I want to arrange the artwork, but I'm hoping to create a space that is both inviting and thought-provoking. I'm also considering adding some text panels or videos to provide additional context for the work."

"Okay," Wei said. "That's no problem. But I'll need you to give me all of that information as soon as possible so that I can start planning."

Wei nodded, taking note of Kai's initial ideas.

"That's a good start, Kai. Having 20 paintings and clay figures as your main medium is a solid foundation to build upon. As for the layout, we can brainstorm different options once we have a clearer idea of the exhibition space and its dimensions."

He leaned back, his back hitting the couch, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

"Creating an inviting and thought-provoking atmosphere is crucial, and I'm glad you're considering text panels and videos for context. We can work on crafting compelling narratives for those elements to enhance the viewer's experience."

"Now, about the budget, it's important to establish that early on. Do you have an approximate budget in mind, even if it's a rough estimate? It will help us determine what's feasible in terms of exhibition design, promotion, and any additional elements you want to include."

Kai nodded, taking the budget question seriously.

"I've set aside a reasonable budget for the exhibition, but I need to finalize the numbers. I'll make sure to provide you with a clear budget breakdown once it's ready."

Wei smiled, pleased with the progress they were making.

"That sounds good, Dae. We'll work closely together to make your exhibition a success. And don't worry if some details are still in flux; we can refine them as we go along."

Kai leaned forward, enthusiasm in his eyes. "Thanks, Taya. I really appreciate your help with this. I want this exhibition to be a meaningful experience for everyone who visits."

"You're welcome," Wei said. "I'm always happy to help."

Kai smiled. "Well, I'm going to go back to working on my final details," he said. "But I'll keep you updated on my progress."

Kai leaned forward, enthusiasm in his eyes. "Thanks, Taya. I really appreciate your help with this. I want this exhibition to be a meaningful experience for everyone who visits."

"You're welcome," Wei said. "I'm always happy to help."

Kai smiled. "Well, I'm going to go back to working on my final details," he said. "But I'll keep you updated on my progress."

"Alright," Wei said as he watched his brother put on his shoes and take his car keys.

Wei sighed as he watched Kai leave. He was happy for his brother, and he knew that the exhibition was going to be a success.

Wei took a deep breath and stood up. He was ready to face the day.

He had therapy to do.

Wei decided to change into forest green drop shoulder button down with a white shirt underneath and black straight leg trousers.

Wei looked in the mirror and smiled. He liked how he looked. He felt like he was able to show some semblance that he was stable.

Grabbing his car keys, he went downstairs to the garage for his car.

Unlocking the car and settling into the driver's seat, Wei took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Today, he had a lot on his mind, especially after the recent dream that had left him startled.

He started the engine and began the drive to his therapist's office. The familiar route brought a sense of routine and comfort.

As he parked his car and made his way to the therapist's office building, Wei steeled himself for the difficult but necessary conversations that lay ahead.

He checked in with the receptionist, who greeted him with a warm smile, and then took a seat in the waiting area. The familiar surroundings of the therapist's office offered a sense of solace.

While he waited for his session to begin, Wei took out his phone and scrolled through his messages, trying to distract himself from the jumble of thoughts and emotions that swirled in his mind.

After a short wait, the receptionist called his name, signaling that it was time for his session.

Wei pocketed his phone and followed her down the hallway to Dr. Aslanov's office, taking a deep breath as he prepared to delve into the depths of his thoughts and emotions with the guidance of his trusted therapist.

Wei settled into the plush chair in Dr. Aslanov's office, the comforting scent of lavender and soft instrumental music creating a calming atmosphere.

"Good afternoon, Wei," Dr. Aslanov began, her voice soothing. "How have you been since our last session?"

Wei shifted slightly in his seat, his gaze focused on a spot on the carpet. "I've been... okay," he replied hesitantly. "Work has been keeping me busy, and I've been trying to keep myself occupied."

Dr. Aslanov nodded, her pen poised to take notes. "I see. And have you been using any of the coping strategies we discussed in our previous sessions?"

Wei hesitated before answering, "I've been trying to, but sometimes it's hard to... you know, not dwell on things."

Dr. Aslanov offered a reassuring smile. "It's completely normal to have moments of difficulty, Wei. Remember, therapy is a process, and we're here to work through those challenges together."

