Luca didn't know what to do. It was either he leave now, without telling anyone, using his saved up money, to go to City D, or stay face Wei and choose plan B.

Wei has breaking Luca's heart piece by piece each day.

Day by day, Wei's choices had been like a relentless hammer, cracking Luca's heart into smaller and smaller pieces.

The rebellious phase, the drinking, the tattoos, the drugs – none of it felt like the Wei he had known. All he knew, he wasn't the catalyst.

Luca sat alone in his room, the weight of his decision bearing down on him like an insurmountable burden.

His heart felt like a fragile glass sculpture, slowly chipped away by the actions of the one person he had once held so close.

In the stillness of his room, Luca faced a pivotal choice.

He had saved up enough money to leave, to vanish from their shared world, to escape the pain.

It would be so easy to pack his bags and disappear into the unknown, leaving behind the fragments of a shattered friendship.

But there was also plan B, the more daunting path.

The one that involved confronting Wei, addressing the issues that had driven a wedge between them, and attempting to rebuild what was once so precious.

Luca's heart ached as he grappled with the decision. He knew that either choice would carry its own set of challenges, but he couldn't avoid it any longer.

It was time to face the storm or embark on a journey into the unknown.

"Taya! You need to get ready soon! We have to leave for your ceremony!" Lucy called out through the door.

He was going to have to leave poor Lucy behind.

His adorable little sister.

Leaving would mean he's going to miss so many of Lucy's milestones.

Luca stood up and walked to the window. He stared out at the bustling city below, his thoughts racing. He knew that he couldn't delay any longer. He had to make a choice.

Luca took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

He imagined Lucy's smiling face, her infectious laughter echoing in his ears.

He thought about all the happy memories they had shared together.

This was going to hurt.

Luca opened his eyes and made a decision.

He is a coward.

He's going to leave.

He already has an acceptance letter from one of the best universities there.

He has a dorm ready and he's been slowly sending things to his dorm over the weeks.

"Luca!" Lucy started banging his door.

Luca got up and opened his door. "Lucy, tell Mom and Dad to get the car ready. I'm almost done," Luca gave his sister a sad smile.

"Oh, okay," Lucy started to bounce to her parents when Luca pulled her back and hugged her.

"This is weird. You stink. I thought you took a shower," she complained as she started to push him off.

"I did. It's called cologne," Luca chuckled.

"Whatever," Lucy said and rolled her eyes. "Just hurry up. I want to get to the ceremony on time."

Luca nodded and went back to getting ready. He took out his bag that was filled with all his necessities. He had packed clothes, toiletries, his passport, and some money. He had also packed a few pictures of his family and friends.

Luca took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

This was going to hurt.

Goodbye notes shouldn't hurt right?

Luca grabbed a pen and a couple of post-its and started to write small notes. He had so much to say, but he didn't want to make them too long. He wanted them to be short and to the point.

He wrote a note for his parents, telling them how much he loved them and how grateful he was for everything they had done for him.

He wrote a note for Lucy, telling her how much he loved her and how proud he was of her. He wrote a note for each of his friends, telling them how much he valued their friendship.

And then he wrote a note for Wei.

Luca took a deep breath before he started to write. He knew that this note would be the hardest one.

Dear Wei,

I'm sorry. I know that this is going to hurt you, but I can't stay here anymore. I can't watch you destroy yourself like this.

I love you more than anything in the world. But I can't help you if you're not willing to help yourself.

I'm going to miss you so much. But I hope that one day you'll find yourself again.

Love always,

Luca

Luca put the note down and took a step back. He looked at the wall filled with post-its. He knew that he was making the right decision, but it still hurt.

Luca took one last look around his room. He said goodbye to his belongings, to his memories, and to the life he was leaving behind.

And then he walked out the door.

Luca ran down the street, his bag slung over his shoulder. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew that he couldn't stay where he was. He had to start a new life.

Luca ran until his lungs burned and his legs ached. He ran a good distance, before he called for a taxi.

He didn't stop panicking until he made it on the bus to City D. It was going to take a while but it's better than nothing.

