Luca walked into the crowded club, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been searching for Wei for hours, and he was starting to get worried. He had heard rumors that Wei had come to the club with his new friends, and that he had been drinking heavily.

Luca looked around the club, feeling out of place. He had never been to a place like this before, and he didn't know anyone.

"Excuse me!" Luca yelled as the music was a bit too loud.

"Do you know Wei?" Some people looked up at him. They all had the same blank expression on their faces.

"Wei?" one of them said.

"No, I don't know Wei."

Luca scanned the crowd, searching for Wei's familiar face. He finally spotted him in a corner booth, surrounded by a group of people. Wei was laughing and talking loudly, but Luca could see the sadness in his eyes.

Luca made his way over to the booth. "Wei," he said softly.

Wei looked up at him, his eyes widening in surprise. "Luca? What are you doing here?"

"I came to find you," Luca said. "I was worried about you."

Wei shrugged. "I'm fine," he said. "Just having a good time."

Luca looked at Wei's friends. They were all staring at him with suspicion.

"Can I talk to you alone?" Luca asked Wei.

Wei hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."

Luca and Wei stood up and walked out of the booth. They found a quiet spot in the hallway.

"What the hell, Wei?" Luca asked, his frustration and concern evident. "Why are you doing this?"

Wei's jaw tightened, and he turned away for a moment, his hands clenched into fists. "Why do you care, Luca? This is none of your business."

Luca's eyes were filled with frustration as he retorted, "None of my business? Wei, you're my business. You didn't attend class today! Or yesterday! Or the rest of the week! I don't get a hi from you or a goodnight anymore. You're my boyfriend! Am I not allowed to care about my boyfriend?"

Wei's shoulders tensed at Luca's words, and for a moment, he looked conflicted. His friends had stayed behind in the booth, leaving Luca and Wei in the dimly lit hallway.

Wei took a step back, his gaze cold. "I don't need you caring about me. I don't need anything from you."

Luca felt a mix of frustration and sadness wash over him. "Fine, Wei. If that's what you want, then so be it."

With those words, Luca turned and walked away, leaving Wei alone in the hallway.

"This is amazing," Luca cried in awe as he gazed out at the track.

The vibrant colors of the racing machines, the deafening roar of engines, and the palpable energy in the air had left him utterly mesmerized. It was a moment he had longed for, and now, standing there, he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through his veins.

"I know, right?" Luca's friend, Kofi, chimed in as he approached from behind, clad in a sleek race suit.

Luca turned to his friend with a grin, sharing the excitement that had been building within him. Kofi's race suit looked like something out of a high-speed sci-fi movie, and it added an extra layer of anticipation to the already electric atmosphere of the racetrack.

Kofi's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he took in the scene before him, the same sense of wonder and awe reflected in his gaze.

Luca found himself utterly captivated by the two racers on the track. Their speed, agility, and fearless maneuvers held him in a trance. It was as if time had slowed down, allowing him to appreciate every heart-pounding moment of the race.

The racers were like modern-day gladiators, battling it out on their sleek machines, and Luca couldn't tear his eyes away from the awe-inspiring spectacle before him.

Their bikes leaned into each corner with precision, almost touching the asphalt as they navigated the twists and turns. The engines roared in harmony, creating a symphony of power that resonated through Luca's entire being.

Luca's heart raced as he watched them trade positions, inches apart at mind-boggling speeds. It was a breathtaking display of skill and courage, a dance of adrenaline and danger that left him breathless.

As the race entered its final lap, Luca's anticipation reached its peak. The racers, now neck and neck, were giving it their all. The tension was palpable, and Luca could feel the electricity in the air as they raced toward the finish line.

In a blur of motion, one of the racers made a daring move, surging ahead just before the finish line.

The two racers gracefully dismounted their bikes and gave each other a fist bump for the fierce competition they had just engaged in.

With adrenaline still coursing through their veins, the racers headed towards Luca and Kofi, their helmets off now, revealing faces flushed with exhilaration.

