They decided to go slow with their relationship. Luca was able to keep it mostly under wraps to the point Leila nor Noah knew about the update.

However, it also resulted in a couple of changes to be made.

Luca didn't mind. He actually liked being around his new boyfriend. He hasn't felt a similar feeling to this for a while.

"Taya! You're here! "Theo opened the door to his apartment, letting Luca in.

"I mean we did plan for a day to ourselves," Luca said as he hauled the bags of groceries over to Theo's kitchen.

The first time Luca visited Theo, he was appalled at how empty Theo's kitchen was.

According to Theo, he just ran out of groceries. Now that's why Luca always brings something whenever he goes to Theo's place.

"You need to stop bringing groceries. I actually have a full fridge, see," Theo said as he opened his fridge to show Luca all the produce.

"It's impolite to be empty-handed when going to someone's place," Luca shrugged as he went to wash his hands.

Theo gave a flat look before shaking his head. "I guess we can start on lunch. You do the broccoli and I'll do the shrimp."

Luca nodded as he went to grab a pot to boil water in. "what kind of sauce will we be using? Garlic or soy?" he asked as he rinsed the broccoli and started chopping it into small pieces.

"What are you in the mood for? "Theo asked as he was cleaning up the shrimp.

"The one you have is a bit too salty. Let's go with garlic," Luca said as he dumped the broccoli into the pot of boiling water.

"I mean, I don't have much of a preference," Theo said as he started heating up the fry pan.

As Luca waited for the broccoli to boil for a bit, he couldn't help but stare at Theo as he was chopping away the garlic and red chilies.

"Enjoying the view?" Theo teased as he was chopping. He could feel Luca's stare burning through him.

"Very," Luca said as he took out the broccoli and set it aside.

Theo chuckled, his chopping slowing for a moment as he glanced at Luca with a raised eyebrow. "Well, I hope you're enjoying the view of me working hard in the kitchen, not just ogling at my culinary skills," he remarked, a playful smirk on his lips.

Luca grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Of course, Chef Theo. Your culinary skills are a bonus, though." He winked, earning a laugh from Theo as they continued with their respective tasks.

Luca started to focus on making the sauce for the stir-fry. He started mixing in the ingredients, adding a bit more of the hoisin sauce and then oyster sauce as he made it.

When he felt the fry pan was hot enough, he handed the dipping bowl over to Theo. Luca watched with wonder as Theo started to put everything together.

He tossed in the shrimp, then the broccoli, then the garlic and the sauce. It didn't take long before the nice aroma of stir-fry shrimp and broccoli filled the air.

"Do you want to get started on the rice and the sides?" Theo asked as he continued to skillfully stir the ingredients in the pan, the sizzle and fragrance adding to the delightful symphony of their cooking.

Luca nodded, rolling up his sleeves in a determined fashion. "Consider it done, Chef." He moved with purpose towards the rice cooker, the familiar clink of measuring cups and the rhythmic sounds of water pouring into the pot filling the kitchen.

Theo, still engrossed in the stir-frying process, tossed a playful glance Luca's way. "I must say, you've become quite the kitchen assistant. Maybe I should hire you full-time."

Luca chuckled, glancing over his shoulder. "I might consider it if the salary is right."

Theo feigned thoughtfulness, stirring the contents of the pan with a flourish. "Free access to my cooking?"

"Deal," Luca replied, his grin widening.

As the rice cooker hummed to life, Luca turned his attention to the sides. He started chopping fresh vegetables, the vibrant colors contrasting with the warm tones of the stir-fry. The kitchen became a hive of activity, the clattering of utensils and the rhythmic chopping blending into a harmonious melody.

Theo, now satisfied with the stir-fry, turned off the stove and joined Luca in the side preparations. "You know, Taya, if the two of here make the cooking finish faster, then we should do this more."

Luca playfully rolled his eyes. "You just want to boss me around in the kitchen."

"You're not wrong," Theo admitted with a playful smirk.

"Why don't you go get the table ready? I'm almost done here and we can plate the food," Luca nudged Theo towards the living room, where a small table was positioned by the windows.

Theo raised an eyebrow but complied, giving Luca an exaggerated salute. "At your service, Chef Taya. Just don't forget the fancy tablecloth; presentation is everything."