Luca took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he sat back on the bus seat. He was finally on his way to City D, a new city, a new life. He had left everything he knew behind, but he was determined to make a better life for himself.

Luca had been planning his escape for months.

He had saved up enough money to get him started in City D, and he had found a job online that he could start when he arrived.

Luca knew that it would be tough at first.

He didn't know anyone in City D, and he would have to start all over again.

But he was confident that he could make it. He was determined to build a new life for himself, a life where he could be happy.

Luca's phone rang. He looked down at the screen and saw that it was his mother calling. He hesitated for a moment, then answered the phone.

"Mom?" he asked hesitantly. He wasn't sure the reaction she would give.

Luca's mother's voice was shaking when she answered. "Luca, is it really you?" she asked.

Luca took a deep breath. "Yes, Mom, it's me," he said.

"Where are you?" his mother asked.

Luca glanced around his surroundings, feeling a mix of emotions as he considered how to respond to his mother's question. The weight of their strained relationship and his recent decision weighed on him heavily.

"I'm not far," he finally replied, choosing his words carefully. "I'll be home soon. There are some things we need to talk about."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, and Luca could sense the apprehension in his mother's voice.

"Luca," she said softly, "Where are you going?"

Tears welled up in Luca's eyes as he heard the vulnerability in his mother's voice. Despite the pain of their past, he longed for reconciliation. "I'm gonna miss you," he admitted, his voice trembling.

"Luca? Where are you going? Baby, why aren't you answering?" Luca's mother's worried voice pulled him back from his thoughts. He realized he had been staring into space, lost in memories and contemplation.

"I'm here, Mom," he assured her, blinking back the tears that had welled up. "I'm not going far. I'll explain everything when I get back. I promise."

Her voice trembled with concern. "Please, Luca, just come home. We can talk about it here."

Luca nodded, though he knew the conversation would be far from easy. "Okay, Mom. I'll be home soon."

He wasn't going home.

Wei wanted to be friends with Luca.

Friends.

It's going to be hard navigating through this, but if Wei wants to be friends, Luca is going to have to accept it.

Leila noticed Luca's distracted expression and asked, "You seem lost in thought, Luca. Is everything okay?"

Luca took a moment before responding, his mind still grappling with Wei's unexpected request for friendship. "Yeah, I'm just... trying to figure some things out."

Leila gave him a reassuring smile. "Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here to listen."

Luca nodded, not sure how to word this.

"How do you deal with a relationship that keeps changing? Like from lovers to ex to friends?"

Leila chuckled softly, her eyes filled with understanding.

"Well, Luca, it sounds like you've got quite the journey ahead of you. Relationships are complicated, but the key is to communicate openly and honestly. If you and the other person are both willing to redefine your connection, it might be worth exploring. Just take it one step at a time and be patient with each other."

Luca appreciated Leila's advice. "You always have something to say."

Leila winked playfully. "That's because I'm an expert in relationships, remember?"

Luca chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. "Right, how could I forget?" He took a thoughtful sip of his coffee.

Leila's eyes had a twinkle in them as she said, "Do you want me to tell you how Omar and I got together? I don't think I ever told you how we got together. It was basically enemies to lovers in our case."

Luca nodded eagerly. "I'd love to hear it," he said.

Night had fallen on the university campus, but the students' activities had not ceased.

A group of students marched onto the abandoned green space roof within the campus, a location steeped in history and secrecy.

As they gathered under the starry sky, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, like actors preparing for a clandestine performance.

The old and overgrown rooftop garden, once a haven for students seeking respite, had been transformed into a hallowed arena for a different kind of pursuit: an unauthorized debate.

Word of this clandestine event had spread like wildfire through hushed conversations and encrypted messages. The participants had been carefully selected, and only those with the most audacious curiosity had been granted access to this illegal gathering.

Two opposing sides, the Visionaries and the Realists, faced each other, their eyes burning with the fire of rivalry.

The Rebels were a ragtag bunch of misfits and rebels, united by their shared desire to challenge the status quo. They were the outsiders, the rebels with a cause.

The Loyalists were the elite of the university, the privileged few who had everything to lose. They were the defenders of the establishment, the guardians of the flame.