Wei appreciated her understanding but couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that had been plaguing him lately. He decided it was time to address them. "I've been remembering too much," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "My thoughts are plagued with the thoughts of him."

Dr. Aslanov, seeing the progress they had made, smiled. "It's good that you're starting to open up about this, Wei," she said. "It takes courage to face our difficult thoughts and feelings."

Wei nodded. "I know," he said. "But I'm tired of feeling this way. I want to move on from Luca."

"I'm glad to hear that," Dr. Aslanov said. "And I'm here to help you."

She paused for a moment, then continued. "One way to move on from a relationship is to create a new narrative for yourself," she said. "A narrative that doesn't include the person you're trying to forget."

Wei frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well," Dr. Aslanov explained, "think about the story you tell yourself about your relationship with Luca. What are the main themes? What are the lessons you learned? Once you have a good understanding of your narrative, you can start to rewrite it."

"How do I do that?" Wei asked.

"Start by identifying the negative thoughts and beliefs that are associated with your relationship with Luca," Dr. Aslanov said. "Once you've identified them, you can start to challenge them. Ask yourself if they're really true. Is there any evidence to support them? If not, you can start to replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts and beliefs."

"That sounds difficult," Wei said.

"It can be," Dr. Aslanov agreed. "But it's worth it. By rewriting your narrative, you can create a new future for yourself."

Wei thought about what Dr. Aslanov had said. He knew that she was right. He needed to change his narrative if he wanted to move on from Luca.

"I am willing to try," he said.

Dr. Aslanov smiled. "That's all I can ask," she said. "Now let's start working on it."

Dr. Aslanov leaned forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "Start by identifying the negative thoughts and beliefs connected to your past with Luca."

Wei nodded, his gaze fixed on the therapist's comforting presence. "Alright."

Dr. Aslanov probed further. "Tell me, what thoughts occupy your mind when you reflect on yourself, Luca, and your shared history?"

Wei hesitated, his words carrying the weight of years of self-doubt. "I often convince myself that I wasn't good enough for him back then, that he left because I was a mess, and that I pushed him away when he needed me."

The therapist nodded thoughtfully. "Those are undoubtedly challenging thoughts, Wei. But do you believe they hold truth?"

Wei's uncertainty manifested in his furrowed brow. "Some of it...yes."

Dr. Aslanov maintained her gentle and understanding demeanor as she continued to guide Wei through this introspective process. "It's natural to have moments of doubt, Wei. Let's explore this further. Can you identify any evidence that supports these negative beliefs you hold about yourself and your past with Luca?

Wei's gaze remained fixed on Dr. Aslanov, his inner turmoil evident.

"I suppose... I did struggle a lot during that time. I couldn't handle my own issues, let alone support Luca through his. And there were times when I withdrew when he needed me the most."

Dr. Aslanov acknowledged his admission with a compassionate nod.

"Thank you for sharing that, Wei. It's important to acknowledge our shortcomings and past mistakes. But it's also crucial to remember that we all have imperfections, and no one can be a perfect partner all the time. Relationships are a complex interplay of emotions and circumstances."

Wei sighed, a mixture of emotions coursing through him. "I just wish I had done things differently."

The therapist offered words of reassurance.

"Hindsight often brings clarity, but it's essential to remember that you were both navigating a challenging period in your lives. Now, we will work on reframing these thoughts and beliefs, creating a more positive narrative that allows for healing and growth."

Dr. Aslanov's words of encouragement seemed to kindle a glimmer of hope in Wei's eyes.

"Let's begin," Dr. Aslanov said, her tone filled with gentle determination. "We'll start by challenging these negative thoughts one by one, Wei. I'll help you reframe them into more positive and realistic beliefs."

Wei nodded, a sense of purpose filling him. "Okay, where should we start?"

The therapist considered for a moment before suggesting, "Let's begin with the belief that you weren't good enough for Luca. Can you think of moments or qualities that show you were indeed good enough for him?"

Wei furrowed his brow, his mind sifting through memories. "Well, he did love me, didn't he?"

Dr. Aslanov nodded, her encouragement palpable. "Yes, Wei. The fact that Luca loved you is a powerful testament to your worthiness of his affection. Love is not given lightly, and it often reflects the goodness and value within a person."

Wei took a deep breath, a glimmer of relief replacing some of his self-doubt. "I guess you're right."

