Here's a scenario i made in my head where luca (as a figment of alberto's imagination) comes to comfort alberto in his darkest moment in Ciao Alberto

*alberto was holding a suitcase walking through an alley, thinking about his failure to impress massimo*

???: Alberto? where are you going?

*Alberto's eyes widened in surprise, he knew that voice from anywhere, so soft, warm and curious*

*He turned around and saw luca standing behind him with a soft smile and sad eyes*

Alberto (Flabbergasted): L- Luca? 

Luca:...Yeah...it's me, i'm here *places his hand on alberto's shoulder*

*alberto felt tears well in his eyes, his best friend was here, standing right in front of him*

*Immediately like an instinct he held his dear friend close to him as tears spilled from his eyes*

Alberto: H- how? *pulls out of the hug and holds his shoulders* How are you here?

Luca: I don't know, i think i'm...a figment of your mind?

Alberto: Still, it's been so long, i missed you

Luca: Me too...Look i saw what happened earlier, why are you leaving massimo like this?

Alberto:...I quit...I can't do it, I- I'm not good at this, I'm not good at being his employee

Luca: Alberto...

Alberto: Look luca, why do you care? he doesn't even like me! he doesn't even talk to me!

*Alberto picks up his suitcase and walks away from luca*

Luca: Alberto! wait!

*luca catches up to alberto*

Luca: Alberto wait-

Alberto: JUST LET ME GO LUCA!

*Luca stumbles back surprised and a bit saddened at alberto's sudden outburst*

Alberto: *drops the suitcase* I'm sorry luca, i- i didn't...*exhales*

Alberto: He just doesn't deserve me Luca...I- I'm just-

Luca: *holds alberto's face with his hands* hey no, no no, no...look at me

*Alberto looks up at him relucantly*

Luca: He DOES deserve you alberto...Look...the real reason i'm here is because i wanna ask you something...why do you try so hard to impress massimo?

Alberto: I don't know...

Luca:...I think i know why...

Alberto: You do?

Luca: Yes, not only do you want to be his best employee but his son

Alberto: You think so?

Luca: *nods* I do...but ever since your dad left...you want to impress massimo so...it doesn't happen again...

*Alberto looks at luca before wrapping his arms around him again as quiet sobs left him*

Alberto (tearfully): You're right luca, ever since my dad left, i was traumatised...i tried so hard to make massimo proud but i couldn't...i was afraid he would leave me like my dad did to me...that's also why i was so protective over you...Seeing you with giulia...i thought i was losing you to her and so th- that moment at the beach when you told giulia about *gulps* wanting to go with her to genova, i just got so mad and I lost control over myself, I just didn't want to lose you, I'm never gonna be good enough for massimo or anyone! *sobs quietly*

*Luca's eyes began to fill with tears as alberto explained, he gently reached a hand to him and wiped a tear falling from his cheek*

Luca: Alberto...i know how it feels to be afraid of not being good enough...i try hard to make my mom happy, but then you came and helped me grow into who i am, so...in a way i was kind of like you after your dad abandoned you, but I won't let you go through the same thing i did...you helped me grow, now it's my turn to help YOU grow

*alberto sniffles quietly*

Alberto:...I know...but...i'm scared it'll take me away from you again

Luca: *smiles softly* Me too...but I see you alberto, You try to make everyone happy, but are so hard on yourself, So, don't hold back...for anyone...'cause the farther you go...the prouder I'll be of you

*Alberto smiled softly at luca and gently caresses his face with his hands while stroking his cheeks with his thumbs*

Alberto: Y'know...the night before we met...i asked the fish above for a miracle and...*chuckles softly* luca...they sent me you *Hugs him tightly as luca hugs back*

*then luca fades away as tears of happiness escaped from alberto's eyes and wraps his arms around himself*

Alberto (Whispering): Thank you...my dearest friend...so much