The moderator, a seasoned veteran of clandestine debates, raised his hand. "The debate will now begin," he said.

The moment the moderator's voice echoed in the night, the tension in the air reached its peak.

Leila and Omar stepped forward to debate, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Their names were chanted like war cries, their supporters filling the air with their voices.

"Leila! Leila!"

"Omar! Omar!"

The chants grew louder and louder, filling the air with a cacophony of voices.

Leila, the Visionary, was a brilliant and passionate student who believed in a better future for all. She was known for her sharp wit and her unwavering commitment to her ideals.

Omar, the Realist, was a shrewd and calculating student who believed in the power of pragmatism. He was known for his keen intellect and his ability to see through the utopian visions of his opponents.

The two debaters stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle. The crowd fell silent, hanging on every word they were about to say.

Leila and Omar nodded to each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle.

The debate began.

Leila began her argument with a flourish, her voice soaring through the night air. She spoke of the need for radical change, of the need to create a more just and equitable world.

Omar followed with a rebuttal that was equally eloquent and persuasive. He spoke of the dangers of idealism, of the need to balance change with stability.

From the moment the first argument was presented, the atmosphere grew charged with tension. Omar's eloquence and sharp reasoning matched Leila's own, and their arguments danced on the edge of passion and aggression.

The debate raged on for hours, with Leila and Omar trading arguments like blows. The crowd was mesmerized, their attention rapt.

The atmosphere was electric, the tension palpable. It was as if the very fate of the university hung in the balance.

Leila felt her heart pounding in her chest, her palms sweating, but she refused to back down. She had come too far to give up now.

Finally, the moderator called for a closing statement from each debater. Leila took a deep breath and stood up. She looked directly at Omar, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Leila finished her closing statement to a round of applause. She took a bow, her heart swelling with pride. She had given it her all, and that was all that mattered.

Omar offered her a gracious handshake, but she couldn't help but find him insufferable. And he seemed equally irritated by her.

The judges deliberated for a few minutes before announcing the winner: Leila. She had done it! She had won the debate.

Leila's teammates cheered and congratulated her, while Omar offered a gracious handshake. Leila accepted with a smile, feeling a strange sense of kinship with her opponent. They had both fought hard, and they had both given their all.

Exiting the building, she overheard her fellow members chatting about the debate.

"Did you see the way Leila and Omar went at it?" one of them remarked.

"It's like watching a verbal boxing match!"

Another added, "I don't know how they manage to keep it so intense every time. It's like they're destined to be rivals."

Leila rolled her eyes at their comments. They were already in opposing groups but the way these girls were talking, it's as if they're thinking it can become more.

Leila walked out of the building, her head held high. She had won the debate, and she felt like she could take on the world. But as she walked down the hallway, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around and saw Omar walking towards her, his face twisted into a sneer.

"Well, well, well," he said. "If it isn't princess."

Leila glared at him. "What do you want, Omar?" she asked.

"I want you to know that I'm not happy," he said. "I'm not happy at all."

Leila smiled. "I'm sure you're not," she said. "But I can't help that. I won the debate, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Omar took a step closer to her. "Oh, but there is something I can do," he said. "I can make your life a living hell."

Leila didn't back down. "Don't be a child," she said. "You're capable of acting like a proper adult. Intimidating me won't do anything."

Omar's sneer deepened, and for a moment, it seemed like he might actually act on his threat. The tension between them crackled in the dimly lit corridor.

"Is that what you think, Leila?" he hissed. "That I'm just trying to intimidate you? You have no idea what I'm capable of."

Leila held her ground, her eyes locked onto his. "I don't care what you're capable of, Omar. I won't be bullied or threatened into submission."

He scoffed, his anger evident. "You always have to be the hero, don't you? Well, heroes have a way of falling, and when you do, I'll be there to watch."

Leila shook her head, exasperated. "You're unbelievable. This rivalry has gone on long enough, Omar. We should be using our intellect to make a positive impact, not engaging in petty feuds."

Omar's expression shifted, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. He seemed torn between his anger and a desire for something more meaningful.