Luca chuckled, shaking his head as he continued chopping the vegetables. The clinks of plates being set on the table and the rustle of a tablecloth filled the air as Theo worked his magic in the living room.

As Luca finished the last few cuts, he couldn't help but appreciate cooking with Theo. It felt nice and relaxing. A different type of relaxing, but relaxing nonetheless.

With a final flourish, he gathered the chopped vegetables and joined Theo in the living room.

Luca placed the vegetables on top of the coaster that Theo kept for it.

As he pulled out the chair and made his way to sit down, Theo started adding food to both of their plates.

"It's nice that we get this time to ourselves," Theo said, placing a succulent piece of stir-fried shrimp on Luca's plate. "I thought we would have a break after the festival, but it just got worse."

"It did," Luca agreed. He was supposed to go on vacation, but due to the workload, he moved it down a bit to help everyone. "Your internship is going to be done soon, right? It's a semester long?"

Theo nodded, "I didn't get accepted for the co-op so I guess that will be it unless they take me on for longer."

Luca nodded, understanding the challenges that came with balancing work and personal time. "Well, once your internship is over, we should plan something special. A proper break this time, just for us."

Theo's eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds like a plan, Taya. A well-deserved break is long overdue."

As they continued to share the meal, the conversation flowed easily between them, a mix of light banter and genuine connection. The city lights glittered beyond the windows, casting a gentle glow on the cozy scene.

Wei didn't know how to feel.

He wasn't sure what he felt.

He never truly moved on from Luca. And it's showing.

"What took you so long?" Wei asked as Kai slid into the passenger's seat and put on his seatbelt.

"Hm?" Kai hummed as he was on his phone.

"Kai," Wei called out sternly.

"It's nothing, Taya!" Kai looked suspicious.

Wei's stared into Kai's soul, demanding an explanation. Kai's eyes flickered from his phone to Wei, a hint of evasion in his expression.

"It's nothing, Taya," Kai repeated, but his words hung in the silence.

"I'm not moving the car until you tell me," Wei stated, turned the car off as he turned to Kai.

"Taya, everything's fine!" Kai whined as he pouted at Wei.

"Everything's fine," Wei mimicked, "Fine my ass. You have that look."

"Look? What look? I think you're seeing things."

Wei's patience wore thin as he observed Kai's feeble attempt to divert the conversation.

"You can't fool me, Kai. I know that look," Wei asserted, his tone unyielding.

"But I don't!"

"It's that look you gave when Lucy started dating someone and you got pissed!" Wei snapped.

Wei remembered how Kai was upset when Lucy got her first boyfriend. He was overly protective- like to make up for the older brother Lucy lost.

"I don't want to tell you," Kai mumbled.

"You tell me everything," Wei insisted.

"Let's just go home first? I'll tell you later," Kai pleaded, his eyes reflecting a mix of reluctance and vulnerability.

Wei sighed, relenting for the moment. The car engine rumbled to life as he steered back onto the dimly lit streets.

The journey home was filled with an uneasy silence, punctuated only by the occasional hum of the engine and the distant city sounds.

Wei stole glances at Kai, whose gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery.

As they neared home, Wei parked the car, and the engine's soft purr died down.

"Alright, spill it, Kai," Wei urged, turning off the ignition.

"I don't know how to tell you," Kai mumbled, fiddling with this hands.

"Start from anywhere. I don't mind," Wei reassured.

Kai nodded, "it was when you went back to the car to put everything back. Right before the fireworks. I heard there was this really nice spot further down in the area. And they were right. It was really nice. It gave cottage core vibes and it was really pretty. I even have a picture."

Kai fumbled as he tried to show Wei the picture.

Wei hummed as he agreed that it was a really nice area. It was a picture of a secluded walkway which was lined with lush greenery, and overhead, a string of twinkling lights cast a warm glow over the scene.

He then noticed two dark figures.

"What is this?" Wei asked as he pointed.

"I-I'm going to get there," Kai stuttered as he took back his phone. "Basically, there was this couple that was also heading towards the same area. I just happened to be behind them. At some point they stopped, I didn't notice and continued walking and...and..."

Kai's voice trailed off, and Wei's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The air in the car felt charged with the weight of Kai's revelation.

"And what happened?" Wei pressed, sensing there was more to the story than Kai was letting on.