Kofi, quick to strike up a conversation, extended a hand in greeting, a wide smile on his face. "That was incredible, Taya!," he exclaimed, admiration evident in his voice.

The taller of the two racers, with a few streaks of helmet hair, replied, "Thanks. I felt like I was going to lose this round, though, if I didn't pull up."

Then, turning to Luca, he introduced himself, "I'm Noah, and this is my partner in crime, Miles." He gave Luca a warm smile.

Miles, with a friendly nod, added, "Hi, it's nice to meet you. As he said, my name is Miles."

Luca extended his hand to Noah, shaking it firmly. "I'm Luca," he replied with a warm smile.

Noah, his gaze locked with Luca's, couldn't resist a charming compliment. "Luca, huh? You have a name as beautiful as your smile."

Luca responded with a light chuckle, appreciating the unexpected praise from the charismatic racer. "Well, thank you, Noah. Your racing skills are equally impressive," he replied with a warm smile.

Meanwhile, Miles, fully engaged in the conversation, couldn't shake the sense of familiarity he felt towards Luca. However, he made a conscious decision not to address it, opting to avoid any potential awkwardness.

"Kofi is a regular here. We never see you around, Luca," Miles noted, attempting to steer the conversation in a more neutral direction.

Luca sensed a slight shift in the conversation and replied with a friendly tone, "I usually race at a track closer to my home. This one's a bit farther out."

Noah, clearly enjoying the flirtatious banter, leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, Luca, I'll have to make sure you keep enjoying it," he replied, his tone now openly playful.

Luca couldn't help but laugh at Noah's charming persistence. "I look forward to it," he quipped, his own playful demeanor matching Noah's.

Miles, though amused by the exchange, kept the conversation flowing smoothly. "Will you be racing today? Kofi is having the next race."

"Maybe I will. I did bring my stuff, but right now I'm content being a spectator," Luca replied with a playful twinkle in his eye.

Noah, always ready for a flirtatious exchange, leaned in closer to Luca, his voice dropping to a seductive tone. "You know, Luca, we could use some fresh competition on the track. Racing against you might be more thrilling than the race itself," he purred, his gaze smoldering with intensity.

Luca, matching Noah's energy, met his seductive tone with a sultry smile. "Oh, Ain Noah, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into," he teased, his voice laced with playful anticipation. "I just might give you a run for your money."

Miles, feeling the playful yet sensual atmosphere intensify, wrapped his arm around Noah's waist and pulled him closer.

"If it was someone else, they would have thought we were here for more than just racing," he muttered with an affectionate but slightly exasperated grin, as he tried to keep the flirtatious banter in check.

Noah, clearly enjoying the spirited exchange, met Luca's challenge with a devilish grin. "Oh, Dae," he purred, "I do love a good challenge. And if you're as daring on the track as you are with words, this promises to be one exhilarating race."

Luca's playful confidence mirrored Noah's as he leaned in closer. "Get ready, Ain Noah," he whispered, his voice dripping with playful allure. "You won't know what hit you."

Miles, feeling the heightened tension in the air, chuckled and decided to join in on the fun.

"Well, gentlemen," he interjected with a mischievous glint in his eye, "let's save the racing for the track. For now, we'll just enjoy the thrill of anticipation."

Amid the rising flirtatious tension between Luca and Noah, Kofi couldn't contain his laughter. His cheeks reddened with a mix of amusement and embarrassment as he watched the playful exchange unfold.

"Come on, guys," Kofi chimed in with a hearty laugh, "let's not forget we're at a race track. You know-in public with bystanders"

His jovial comment broke the tension, and the group shared a collective laugh, appreciating the humor at the moment.

An attendant then approached Kofi.

"Kofi, you're up next. Get ready, it's almost time," she announced, as some people behind her rolled out Kofi's bike.

Kofi's eyes lit up with excitement as he received the news.

"Thanks for the heads up," he replied eagerly.

He turned to his friends, a mix of determination and enthusiasm on his face.

"Well, folks, it's showtime for me. Wish me luck!" Kofi said with a grin before heading off to prepare for his upcoming race, leaving the group to watch in anticipation.