Their standoff continued, each refusing to back down. It was a battle of wills, and the outcome remained uncertain. But deep down, both Leila and Omar knew that there was more to be gained from collaboration than from endless conflict.

Finally, Omar let out a heavy sigh and took a step back. "Fine," he grumbled. "You win this round, Leila."

The following day, as she sat in the university library, mulling over the debate and nursing a cup of coffee, she couldn't help but think about Omar.

His arguments had been persuasive, and she begrudgingly respected his dedication to his beliefs. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was simply aggravating for the sake of it.

Her contemplations were interrupted when she spotted Omar entering the library, a stack of books in hand. It was a university library; everyone had stacks of books. However, when their eyes met, neither acknowledged the other, both opting for an icy silence instead.

Unbeknownst to them, fate had other plans. As they reached for the same book on the top shelf of an aisle, their fingers brushed briefly. They recoiled instinctively, their glares turning to each other.

"Really?" Leila couldn't help but mutter.

Omar sighed, his frustration apparent. "This is ridiculous."

The library's elevator doors opened just then, and they both stepped inside. Each pressed their respective floor buttons without a word, maintaining a chilly silence as the elevator began its ascent.

But fate, it seemed, had one more twist in store for them. As the elevator reached the halfway point between floors, it suddenly jerked to a halt, plunging them into darkness.

Leila felt her heart race as panic began to well up within her. Omar, though equally unsettled, managed to maintain his composure. The two were trapped, with no immediate way to contact the outside world.

In the dim emergency lighting, Leila glanced at Omar. "Well, this is just great," she remarked, her sarcasm evident.

Omar let out an exasperated sigh. "Of all the elevators..."

Leila couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Don't blame me. You chose to get in here."

They stood in the dimly lit elevator, their irritation palpable, neither willing to make the first move in what had become an uncomfortable standoff.

Leila couldn't shake the feeling of claustrophobia. The elevator was small and cramped, and she felt trapped. She tried to focus on her breathing, but it was difficult to calm her racing heart.

Omar, on the other hand, seemed to be taking the situation in stride. He leaned against the wall of the elevator, his arms crossed, and studied Leila with his dark, brooding eyes.

"So," he said, his voice breaking the silence. "What are you going to do now?"

Leila glared at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Omar said, "we're stuck in here together. We might as well make the best of it."

Leila frowned. "What are you suggesting?"

Omar smiled. "I don't know," he said. "We could talk. Get to know each other better."

Leila hesitated. She didn't want to talk to Omar, but she didn't have much choice. They were stuck in the elevator together, after all.

"Fine," she said. "What do you want to talk about?"

Omar shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "Anything. Your dreams, your aspirations, your deepest darkest secrets."

Leila rolled her eyes. "I don't think so," she said.

Omar laughed. "Come on," he said. "It's not like anyone else is here."

Leila sighed. "Fine," she said. "But don't expect me to tell you anything interesting."

Omar smiled. "That's okay," he said. "I'm just interested in getting to know you better."

And so, Leila and Omar began to talk. They talked about their families, their friends, their hopes and dreams. They even talked about their rivalry, and how it had come to define their relationship.

At first, Leila was hesitant to open up to Omar. But as the hours passed, she found herself relaxing and enjoying the conversation. Omar was a surprisingly good listener, and he had a way of making her feel comfortable.

By the time the elevator was finally repaired and they were able to leave, Leila had a newfound respect for Omar. She realized that he was more than just a rival. He was a complex and intelligent individual with his own unique perspective on life.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Omar turned to Leila and smiled. "Thanks for the conversation," he said. "It was... enlightening."

Leila smiled back. "It was my pleasure," she said.

And then, they went their separate ways.

Luca took a loud sip of his drink.

"That's it?" He asked with an incredulous look, "who names their groups the Rebels and the Loyalists?"

Leila chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I know, it does sound a bit dramatic, doesn't it? But sometimes, a little theatricality adds to the excitement."

"When was this? I know it was before I met you. That's for sure," Luca was thinking hard when during the timeline this could have happened.

Leila leaned back in her chair, reminiscing. "This was during your first year. I remember because some of the girls in the group were wanting to make you join. I'm glad you didn't though. That would have been a mess."