Dr. Aslanov continued, "Let's move on to the belief that you pushed Luca away when he needed you. Can you recall moments where you were there for him, where you provided support?"

Wei's face softened as he thought back to moments of connection and care. "There were times when I was there for him, even when things were tough. I was there when his sister got bullied or when thieves broke into their shop."

Dr. Aslanov smiled approvingly. "Exactly, Wei. Your ability to support Luca during challenging times is evidence of your commitment to the relationship. It's essential to acknowledge these moments and let them shape your new narrative."

She leaned forward, her eyes filled with encouragement. "Wei, as we work through these thoughts and rewrite your narrative, I want you to consider this: it might be beneficial to explore a different kind of connection with Luca—a new bond that can help you both heal from your past."

Wei's curiosity piqued, and he looked at her with genuine interest. "What kind of bond do you mean?"

The therapist smiled kindly. "It could be something as simple as friendship or reconnecting on a different level. The important thing is to create a positive association with Luca that doesn't trigger the painful memories of your past relationship. This can be a powerful step toward healing."

Wei pondered Dr. Aslanov's words. The idea of forging a new connection with Luca was both daunting and intriguing. After six years of heartache and longing, was it possible to find a way to rebuild something meaningful?

"Won't that provide more damage than healing?" he asked.

Dr. Aslanov shook her head.

"Not necessarily, Wei. It depends on how you approach it. If you're both clear about your intentions and boundaries, and you're committed to creating a healthy and supportive relationship, then reconnecting with Luca could be a positive experience for both of you."

"But how can I be sure that it won't trigger painful memories?" Wei asked.

"There's no guarantee, of course," Dr. Aslanov replied. "But there are things you can do to mitigate the risk. For example, you can start by reconnecting gradually, in low-stakes situations. You can also talk to Luca about your concerns and ask for his support. And if you find that you're having difficulty coping, you can always take a break or end the relationship altogether."

Wei nodded thoughtfully. "I see."

"It's important to remember that healing is not a linear process," Dr. Aslanov continued. "There will be ups and downs along the way. But if you're patient and understanding, and you're willing to put in the work, then reconnecting with Luca could be a valuable part of your healing journey."

Wei sighed. "I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet."

"That's perfectly understandable," Dr. Aslanov said. "There's no rush. But it's something to keep in mind as you continue to heal."

Wei stood up and walked to the window. He looked out at the busy city street below. "I'll think about it," he said.

"Good," Dr. Aslanov said. "And remember, I'm here to support you every step of the way."

Wei nodded and turned to face Dr. Aslanov. "Thank you, Dr. Aslanov."

He walked out of the office, feeling both hopeful and apprehensive. He wasn't sure if he was ready to reconnect with Luca, but he knew that it was something he needed to consider.

Luca stands with a flute of champagne in hand, observing the busy exhibition that VIA has put on.

He was wearing a tailored navy suit with a white dress shirt and a black silk tie. The suit is perfectly fitted to his frame, and the tie is knotted neatly in a half-Windsor knot. His dark hair was gelled back, but did not look too stiff or formal.

The gallery is packed with people, all eager to see the work of VIA. This entire exhibition was waiting to happen.

The exhibition is a feast for the senses. The gallery is filled with the sound of people talking and laughing. The air is thick with the smell of champagne and perfume. The paintings on the walls are vibrant and colorful.

Luca's eyes roamed the bustling exhibition with a mixture of admiration and nostalgia. The pieces on display showcased Kai's journey as an artist, from his early struggles to the masterful creations that now adorned the gallery walls.

Luca couldn't help but feel proud of Kai for making it this far. From creating small pieces of artwork his dad would destroy to be selling a piece for thousands to millions of leions.

He took a sip of champagne, savoring the crisp taste as he watched the crowd. There was a sense of accomplishment in the air, not just for Kai but for everyone who had supported him along the way.

The opening night of the exhibition happened to be very high profiled with numerous influential figures from the art and culture scene attending.

Luca's status as a local celebrity had earned him an invitation, and he was more than happy to be part of the celebration.

As he continued to observe the crowd, he noticed the eclectic mix of people in attendance. Artists, collectors, critics, and art enthusiasts all mingled, each person bringing their unique perspective to the event.

Luca decided to take a closer look at some of the artwork. He moved through the gallery, stopping in front of various pieces, each one telling a different story.