As Kofi made his way towards the starting area, Luca and Noah exchanged enthusiastic glances. Their earlier flirtatious exchange had been set aside momentarily, replaced by a shared excitement for their friend.

"Go, Kofi!" Luca cheered, pumping his fist in the air. "Show 'em what you've got!"

Noah couldn't contain his excitement as Kofi skillfully overtook his opponent on the track.

"Wooooh!" he hollered, his voice filled with enthusiasm. He pumped his fist in the air and exchanged triumphant glances with Luca and Miles.

Miles, standing by and watching the animated encouragement from Luca and Noah, and couldn't help but be amused by Noah's ability to shift seamlessly from flirtatious to genuinely supportive. He chuckled to himself, appreciating the richness and diversity of his partner's character.

As Kofi's race came to an end, even though he didn't secure a win this time, he didn't seem disheartened. He walked with his arm around his racing partner, their competitive fire burning bright in their eyes.

"Luca!" Kofi yelled as he jogged over, prompting his partner to join him in a jog. "This is my cousin, T' Otieno. He's the owner of this track," he introduced with a wide grin, a sense of pride in his voice.

Luca extended a hand to Otieno with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, A'Otieno . Your track is incredible, and Kofi's a fantastic racer," he said, genuinely impressed by the experience he had enjoyed at the track.

Taya, the owner of the track, shook Luca's hand with a warm smile. "Thank you, Dae Luca. I'm glad you enjoyed it," he replied. "And it's always great to see enthusiastic newcomers like you around here."

Kofi, still brimming with energy from the race, gave Luca a playful nudge. "Taya here is not only the owner but also the reason I got into racing in the first place," he explained, his admiration for his cousin evident.

Noah, ever the charmer, couldn't resist adding a touch of playfulness to the conversation. "Well, Luca, it seems like you've made quite an impression on both the racers and the track owner today," he quipped, his tone lighthearted and flirtatious once more.

Miles, standing beside Noah with a grin, couldn't help but roll his eyes in a playful manner.

Luca, feeling the adrenaline of the day and the competitive spirit in the air, made a spontaneous decision. "You know what, A' Noah?" he purred, a seductive glint in his eye, "I think I'll take you up on that race after all."

Noah's eyes darkened with desire, his voice lowering to match Luca's seductive tone. "I was hoping you'd say that," he whispered, their proximity sending shivers down their spines.

As Luca prepared to race, A'Otieno, the track owner, couldn't help but notice the electric tension between the two racers.

With a knowing smile, he offered, "D' Luca, I have a spare race-ready bike you can use for this... friendly competition. It's all tuned up and ready to go."

Luca, his heart pounding with anticipation, accepted Taya's offer with a sultry smile. "That's incredibly kind of you, A'Otieno. Thank you," he said, his gaze locked with Noah's.

Taya led Luca to the spare bike, fully aware of the heightened atmosphere between the racers.

Luca practically buzzed with anticipation as he slipped into the snug race suit. The fabric hugged his body, emphasizing every contour and adding to the mounting excitement in the air.

His heart raced as he straddled the sleek, race-ready bike, the engine's powerful purr vibrating through his body. The energy between him and Noah crackled like electricity, intensifying his eagerness for the upcoming race.

The moment had finally arrived. Luca and Noah, their bikes revving in unison, lined up at the starting line. The air was charged with anticipation, and the thrill of the race coursed through their veins.

For Luca, this was more than just a race; it was an intense exploration of his own hidden desires.

The roaring engines and the rush of wind against his helmet were like a symphony that played to the beat of his racing heart. The scent of gasoline and the burning rubber added to the intoxicating mix of sensations that enveloped him.

The signal came, and the race was on. The engines roared to life as Luca and Noah tore down the straightaway, side by side, their bikes reaching incredible speeds.

Luca could feel the raw power of his machine beneath him, an extension of himself as he merged with the mechanical beast.