Luca raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "My first year, huh? That's interesting. Do you think I'd be a good fit for either group?"

Leila chuckled again. "Oh, you were crazy back then. Unhinged. We thought you might bring a fresh perspective to our group. But now that I know you better, I'm inclined to agree with past-Leila. It would have been a mess."

Luca leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "How did these groups form? If you guys performed on unsanctioned grounds as well as breaking and entering the college..."

"Now that's a secret. After all, these are secret societies," Leila gave him a wink as she went back to her crepe cake.

"Ieon really?" Luca groaned. He is going to look for more information on this once he gets home.

Secret societies in the very school he went to?

That would have been a thrill.

Leila shook her head, her smile mischievous. "Sorry, Dae. Some secrets are best kept, especially when it comes to secret societies."

Luca couldn't argue with that logic.

"I have to admit, it does have that fanfiction feel to it, doesn't it? But sometimes, reality can be just as wild and mysterious as fiction," Luca pointed out.

Leila nodded, her eyes still twinkling with amusement.

"That's the beauty of life. It's full of surprises and hidden stories just waiting to be discovered."

Leila's words lingered in the air, and Luca couldn't help but smile. He had come to City D seeking a fresh start, and it seemed like he was finding not only new beginnings but also unexpected adventures.

"What am I going to do?" Luca groaned, feeling like he's going to pull his hair out. He was not ready to be friends with Wei and go wherever Wei wants to take him.

Leila leaned forward, her expression sympathetic. "Dae, you're going to take things one step at a time. Life can be overwhelming, but remember, you don't have to have all the answers right now. Just focus on what's in front of you, and the rest will fall into place."

Luca sighed, finding solace in her words. "You're right, I'Leila. I guess I just need to learn to go with the flow and embrace the unexpected."

"That's the spirit," Leila said with an encouraging nod. "And if you ever need someone to talk to or share a laugh with, you know where to find me."

"Alright," Luca agreed, appreciating Leila's offer of support.

As Luca pretended to be deep in thought, he noticed Omar silently creeping up behind Leila. Omar had a finger to his lips, motioning for Luca to keep quiet. Luca played along, maintaining his act of contemplation.

Suddenly, Omar moved closer to Leila and let out a playful but unexpected growl. Leila jumped in her seat, letting out a yelp of surprise.

Omar burst into laughter, and Leila couldn't help but join in after the initial shock wore off.

Leila turned to Omar with mock annoyance. "You scared the life out of me, you idiot!"

Omar grinned, offering his hand to her. "My athri, did you forget we have dinner at your parents place?"

Leila rolled her eyes at Omar's reminder. "Oh, don't remind me. My parents can be a handful."

Luca, still playing along with the act, chimed in. "Sounds like you two have quite the evening ahead of you."

Omar nodded, his grin never fading. "That's right, and Leila's going to need all the moral support she can get."

Leila shot Omar a playful glare but couldn't help but smile. She stood up from her chair and waved goodbye to Luca. "Alright, you two, wish me luck with the parental interrogation."

Luca watched as Leila and Omar walked away, their laughter fading into the distance.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth in his heart, knowing that he had found friends who could turn even a regular afternoon into an unexpected adventure.

As he sipped his coffee and gazed out of the cafe window, Luca contemplated the twists and turns that had brought him to this moment.

Luca's phone chimed with a message, drawing his attention away from his contemplative thoughts. He picked up his phone, curious about the new message that had interrupted his musings.

It was a text from Wei.

Wei: Hey

Wei: Are you free tonight?

Wei: I was wondering if you're free to play some games?

Wei: You don't have to agree ofc

Wei: I just had to freetime and was just wondering.

Luca wondered if he should respond to Wei's text. After Wei asked to be friends, they didn't discuss how they would continue their relationship forward.

He quickly typed a response.

Luca: Hey Wei

Luca: I'm free tonight. Sounds like fun.

Luca: What games were you thinking of playing?

Luca: I'm down for anything.

Luca sent the text and waited for Wei's response. A few minutes later, his phone chimed again.

Wei: Great!

Wei: I was thinking we could play Mythos Realm.