Kai took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the floor of the car. "They were kissing. I mean, it's not a big deal, right? People kiss. But I knew them. You knew them. Taya, Luca is in a relationship. That was Luca and that co-host he was working with. The reason why I know that is because they were together the entire time and didn't even notice me at all."

A stunned silence enveloped the car as Kai's words hung in the air like a heavy fog.

"Luca... in a relationship?" Wei's voice held a mix of disbelief and concern.

The realization settled like a stone in his stomach. He exchanged glances with Kai, who wore a conflicted expression.

"I didn't mean to find out, Taya. It just happened," Kai defended himself, his eyes pleading for understanding.

Wei leaned back, running a hand through his hair as he tried to make sense of the newfound knowledge.

"Taya?" Kai asked, a bit worried.

"I'm fine," Wei said after a couple seconds passed.

Kai, sensing that Wei wanted to be alone, got out of the car to go home. "I'll wait for you."

Alone in the dimly lit car, Wei stared into the void, grappling with the weight of the revelations.

The air hung heavy with unspoken thoughts and betrayed trust. Outside, the night seemed to deepen, mirroring the darkness that repeatedly enveloped his world.

As Kai left the car, Wei remained, lost in contemplation. The distant hum of the city echoed the turmoil within him.

The complex dance of emotions swirled in the silence, creating a storm that threatened to consume the sanctuary of their shared memories.

Eventually, Wei stepped out into the quiet night, the door closing with a soft thud. The world outside felt different, altered by the fragments of truth that had shattered the illusion of what he thought he knew.

Wei didn't know what to do.

He knew that Luca dated around and had somewhat serious relationships before, but this was different.

Wei knew that.

Right now, Wei is experiencing it.

He is watching his first love be enthralled with another person.

And he doesn't know what to make of it.

"Hey Dae," Miles greeted as he knocked on Wei's open door.

"Taya," Wei muttered absentmindedly, still lost in the maze of his thoughts.

"Everything okay?" Miles asked, concern etched in his voice as he stepped into the room.

"Just having an off day. It should get better tomorrow," Wei muttered, forcing a small smile.

Miles studied Wei for a moment as he crossed his arm and sat across Wei.

"That was what you told Noah yesterday when we were hanging out," Miles stated , his gaze piercing through Wei's attempt to mask his emotions.

Wei sighed, realizing that his friends could see through the facade he was desperately trying to maintain.

"Yeah, well, tomorrow is a new day, right?" Wei replied, his voice carrying a fragile optimism.

Miles leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Wei, you can talk to us. We're here for you. You don't have to pretend everything is okay when it's not."

"It's just- I just-" Wei's voice caught in his throat, as he struggled to find the right words.

Miles waited patiently, a reassuring presence in the room.

Wei took a deep breath before he continued, "I found out that Luca is in a relationship."

Miles looked surprised, "D'Luca is in a relationship? How do you know that?"

"Kai saw them at the festival," Wei let out a sigh, the weight of the revelation heavy on his chest.

Miles' expression shifted from surprise to concern. "I'm sorry you had to find that out."

Wei nodded, his eyes betraying the storm within. "I mean, I knew Luca dated, but seeing it, it's different. I guess I never fully moved on."

Miles leaned forward, a gesture of empathy. "First loves have a way of lingering, don't they? It's okay to feel this way. And you don't have to go through it alone."

Wei appreciated Miles' understanding, yet a sense of vulnerability lingered. "I just don't know how to handle it. It's like a mix of emotions—betrayal, nostalgia, and... I don't know."

Miles offered a reassuring smile. "Take your time, Wei. Feel what you need to feel. And when you're ready, we're here to listen. You're not alone in this."

"I don't want to go back to that place, Taya. I don't wanna go that far," Wei's voice sounded uncharacteristically small.

Miles took a deep breath. Wei was calling out to him. Wei didn't want to spiral down into that deep, dark hole that he barely crawled out from.

"You know, one way to get over a past love is by doing something you love," Miles suggested, "Don't you like creating art? You haven't done anything for a while."

Wei looked up, his eyes meeting Miles'. There was a flicker of recognition in his gaze, an acknowledgment that Miles might be onto something.

"Yeah, I used to sketch a lot," Wei admitted, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Maybe I should get back into it. It's been a while."