The wind whipped past them, and Luca's world narrowed down to the winding ribbon of asphalt ahead. Every twist and turn, every lean into the corners, was a ballet of precision and daring. His heart pounded in rhythm with the growling engine, and he reveled in the sensation of pushing his limits.

Noah, just inches away, became both a rival and a driving force. The sexual tension from earlier now fueled their fierce competition, adding a layer of desire to the already charged atmosphere.

Luca's senses were on high alert, his focus razor-sharp, as he and Noah engaged in this electrifying dance of skill and passion.

With each twist and turn, Luca pushed himself harder, his determination unwavering. The race became a symphony of power and precision, a blend of adrenaline and desire that surged through his veins.

The track was his canvas, and his bike was his brush, painting strokes of exhilaration with each calculated move.

As the finish line approached, Luca and Noah were locked in a thrilling battle, their bikes thundering toward victory.

The intensity of the race had reached its peak, and in that moment, nothing else mattered to Luca but the pursuit of glory and the all-encompassing sensation of being truly alive on the racetrack.

Luca's muscles strained as he pushed his bike to the limit, the thrill of the race coursing through his veins like liquid fire.

With the finish line in sight, Luca's heart pounded even harder. He leaned into the last turn, feeling the G-forces pull at him. The world became a blur of colors and sensations, and he could taste victory just a few meters away.

In that final sprint, Luca and Noah gave it their all. Their bikes thundered forward, the engines roaring with the last reserves of power. It was a battle of wills, a testament to their skill and determination.

And then, in a burst of speed and determination, Luca crossed the finish line first.

He had won.

Luca collapsed to the ground, exhausted but victorious. He had pushed himself to the limit, and he had emerged victorious. The feeling was exhilarating, and he knew that he would never forget this moment.

Noah, coming to a stop just after the finish line, quickly dismounted his bike and rushed over to Luca. He knelt beside him, a mixture of exhaustion and admiration in his eyes. "That's crazy Dae," he said, his voice filled with genuine respect. "That was an incredible race."

Luca, gasping for breath, managed a tired but triumphant smile. "Thanks, A'Noah," he replied, his chest heaving. "That was... unbelievable."

Miles, ever attentive to Noah's well-being, offered a hand to help him up from the ground. Noah accepted the assistance with a grateful nod, his eyes still locked onto Luca.

Noah leaned in closer to Luca, a playful glint in his eye. "You were absolutely amazing out there, Dae," he purred, his words dripping with seductive charm. "You've earned yourself a special reward. How about a meal? My treat."

Luca, still catching his breath, flashed a tired but intrigued smile. "I think I can find some room for a meal after that race," he replied, his voice tinged with playful anticipation.

Kofi, who had been watching the race with bated breath, joined the group, a wide grin on his face as he approached Luca.

"That was one hell of a race, Luca!" he exclaimed, slapping his friend on the back with enthusiasm. "You're crazy driving like that."

Otieno also joined the gathering, a proud smile on his face. "I must say, Dae Luca, you've left quite an impression today," he remarked, his tone filled with admiration. "It's not every day we see such talent on our track."

Noah, never one to miss an opportunity for a flirtatious remark, turned to Luca with a sly grin. "So, Dae Luca," he purred, "how about we celebrate your victory with that meal I mentioned? I know a fantastic place not too far from here."

Luca, feeling a sense of camaraderie and excitement with his new friends, couldn't resist Noah's tempting offer. "I'd love that," he replied, his voice filled with anticipation.

Wei was not having a good time.

    The events of that Wednesday played over and over like a broken record. He couldn't escape the memories, the emotions, and the regrets that haunted him.

Each moment seemed etched into his consciousness—the words exchanged and the painful silence that had followed. It was as if he were trapped in a never-ending loop of that disastrous day, unable to find respite.

Sure it was a step up from his previous conversation with Luca, but what can he do? Both conversations had Luca carrying it as if Luca had taken up the role of an experienced and successful player, leaving Wei feeling like the newcomer struggling to keep up.

The contrast between their conversations weighed heavily on Wei's mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow falling short, that he needed to prove himself or level up to match Luca's confidence and charm.