Luca's exploration of Kai's artwork was a journey through nostalgia and memories. The recurring motif of masks in Kai's pieces was particularly striking. Each mask seemed to hide a story, a piece of the past waiting to be unveiled.

One painting depicted a mask, vibrant and adorned with feathers, evoking a sense of mystery and intrigue. It transported Luca to a time when he had wandered the streets with Wei, their faces hidden behind similar masks, lost in the magic of a celebration.

Another piece featured a series of masks, each one unique in design and emotion. It reminded Luca of the various personas he and Wei had worn during their time together—sometimes playful, sometimes serious, but always deeply connected.

The colors and textures in Kai's artwork spoke of memories—fading photographs, old letters, and the passage of time. It was as if each canvas held a piece of Luca's own history, a reminder of the love, laughter, and pain that had shaped his past.

Luca continues his way around the gallery, taking in the various masks that are depicted in VIA's paintings. He sees masks from all over the world, each with its own unique meaning and significance.

Luca is drawn to the paintings that depict masks that are both beautiful and haunting. He stops in front of a painting of a child wearing a white porcelain mask that covers their entire face.

The child's eyes are hidden behind the mask, but their expression seems to convey both joy and sadness.

Was this how Kai felt at one point?

Did he feel hidden behind a mask, unable to show his true self to the world?

This particular feeling didn't feel like Kai was the one who made it. The paint strokes are far different than the ones Luca just passed by.

Luca takes a step back and looks at the painting again. He notices that the paint strokes are different from the other paintings in the exhibition. They are more fluid and expressive, as if the artist was painting in a state of great emotion.

Luca realizes that this painting is not just a depiction of a child wearing a mask. It is a representation of the pain and vulnerability that we all experience at some point in our lives. It is a reminder that we are all human, and that we all have our own struggles.

Luca takes a deep breath and turns away from the painting. In doing so, he sees a familiar person heading right towards him.

"T'Noah," he greeted as the older one smiled and gave him a fist bump.

"I haven't seen you in so long," Noah grumbled as he held Luca's hands. The older man was sporting a black turtleneck under a cashmere coat, his hair neatly styled as usual. His dark hair was neatly brushed back, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

Luca flashed a flirtatious smile. "You know how it is, Taya. I have a habit of getting lost in crowds, but I always manage to find my way back to you."

Noah raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh, Dae, you flatter me. Are you saying you've been looking for me all this time?"

Luca leaned in closer, his voice low and suggestive. "Maybe I have, Taya. You always make it worth the search."

Noah's scandalous gasp was anything but genuine as he placed a hand over his heart. "Luca, you're being awfully presumptuous. Another man? At an event like this?"

Luca laughed, their playful banter adding to the electric atmosphere. "Well, it's a good thing you're the only man who can keep up with me, T'Noah."

Noah leaned in, their faces now dangerously close, his lips curving into a sly smile. "Is that so? Well, I guess I'll have to prove it."

"Oh really? And how would you do that?" Luca asked, giving a sly smile.

"I'll tell you after the after party. Anywho, I didn't know you would be invited. I can't believe how many people turned up for VIA's exhibition. He's really made a name for himself," Noah changed the subject, looking a bit proud as he looked around. "The masks, the nostalgia... It's like he's capturing moments in time."

"Kai has amazing talent. It's crazy that he's able to spread his wings and let the whole world hear his voice," Luca stated, a hint of pride evident in his tone.

Noah's expression shifted to one of genuine curiosity. "Wait, you know Kai personally?"

Luca nodded. "Yeah I grew up with him. He's my dae in all but blood."

Noah raised an eyebrow, "you're from City B too? I thought you were from here with your dialect and everything."

"I was born and raised in City B. I thought you knew. Why?"

Noah's surprise turned into a warm smile as he leaned in closer, his voice lowering slightly. "Well, Luca, you just keep getting more and more intriguing, don't you?"

Before Luca could respond, a voice interrupted their flirtatious exchange. "Noah, there you are!" It was Miles, looking dashing in a tailored suit, his eyes filled with both amusement and affection.

Noah released Luca's hands and turned toward Miles with an innocent grin. "Hey, love. I was just keeping D'Luca company."

Miles nodded, a playful glint in his eyes. "I can see that. D'Luca, you always have a way of livening up a room."

Luca gave Miles a friendly smile. "Likewise, Miles. Congratulations to you and Kai on this incredible exhibition."

