AEAO

two

Shi was sitting on the grass outside Kerckhoff Hall, a sketchpad balanced on her knees. The late afternoon sun painted everything in soft golden hues, and she was lost in her own world, shading the details of a tree that caught her eye.

She loved moments like this—just her, her art, and the hum of life around her.

"Hey, are you drawing that tree?"

Shi looked up, startled by the voice. Standing before her was a tall, athletic guy with wavy dark hair and a confident grin. He was holding a tennis racket, his gym bag slung over one shoulder.

"Uh, yeah," Shi replied, glancing at her sketchpad.

"It looks incredible," he said, his voice easy and warm. "Way better than the real thing, honestly."

Shi smiled despite herself. "Thanks. I'm Shi, by the way."

"Luca," he said, dropping his bag and sitting on the grass beside her without hesitation. "Luca Reyes. D1 tennis, not-so-humble brag."

Shi raised an eyebrow. "That's quite the introduction."

He laughed. "Hey, when you spend as much time on the court as I do, you've got to own it. But seriously, what's your major? Art, I'm guessing?"

"Yeah," Shi said, closing her sketchpad. "Art and psychology. I want to do art therapy."

"Art therapy? That's amazing," Luca said, his expression genuine. "My sister went to therapy for a while after an injury, but it was all talk therapy. I think she would've loved something like that."

Shi nodded. "It's a great way to help people express things they can't put into words. I've been volunteering at a community center to lead workshops."

"Impressive," Luca said, leaning back on his hands. "So, do you ever take commissions? Because my dorm could seriously use some art that isn't a wrinkled Lakers poster."

Shi laughed. "Let me guess—you're terrible at decorating?"

"The worst," Luca admitted, grinning. "But maybe you can help me fix that?"

Over the next few weeks, Shi found herself bumping into Luca more often—at the campus café, on the quad, even in the library.

"Are you stalking me?" Shi teased one afternoon as they waited for their coffees.

"Maybe you're stalking me," Luca shot back, smirking. "But seriously, I was hoping to run into you. Our team has a match this Friday. You should come."

Shi hesitated. "I don't know much about tennis."

"Perfect," Luca said. "You won't know if I mess up. It's a win-win."

Shi laughed, rolling her eyes. "Fine. I'll come."

Friday came faster than Shi expected, and she found herself sitting in the bleachers, surrounded by other students cheering for UCLA. The energy was infectious, and Shi couldn't help but get caught up in it.

When Luca stepped onto the court, he shot her a quick grin, his confidence practically radiating off him.

Shi clapped along with the crowd, her eyes glued to the match. She wasn't sure what to expect, but Luca was incredible—his movements fluid and precise, his focus unshakable.

When he won the final point, securing the victory for his team, the crowd erupted in cheers. Shi stood, clapping and shouting along with everyone else.

After the match, Luca found her by the bleachers, his hair damp with sweat and a victorious grin on his face.

"So? What'd you think?" he asked, slinging his racket over his shoulder.

"Not bad," Shi said, teasing. "You might actually be good at this tennis thing."

Luca laughed. "High praise from an art prodigy."

Shi rolled her eyes but smiled. "You were amazing, Luca. Thanks for inviting me."

He looked at her, his expression softening. "Anytime. But next time, I'm bringing you onto the court. You've got to try it."

"Me? Play tennis?" Shi asked, incredulous.

"Absolutely," Luca said, his grin widening. "You might surprise yourself."

As they walked off together, the buzz of the match still lingering in the air, Shi couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. She had no idea where this unexpected connection might lead, but she was curious to find out.