As he replayed their interactions in his head, Wei couldn't help but wonder what he could do differently.

Should he assert himself more?

No. Seeing Luca three times, not counting the TV appearances, was too much for two weeks.

Wei felt like ripping the hair off his head in frustration.

His brother, Kai, walked in, seemingly unfazed by Wei's frustration.

"Taya, you're looking kinda stupid," he remarked casually, looking ready to head to the studio for work.

Wei sighed, accustomed to his brother's straightforward comments.

"According to you, I always look stupid. Just go," he said with a dismissive wave, letting Kai continue on his way.

Moping around won't do much to Wei's mental health. He needed to go outside.

But where?

No where near Luca of course.

Where is Luca?

All those meetings with him happened to be all coincidences. If he goes without checking where he is, they might meet again. Right now, he can't do that.

He didn't have his part time advising job to do anymore as the semester has ended. It will be a month before the new semester starts and Wei could be busy elsewhere.

He loathed the fact that the company moved to City D. If it weren't for that, he more than likely would not have seen Luca at all.

As he contemplated his options, Wei made up his mind to go out and clear his head. He needed to find a place where he could escape his own thoughts, even if only for a little while.

Wei stepped out into the bustling streets of the city in his cargo shorts and oversized tee.

His plan was simple: to aimlessly wander and let the city take him wherever it pleased. There were plenty of things on his to-do list, but at the moment, he had little desire to tackle them.

As he walked along the sidewalk, the neon glow of movie theater marquees caught his eye. A sudden idea struck him.

He should watch a movie.

A movie should distract him.

With newfound purpose, Wei headed to the nearest cinema. He purchased a random ticket, thinking that maybe luck was going to help him choose a movie that would distract him.

Distract him indeed.

The theater's dim lights cast an eerie atmosphere as Wei settled into his seat, popcorn in hand. He had chosen a movie at random, unaware of its genre. As the film began, it became apparent that he was in for a spine-tingling experience.

"The suspense is killing me," Wei mumbled to himself, oblivious to the fact that he was watching a horror movie. He took a handful of popcorn, his casual demeanor rapidly shifting.

The eerie music swelled, and the screen came alive with dark, foreboding visuals. Wei's eyes widened as he realized the terrifying truth.

"Wait, is this a horror movie?" he whispered to no one in particular.

Scenes of suspense and jump scares unfolded on the screen, and Wei found himself gripping his popcorn with a white-knuckled grip.

Every shadow seemed menacing, every creak of a floorboard sent shivers down his spine. He had unwittingly chosen a film that preyed on his deepest fears.

"Maybe I should have checked the genre first," Wei muttered, his voice trembling as he tried to convince himself that it was just a movie.

The horror movie played on, and Wei's anxiety grew with each passing minute. He squirmed in his seat, unable to tear his eyes away from the unfolding terror. What had started as an attempt to distract himself had turned into a comically terrifying ordeal.

His heart raced, and he couldn't help but jump at every unexpected noise. People around him chuckled at his exaggerated reactions, unaware of Wei's unintentional choice of entertainment.

As the film's climax approached, Wei's anxiety reached a peak. He watched through parted fingers as the on-screen characters faced their terrifying ordeal.

He could feel his own heart hammering in his chest, and his palms were sweaty. He was so scared that he thought he might be sick.

The credits finally rolled, and Wei let out a nervous laugh, his heart still pounding. He couldn't believe he had inadvertently subjected himself to such a frightful experience. He staggered out of the theater, feeling shaken and disoriented.

Leaving the theater, Wei couldn't help but thank the gods for the fresh air and everything else that wasn't part of that terrifying movie. He vowed to himself that next time, he would definitely research a film's genre before watching it.

As he walked down the street, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He kept glancing over his shoulder, expecting to see something horrific lurking in the shadows.

His body was still trembling, and goosebumps covered his arms. He shivered at the memory of the horror movie's spine-chilling scenes.

Wei had barely survived that one, and the thought of going to watch another horror film was far from his mind. He needed a dose of comedy or something lighthearted to recover from the unintentional fright fest he had just endured.