Miles beamed with pride. "Thank you so much. We're thrilled with how it turned out, but it wasn't just us though. The entire company was behind this."

"Taya! There you are!" Called the man of honor. Kai was looking dashing in his well-fitted suit, his eyes lit up with excitement and joy. His artistic spirit seemed to radiate from him.

Luca's gaze shifted to Kai, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.

He approached Kai with a warm smile. "Dae, this is amazing. Look how far you've gotten."

Kai grinned and pulled Luca into a tight hug. "Thank you, Taya. To be honest, I thought you wouldn't come."

Luca hugged him back, a sense of nostalgia and happiness washing over him. "Wouldn't have missed it for anything."

Kai pulled back, giving Luca a beaming smile.

"Guess who I invited today?" he asked in a mischievous grin.

Luca wondered who Kai was talking about. It couldn't have been Kai.

But then Luca's face turned alarm when he heard a familiar "TAYAAA".

"You brought my sister?" He hissed as his sister came barreling towards him. Noah in the background snickered.

Kai chuckled at Luca's reaction. "Of course! Why would I not bring my best friend to see my exhibition?"

Lucy jumped Luca, her arms wrapped tight around her brother. Luca tried to swat her off but Lucy was holding onto her brother tight like a koala.

"Dae," he grunted, "you're wearing a dress. Get down."

Lucy pouted. "But I want to hug my big brother!"

"Gurl, you're 20. Get down. This is public," Luca grumbled.

"Meira, do you know how Luca knows Kai? I heard he's from City B but..." Noah whisperingly asked Miles as they watched the interaction.

"He's Wei's ex," Miles confessed.

Noah looked taken aback.

"Wei's ex? And you let me have fun?" Noah asked, "are you serious? Wei almost died on us, Miles. Because his ex left him without saying. And that ex happens to be Luca?"

Noah was angry and hurt. He had been enjoying himself with Wei, but now he felt betrayed.

He couldn't believe that Miles had let him get involved with Luca, knowing that Luca was Wei's ex.

"I'm sorry, meira," Miles said. "I didn't think it would be a big deal. I know that Wei and Luca have been broken up for a while."

"It is a big deal," Noah said. "Wei is still suffering and I might as well be making it worse."

Miles leaned his forehead against Noah. "You're not meira. Just watch them. There's more that meets the eye," he said as he held Noah closer. His hand wrapped around Noah's waist.

Getting Lucy down was hard. Luca hasn't seen his sister for more than a month and that meant that he was free from Lucy until now.

Kai was a gremlin.

Lucy was a gremlin.

Two gremlins together is a headache.

"Btw Taya, where's T'Wei?" Lucy asked as she got off of Luca.

"I don't know," Kai shrugged, "he said that he's running a bit late. He'll make it to see my exhibition before the after party though."

"Lucy and Luca?" Noah remarked, "that's a mouthful."

"I know right? At least mom could have chosen a better name but nooo. She had to choose the name closest to Luca's. She calls me Luca at times. Luca!" Lucy complained.

Luca chuckled, shaking his head. "It does get confusing at times, especially when Mom mixes up our names. But hey, at least we have a special connection because of it."

Lucy grinned mischievously. "Oh, Luca, you've always been the favorite."

"No arguments there," Luca replied with a playful wink, earning a faux gasp from Lucy.

"Hey," Lucy said, nudging Luca in the arm. "Don't get too cocky. Just because you're the older sibling doesn't mean you're better than me."

Luca laughed. "Never said I was better than you," he said. "But I am the wiser sibling."

"That's debatable," Lucy said.

"Hey, now," Luca said. "No need to be rude."

"I'm not being rude," Lucy said. "I'm just stating facts."

Luca and Lucy continued to banter back and forth, enjoying each other's company.

"I know Kai flew you in. Where are you staying for now?" Luca asked.

"I came a couple hours ago so I left my stuff at their house. But, I was wondering if I could stay at your place?" Lucy asked, bringing out her puppy eyes.

Kai joined her too, "please do so! She's staying for the weekend only but she's already made a mess of the condo."

"What!" Lucy shrieked as she hit Kai in the arm, "what mess did I make? You're the one who threw everything everywhere cuz you couldn't find your favorite ring."

"You threw your stuff everywhere. How do they end up in my closet? You didn't even have time to explore!"