Miles nodded, encouraged by Wei's response. "Art has a way of helping us express and process emotions. It might be a good way for you to channel what you're feeling right now."

Wei considered the suggestion, the idea of immersing himself in the world of art offering a glimmer of possibility. "You think it'll help?"

Miles smiled. "It won't solve everything, but it might give you an outlet, a way to focus on something positive. And who knows, it might lead to a new perspective."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as Wei contemplated Miles' words.

"I'll give it a try," Wei finally said, a tentative smile playing on his lips.

"Now c'mon, Noah brought food. Let's go eat," Miles said as he guided Wei to his office.

Wei mindlessly followed Miles. He trusted Miles not to make Wei accidentally hit the wall.

As they entered the office, the aroma of food greeted them, and Wei's stomach rumbled, a reminder that nourishment—both for the body and the soul—was necessary.

Noah looked up from the spread of food with a warm smile. "Hi Dae. It's nice of you to finally join us. Here's your food."

He held out a bowl of steaming noodles, the aroma wafting through the air and tempting Wei's senses. Noah's warm smile and the inviting gesture touched a chord in Wei, breaking through the walls he had built around himself.

"Thanks, Noah," Wei replied, his voice soft and could barely be heard. He took the bowl, appreciating the effort Noah had put into preparing the meal.

Wei didn't see Noah frown nor did he pay attention to Noah whispering.

"He looks worse than yesterday. What happened?" Noah whisperingly asked Miles.

"Luca apparently has a new boyfriend," Miles responded as he took his share of the food.

Noah froze, "oh. He didn't tell me anything though."

"It's apparently a new development. Wei found out about it the day at the festival," Miles sighed, his gaze shifting to Wei, who sat quietly with the bowl of noodles in his hands, lost in thought.

Noah felt cold as he watched Wei. "We need to do something, Miles. It was bad enough last time."

Miles nodded in agreement. "I suggested to him to get back into sketching. Maybe it'll help. But it seems like he's still struggling."

Noah frowned, a mix of worry and frustration on his face. "Would a change of pace help? Would it do something?"

"How would I know, my athri? Aren't you the doctor?" Miles asked as he gently held Noah.

"But you're the one who did a dual major in business and psychology," Noah said, "I'm more focused on other parts than deep psychology."

"I can give him a couple days off in a couple weeks. That should help, but that means we have to make sure he's holding on right now," Miles planned.

"We can do that," Noah agreed, "we can do that."

"Now let's eat. You came here during your lunch break," Miles smiled. "We'll figure this out together. But first, let's enjoy this meal."

The trio focused on the meal, the room filled with the sounds of clinking utensils and hushed conversations. Despite the lingering concerns, the simple act of sharing a meal brought a sense of normalcy, a reminder of the camaraderie that bound them together.

As they ate, Noah kept a watchful eye on Wei, noting the subtle changes in his friend's demeanor. The weight of the revelation about Luca's new relationship cast a shadow over Wei's usually vibrant spirit. The flicker of vulnerability in Wei's eyes did not go unnoticed.

After a while, Noah gently nudged Miles, directing his attention toward Wei. "He's not eating much, Miles."

Miles observed Wei for a moment before nodding in agreement. "I'll talk to him. Maybe he just needs some time alone."

Once they finished their meal, Miles cleared his throat, gaining Wei's attention. "Hey, Dae, mind if I steal you for a moment?"

Wei looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Sure, Miles."

In a quiet corner, Miles spoke with Wei, choosing his words carefully. "Dae, I know it's tough. Finding out about Luca like that must have been a shock. If you need anything, I'm here for you."

Wei nodded, appreciating Miles' concern. "Thanks, Miles. It's just... it's a lot to process, you know?"

Miles put a hand on Wei's shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Take your time, Dae. We're all here for you. And if you ever want to talk, just know that I'm just a call away."

They rejoined Noah, and the trio continued their day, aware that their friend was grappling with emotions that transcended the boundaries of their understanding.

In the following days, Wei had buried himself into work and art.

He spent days in Kai's studio, throwing around paint and making masterpiece after masterpiece.

Wei could have gotten an art degree if he felt like it.

"Taya, this is crazy. You keep tearing apart my studio!" Kai whined as he walked into the paint covered room.