He needed a cinematic palate cleanser, something lighthearted to soothe his frazzled nerves. He decided to head to a nearby food court where they held all different types of foods and drinks. Most of these are just recreations of outside the dome foods. Foods that majorly the elderly miss.

He decided to go to a nearby stall and get himself a passion fruit drink.

"Hello Dae," he greeted the girl who was hard at work, making drinks as well as collecting drinks.

"Hello Ain. Is there anything you want?" She asked as she put the mixer down and went to get Wei's order.

"I want a passion fruit refresher. The one with a tiny bit of lemon in it," he ordered, staring at the colorful images on the board, "can I also get a bag of roasted nuts?"

"Sure. That should be 8 leions. Will that be fine?" She asked as she tapped out the order.

"No, that's completely fine. Here, keep the change," Wei said, handing a 10 leion bill to the barista who had served him his coffee and cake.

"Oh, uh, thank you. This is very much appreciated," she replied, a grateful smile on her face as she pocketed the change after inputting the money.

As Wei stood by, waiting for his order, he couldn't shake the feeling that the barista looked strangely familiar. It didn't take long for the pieces to fall into place.

"Dae, you work as a delivery person too?" he asked, surprise evident in his voice as he recognized her from his previous interactions in a different context.

"Yes, Ain. That's one of my other part-time jobs," she replied with a nod, her hands deftly shaking a mixer to prepare another customer's drink.

Wei couldn't help but be confused at the fact that she's handling more than one part time job.

"Dae, aren't you younger than me? You go to college, right? You should be having fun and going out with your friends," Wei inquired, concern lacing his words as he considered her hectic schedule and the sacrifices she might be making to balance work and studies.

"Not anymore," she replied with a hint of sadness, her smile carrying a tinge of melancholy as she handed Wei his drink. "I have to take care of my dae, and his school tuition is a lot. It's just the two of us right now."

"Do you have a degree, Dae?" Wei inquired, taking a sip of his drink and being immediately met with a burst of passion fruit flavor that momentarily distracted his taste buds.

Wei's question about her degree caught her off guard, and she hesitated for a moment before responding, "Actually, I don't have a degree. I have to take care of my dae."

Wei nodded, understanding that circumstances sometimes dictated the paths people took. "If you need help or a better job, you can come to Dewdrop Collective. We can help pay for your degree," he offered, showing empathy for the challenges she had faced.

Her eyes widened in surprise and gratitude at Wei's unexpected offer. She had never expected such kindness from a stranger.

"Thank you for your offer, but I am fine where I am right now," she replied, her voice filled with appreciation. "I'll consider it seriously. Thank you so much for the offer."

Wei smiled warmly, touched by her response. "You're welcome. If you ever do decide to come, just ask for Wei," he said as he slid his business card towards her, sincerely hoping that she would find the support she needed to achieve her goals.

"Thank you," she replied as she handed Wei his nuts.

Wei decided to sit down at a nearby picnic table, the wooden surface sturdy beneath him. He took out his phone and began to scroll through its contents, occasionally taking a sip of his drink and munching on a handful of nuts.

As Wei continued to scroll through his social media feed, he was taken aback when a message from Miles popped up. He opened it and was greeted by an image. It was a playful move, and Wei couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

Miles: *Image sent*

Wei knew Miles well enough to recognize that he didn't usually send images to him unless it was something related to his boyfriend, Noah.

Typically, those kinds of messages were reserved for the nighttime. Wei had quite a collection of pictures of Noah, a testament to his past crush.

He couldn't help but chuckle at Miles' teasing. It was his way of good-naturedly ribbing Wei about his former crush on Noah, a subject they occasionally bantered about.

Wei frowned as he looked at the image.

However, Wei's amusement turned into a frown as he looked at the image. It was a picture of Miles, Noah, Luca, and one other person.

The unexpected sight of Luca in the photo brought a mix of emotions, and Wei couldn't help but wonder what had brought them all together.

Wei's curiosity and the mix of emotions he felt prompted him to type a quick response to Miles.