Wei: But we can play whatever you want.

Luca smiled. They used to spend many hours playing games together back then.

Wei couldn't wait for the evening. They had agreed to join Luca in the game lobby at 8pm, and it was only 6.

"Taya, please go outside and touch grass," Kai plumped onto the couch.

Wei chuckled, looking over at his brother with an amused grin. "Touching grass is overrated, Kai. I've got a world to save in Mythos Realms, after all."

Kai rolled his eyes. "You're still playing that game? I thought you finished it for now."

"Yeah, but they released a new event and I only got 10% of it done. Look." Wei pointed at the progress bar on the pause screen.

The game wasn't paused per se. He just had it on the menu screen.

"You're such a nerd," Kai teased.

"You're just jealous that you're not as good at Mythos Realms as I am," Wei retorted with a playful wink.

Kai scoffed. "Please. I could beat you with my eyes closed."

"Really? I dare you," Wei stood up.

He was now facing his brother. He was giving his brother an intense stare to make him give in.

"No," Kai said, "I have to go somewhere."

"Right now?" Wei asked, confused.

Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Right now?"

Kai nodded. "Yeah, I have to meet up with some friends."

"Okay," Wei nodded, "don't do anything I won't."

Kai gave a mischievous grin. "No promises. I'll catch you guys later."

With that, he hurriedly left the room, leaving Wei alone to worry about the game.

What should he do now?

There was still a lot of time left to kill.

Dinner seemed like a good idea, but cooking or going out didn't appeal to him at the moment.

After a few taps on his phone, he placed an order for a creamy fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken and a side of garlic bread. The mere thought of the creamy, savory dish made his mouth water.

As Wei eagerly anticipated his creamy fettuccine Alfredo, he decided to make the most of his time before the meal arrived.

With Mythos Realms momentarily on hold, Wei decided to catch up on some reading. He put on his reading glasses before he started to read the latest update by his favorite author on his phone.

Wei had been following this BL fantasy author's work for a long time, and he was always eager to read new material. Wei loved getting lost in their stories, which often explored complex themes and pushed the boundaries of social norms.

While the graphic content in BL novels may be unsettling to some readers, it allows authors to explore topics that are often underrepresented in mainstream media, such as LGBTQ+ relationships and sexuality.

Wei started reading the update, and he was immediately immersed in the world of the story. He forgot all about the time and the fact that he was waiting for food.

He read about the adventures of the main characters, and he felt like he was right there with them. He felt their joy, their sorrow, and their fear.

Wei was so engrossed in the story that he didn't notice the doorbell ringing. He finally looked up when he heard his stomach growl.

He smiled. His food had arrived.

Wei got up and went to the door to answer it. The delivery driver handed him his food, and he thanked them before closing the door.

Wei placed the food on the table and took a seat. He opened the container of fettuccine Alfredo and took a big sniff. The aroma was heavenly.

He took a bite of the pasta, and his eyes widened in delight. The creamy sauce was rich and flavorful, and the grilled chicken was tender and juicy.

Wei savored every bite of his food. He was so glad that he had decided to order fettuccine Alfredo. It was the perfect meal for a hungry gamer.

After he finished eating, Wei cleaned up and went back to reading the update. He was determined to finish it before he decided to join Luca in the lobby.

He sat back down on the couch and picked up his phone. He had only a few chapters left to read.

As he read, Wei couldn't help but think about the update. He was really enjoying the story, and he was eager to find out what happened next.

But he was also excited to join Luca in the lobby. He had been looking forward to playing Mythos Realms with him all day.

Wei finished the update and put down his phone. He stood up and stretched.

"Alright, time to join Luca," he said to himself.

Wei went to his room to get his controller. Then he headed to the living room.

Wei glanced at the lobby list to see if Luca was online, and his username, _VoidWalker37, was lit up in green.

His heart was pounding as he created a private lobby and invited Luca. Then he put on his headphones and enabled voice chat.

"Hello?" he asked hesitantly, making sure the mic worked.

"ShowMeDaWei? Seriously?" Luca's voice boomed through the headphones, catching Wei off guard.

Wei winced. "Yeah, that's me."