Wei, covered head to toe in vibrant splatters of paint, looked up with a blank stare. His hands, wielding a brush like an extension of his emotions, paused in midair.

"Sorry, Dae. Got a bit carried away," Wei mumbles, not looking up from his work. The apology is sincere, but his focus remains steadfast on the evolving masterpiece.

Kai sighs, eyeing the paint-splattered walls and floor. "You've been at it for days. This is crazy but amazing. Still crazy."

"Art knows no bounds, Dae. Embrace the chaos," Wei declares, his voice carrying a hint of artistic madness.

Kai shakes his head in disbelief. "I should charge you for the studio renovations, Taya."

"No worries, I'll pay you in abstract masterpieces," Wei quips, returning to his canvas with renewed vigor.

Kai groans, "That's not funny Taya. I mean these can sell for really good money, but still!"

Wei shrugs nonchalantly, "You said it yourself, Dae. You can't judge an artist until you understand his work."

"Well yeah, but you're being weird today."

"What do you mean weird?" Wei asks, turning to regard Kai curiously.

Kai gives him a look. "You've got paint all over you."

"I've been painting since dawn," Wei replies without hesitation, turning back to his canvases.

Kai sighs, "So where does this leave us?"

"It leaves us in the midst of creation, Dae. A symphony of colors and chaos," Wei declared, a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes.

Kai rubbed his temples, attempting to make sense of the vibrant turmoil. "I just wanted a studio, not an abstract art battleground."

Wei chuckled, his laughter echoing through the studio. "Come on, Dae. Life's too short for monotony. Let the colors dance!"

Kai sighed, resigned to the fact that the studio had become a canvas for Wei's unconventional artistic expression. "Fine, let the colors dance, but can you at least clean up after?"

"Cleaning up is the least artistic part," Wei retorted, a mischievous smile playing on his paint-streaked face. "You should do that."

"Taya! You're the one who turned my studio into a mess. At least help clean up," Kai pleaded.

Wei's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Nope! I'm out of here."

With that, Wei walked out of the messy room.

Kai watched in disbelief as Wei casually strolled out of the paint-splattered studio, leaving behind a riot of colors and creative chaos.

"Hey! You can't just leave it like this!" Kai called after him.

Wei turned around, a cheeky grin on his face. "Consider it an avant-garde exhibit, Dae. People pay big money for this kind of stuff."

Kai rolled his eyes. "You're impossible, Taya."

As Wei disappeared around the corner, Kai couldn't help but shake his head at the whirlwind of creativity that was Wei. He sighed, resigned to the fact that cleaning up the artistic aftermath would be his task.

Wei had decided to wash himself up and change into better clothes before he left the studio.

Wei headed to the bathroom, his steps leaving colorful footprints behind him.

He looked at himself in the mirror, his face and clothes adorned with an abstract pattern of vibrant hues. A chuckle escaped him as he realized the extent of his artistic immersion.

As the water in the sink turned into a swirl of colors, Wei cleaned his hands, trying to remove the evidence of his impromptu art session.

He grabbed a towel, wiping away the remnants of creativity from his face.

Changing into a fresh set of clothes, Wei emerged from the bathroom, looking considerably less like a walking canvas. The vivid energy that radiated from him, however, remained unchanged.

Kai, now armed with cleaning supplies, gave Wei a disapproving look. "You really went all out, didn't you?"

Wei flashed a grin. "Art waits for no one, Dae. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to continue my masterpiece elsewhere."

With that, Wei left Kai to restore order to the studio, his laughter echoing down the hallway.

As he walked down the streets, Wei thought about life. More importantly, he thought about his relationship with Luca.

Luca never spoke a word to Wei about his new relationship and Wei never asked. However, Wei noticed the difference in Luca.

Luca seemed a bit tired whenever they hung out. His smiles are a bit less and less and he looked like he would snap at any time.

However, Luca would perk up whenever he had to leave, and at those times, that's when Wei can see a semblance of the Luca he always seen during his previous hangouts.

Luca must really be in love with -his name was Theo. Luca must be really in love with Theo.

To the point, he would be annoyed when hanging out with Luca.

That's why Wei stopped with the texts. He noticed that Luca didn't reply as often as he used to and later those replies just stopped.

He found himself in a quaint coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drawing him in.

Wei ordered his favorite brew and settled into a corner, the muted chatter of other patrons providing a comforting backdrop.