Wei: Why you sent this?

Wei hit send, hoping for a quick reply that would kill his curiosity. Instead, Miles sent another photo.

Without thinking, Wei opened it, and his heart skipped a beat.

It was a photo of Luca in a race suit. He was standing with his back to the camera, and his muscles were bulging through the fabric. Wei could see the sweat dripping down his neck, and the way the sun glinted off his hair.

Wei almost dropped his phone. He had never seen Luca looking so good-looking.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart. It was just a photo, he told himself. Just a photo.

But Wei couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss Luca. To feel his lips against his own, and to taste the salt of his sweat.

No wait.

Nope.

He's not going to do this.

He's going to forget about Luca and continue on with his merry day.

He should go to Kai's studio. Maybe throwing paint and making a mess in Kai's studio would help.

Wei walks into Kai's studio and is immediately greeted by the smell of paint and the sound of music blaring from the speakers. Kai is nowhere to be seen, but Wei knows that he's around somewhere.

Wei walks over to the center of the studio and looks around. There are canvases and sculptures everywhere, and the walls are covered in splashes of paint. Wei smiles. This is exactly the place he needs to be.

He picks up a brush and dips it into a can of red paint. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Then, he opens his eyes and starts to paint.

He paints with wild abandon, not caring about what the outcome will be. He paints his anger, his frustration, and his longing for Luca. He paints everything he's feeling, and it feels good to finally let it all out.

After a while, Wei stops to admire his work. The room was filled with a chaotic display of lanterns, a beautiful mess that reflected his inner turmoil and emotions.

It might not have been perfect, but it was a reflection of who he was and what he was feeling at that moment.

He takes a step back and smiles. He's starting to feel better already.

"Taya? You're here?" Kai's voice interrupted Wei's moment of contemplation as he walked into the room.

Wei hummed, still smiling at work. "Needed to clear out my head for a bit."

Kai gave a knowing nod, understanding the therapeutic power of creative expression. He took in the chaotic beauty of the lanterns but couldn't help but ask, "It looks amazing, Taya... What is it?"

Wei chuckled, looking at the lanterns as if seeing them with fresh eyes. "Lights. Just normal lights."

Kai shook his head at the vague reply.

"Really Taya? You two are obsessed with string lights. Actually lights of any kind. It's like you're trying to compensate for something."

"What do you mean?" Wei asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I don't know," Kai said with a shrug. "Maybe it's the lack of sunlight in this city. Or maybe it's your way of coping with the fact that you have no fashion sense."

Wei gasped in mock horror. "I have perfect fashion sense!"

"Sure you do," Kai said, rolling his eyes. "That's why you're wearing that hideous oversized shirt."

Wei looked down at his shirt and frowned. There was nothing wrong with it. It was a plain white oversized shirt, but it was comfortable and stylish.

"What's wrong with my shirt?" Wei asked, looking back up at Kai.

"It's just so...oversized," Kai said. "It looks like you're wearing a tent."

"I like oversized shirts," Wei said defensively. "They're comfortable."

"Comfortable, maybe," Kai said. "But stylish? Not so much."

Wei rolled his eyes. "You have no fashion sense," he said.

"Oh, yeah?" Kai said. "Well, at least I'm not wearing a shirt that looks like I borrowed it from my big brother."

Wei laughed. "You're so funny. You're the one stealing from my closet," he said. "You should be a comedian."

"Maybe I will be," Kai said.

Kai and Wei continued to banter back and forth, playfully teasing each other about their fashion sense.

"So, what do you want to do for dinner?" Kai asked.

"I don't know," Wei said. "What are you hungry for?"

"I'm open to anything," Kai said. "As long as it's not lit up like a Christmas tree."

Wei laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

The two went to clean up. Kai had a bedroom in the studio if he ever decided to pull an all-nighter or work until it's impossible to go home.

The two brothers then headed out to get food. They were both hungry, and they were both looking forward to a meal together. They didn't have the time to do that as they had worked very late to the point that one is already in bed sleeping.