Luca chuckled at the two now bantering back and forth.

Luca noticed that Noah was noticeably quiet as he watched the interaction. Noah's more the type to join with the banter.

"Everything fine between you too?" Luca asked Miles and Noah.

"Yeah, Noah's just tired. He can back from a shift at the hospital and then got ready to come here," Miles informed, looking at his boyfriend with loving eyes.

Luca nodded. He knew that being a doctor was a stressful job, and he could see that Noah was exhausted.

"Well, I'm glad you could both make it," Luca said. "Kai's been really looking forward to this."

"Me too," Miles said. "I'm excited to see his work."

"Yeah," Noah said. "Me too."

"I'm going to take a breather outside. You're welcome to join me," Luca offered but the two rejected it.

"We'll take care of the daen like we were doing previously. These two are all over the place," Miles chuckled.

"Alright then," Luca excused himself as he stepped out of the building and into the garden in the back.

The garden came alive with the soft, enchanting twinkle of fairy lights, their gentle glow weaving a tapestry of magic through the trees and over the bushes.

It was as though the stars themselves had descended to earth, casting a warm, inviting aura that transformed the place into a scene straight out of a cherished fairy tale.

Flowers of every conceivable shape and size painted a vibrant tapestry of colors. Roses in passionate reds, elegant lilies in pristine whites, and cheerful tulips in a riot of hues swayed gently in the breeze.

The air was filled with their intoxicating fragrance, a symphony of scents that danced around Luca like a sweet, whispered secret.

With a deep, cleansing breath, Luca allowed the garden's serene beauty to wash over him.

Every worry, every nagging thought, seemed to melt away in the presence of such natural wonder.

He walked over to a bench and sat down. As he settled onto the bench, Luca closed his eyes, opening his senses to the soothing symphony of nature.

The melodious trill of birdsong filled the air, blending harmoniously with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. It was a serene serenade that enveloped him, cocooning him in a moment of perfect peace.

In this enchanting garden, Luca found solace.

Someone broke that solace.

Luca opened one of this eyes to get a look at the person hovering over him.

He immediately closed his eyes, thinking he was hallucinating Wei.

Luca's heart skipped a beat.

He couldn't believe his eyes, and he reopened them, slowly and cautiously.

There, standing before him, was Wei, clad in a pastel blue suit that brought out the warmth in his eyes.

Wei's expression was a mix of surprise and amusement as he looked down at Luca.

"Well, fancy meeting you here," he said softly with a playful grin.

For a moment, Luca was at a loss for words. He had never expected to encounter Wei in such a picturesque setting, and the sight of him took his breath away.

"Wei," he finally managed to say, his voice soft and filled with a mixture of emotions.

"Mind if I join you?" Wei asked.

Luca hesitated for a moment before accepting.

"Of course not," he replied, still somewhat taken aback by the unexpected encounter. "It is a public bench."

The two men sat in silence on the bench, surrounded by the enchanting garden and its symphony of nature.

The melodious trill of birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere that wrapped around them like a warm embrace.

Luca felt like he was floating.

The world around Luca seemed to blur and fade away, leaving him with a sensation of weightlessness.

Luca finally broke the silence. "It's been a long time, Wei," he said, his voice soft and filled with nostalgia.

Wei nodded, his gaze fixed on the garden. "Yeah, it has."

Ever since the school season started, Luca got busy with all the accidents prone to happen and segments on how to better the community. Wei was busy with Kai's exhibition and other work.

"Life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys."

They sat in silence, the tranquil garden offering a serene canvas for their encounter.

Wei couldn't resist the urge to break the silence.

"Luca," he called gently, capturing Luca's attention as he angled his head to meet Wei's eyes.

Gathering his courage, Wei posed a question that had been lingering in his mind.

"Is it possible for us to begin anew?" Wei inquired, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "To rekindle our friendship, like the way it used to be?"

Luca met Wei's gaze, his expression thoughtful. Several emotions flashing through his eyes before it became seamlessly one.

After a brief pause, Luca offered a soft smile. "I think it's worth a try," he said, his tone warm and welcoming. "It won't be the same relationship we had last time, but we can get to a point that's similar."

Wei's face lit up with a mix of relief and hope. His heart beating repeatedly out of his chest.

"Thank you Luca," he whispered happily.

The two went back to enjoying the silence and peace the garden provided.