He just drifted at this point. Thinking about different things.

The notification tone on Wei's phone interrupted his thoughts. It was a message from Kai.

"Dae, the studio is a war zone, and I'm pretty sure I found paint in places it shouldn't be. Help."

Wei chuckled at the message, realizing the aftermath of his artistic escapade was more extensive than he anticipated. He quickly replied, "Consider it an artistic collaboration. You'll survive."

Lost in his thoughts, Wei failed to notice the entrance of someone familiar. It was Leila, Luca's friend.

She seemed to have recognized Wei as she instantly approached him.

"Hello dae. How are you?" She asked as she sat across from him.

Wei looked up, a faint smile forming on his face as he greeted Leila. "Hello, I'm doing good. What about you?"

"My spidey senses are tingling but I know you're not doing good. You're giving off the same energy Luca does whenever he's sad and pretending he's that one character in a drama that is in a sad flashback," Leila said, being oddly descriptive.

Wei gave a short laughed as he mumbled, "well isn't that me right now?"

Leila didn't seem to hear it or she ignored it. "You don't have to tell me. We're just acquaintances. Let me talk, that might help."

Wei appreciated Leila's willingness to lend an ear. He nodded, realizing that sometimes talking to someone outside the immediate situation could offer a different perspective.

"Sure, Ieon. I appreciate it," Wei admitted, his guard slightly lowering as he shared a bit of his concerns.

Leila leaned forward, her gaze steady. "Feel free to listen or just be here. You can leave if you want to too. I can be very chatty." She watched Wei's face for any sign but once she was sure to continue, she did.

"It's been a while since I actually hung out with anyone. Even my husband, Omar, is very busy. It's the domino effect I guess. The festival was just the start," Leila shared, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

"The interns are going to leave soon. Yeah we host interns all year round and so these interns are part of the semester batch. The yearly interns haven't been chosen yet since it's a new program that they're going to do.

Some of these interns will be transitioning to a full time position or at least a part time. They've been really good. Especially Theo. Theo has started hanging in our circle ever since he met Luca. It's cute to be honest. Nowadays they're inseparable to the point that -"

"They're dating," Wei interjected.

Leila froze, "What do you mean they're dating? You're possibly thinking wrong, right?"

Wei shook his head as he let out a deep sigh, "I'm not. My brother caught them a while back and nowadays, I'm seeing the two here and there."

Leila frowned, "that doesn't make sense. Not only that, Luca knows better than to be in a relationship with an intern. I don't think dae realizes it but Theo is not exactly the person he thinks he is. Theo doesn't interact much with his intern batch besides saying hi or bye." Leila said, her concern evident.

"I don't know," Wei sighed, as he got up, "And it's none of my business. I'm going on vacation soon so I'd rather not think about it."

"Have a good day, Ieon," Wei said as he made his way to leave when Leila said something that made him stop.

"You still love him," she declared.

Wei felt a chill in the air as Leila's words hung between them. He turned to look at her, the atmosphere in the coffee shop suddenly heavy with unspoken truths.

Leila's gaze remained steady, her usually warm demeanor replaced by a sharp intensity. "You still love him," she declared, her words cutting through the air.

Wei's initial reaction was one of surprise, his guard momentarily slipping. He hadn't expected such a direct and personal statement from someone he considered an acquaintance. He hesitated, searching for the right words.

Leila's expression remained unreadable, her eyes penetrating. "I've seen it the first time I met you. The way the both of you would look at each other."

Wei felt a mix of vulnerability and discomfort. He had kept his feelings for Luca well-hidden, or so he thought. Leila's perceptiveness caught him off guard, leaving him unsure of how to respond.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Wei stammered, attempting to deflect the conversation away from his personal feelings.

Leila leaned in, her tone unwavering. "Don't lie to yourself, Wei. It's evident. And if you care about Luca, maybe it's time to confront those feelings and figure out what you really want."

"I don't want to intrude, but it has hurt the both of you before. Luca is not who he used to be right now, and I am getting worried. Your taes are getting worried I'm sure," Leila suggested, her tone now gentle.

Wei sighed, a mixture of frustration and vulnerability surfacing. "It's complicated Ieon and I'd rather not get into it. Enjoy the rest of your day."

With that, he up and left.