"What's up with the name?" Luca asked, his amusement clear.

Wei sighed. "I was bored, okay? I thought it would be funny."

"Well, it's certainly memorable," Luca said. "So, what do you want to do tonight?"

"Uh, I was planning to finish this event. We could do something else if you want," Wei shrugged, he didn't get that much free time but he did know he could always finish it another time and reap benefits.

"Sure," Luca said. "I don't mind."

"Great," Wei said. "Let's get started."

Wei then asked Luca's avatar to join his party and then they teleported to the event location.

"I actually haven't started the event yet. Lemme start and then we can continue," Luca said.

"No problem," Wei replied, his avatar standing patiently beside Luca's in the virtual realm. He didn't mind waiting for Luca to initiate the event.

As Luca prepared to begin the event in Mythos Realms, Wei couldn't help but study their avatars. It was fascinating how their virtual personas reflected their real-life counterparts.

Wei's elf avatar, a mage, was a striking figure. His long, silver hair flowed gracefully, mirroring his real-life hairstyle, and his intense blue eyes shone with intelligence and wisdom.

He was adorned in elegant, flowing robes adorned with intricate mystical symbols, and in his hand, he carried a staff crackling with arcane energy. His character exuded an air of composure and calm, a reflection of Wei's real-life demeanor.

As a mage, he excelled in casting spells and wielding powerful elemental magic.

On the other hand, Luca's elf avatar, a rogue, presented a stark contrast. Agile and graceful, his character possessed long, flowing hair that stood in stark contrast to his dwarf avatar from their previous adventure.

Dressed in sleek leather armor that accentuated his lithe frame, he wielded a pair of gleaming daggers at his sides. Luca's avatar embodied quick-wittedness and cunning, showcasing a different facet of his real-life personality.

As a rogue, he specialized in stealth, precision, and tactics, making him an excellent scout and damage-dealer.

"Ready?" Luca asked, snapping Wei out of his reverie.

Wei nodded. "Ready."

Wei then moved forward into the event area.

"Our goal is to clear this forest of monsters and collect the treasures within," Luca explained. "We'll need to work together to succeed."

Wei nodded again. He knew that Luca was right. They were a team, and they would need to rely on each other's strengths to get through this.

They began their journey, moving cautiously through the forest, their eyes peeled for danger.

Soon, they came across their first group of monsters: a pack of snarling wolves.

"I'll go in first," Luca said. "You stay back and provide support."

Wei nodded in assent. He knew that Luca was more agile and stealthy than he was, so it was best for him to lead the way.

Luca charged into the pack of wolves, his daggers flashing. He quickly dispatched two of them before they could even react.

Wei joined the fray, casting spells to support Luca and hinder the wolves.

The battle was fierce, but in the end, Wei and Luca emerged victorious.

"Nice work," Luca said, giving Wei a thumbs up.

Wei smiled. "Thanks. We make a good team."

They continued on their journey, facing and overcoming many challenges along the way. They also received the mandatory rewards and completed the parts of the event dialogues. They defeated goblins, trolls, and even a dragon.

Finally, they reached the heart of the forest, where a treasure chest awaited them.

They opened the chest and found a variety of valuable items inside, including gold, jewels, and magical artifacts.

"We did it," Luca said with a grin. "We cleared the forest and claimed the treasure."

Wei nodded, his heart filled with satisfaction. He had known that he and Luca could do it, and they had proven each other right.

They gathered up the treasure and headed back to town. They were both exhausted, but they were also happy and victorious.

As they walked, Wei couldn't help but think about how much he enjoyed playing Mythos Realms with Luca. It was more than just a game to them. It was a way for them to bond and create shared memories.

"That was a good game," Luca said softly. It felt like he was whispering into Wei's ears.

Nope this will have to stay platonic. Nothing else.

He can't think about Luca like that.

Wei smiled. "It sure was."

They walked in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.

"I'm glad we could do that together," Luca said, breaking the silence.

Wei nodded. "Me too."

They continued on their way, talking and laughing like old friends.

Even though Wei couldn't let his feelings for Luca go beyond friendship, he was content to simply enjoy his company.