AEAO

six

Shi smiled as she waited outside her apartment building, the warm California sun filtering through the trees. Her best friend, Alana, pulled up in her sleek, blue convertible, music blaring as she honked playfully.

"Get in, girl!" Alana called, throwing her sunglasses on and grinning.

Shi hopped into the passenger seat, laughing as the wind tousled her hair. "Okay, what's the plan? You said we needed to de-stress, but I don't trust you to keep it low-key."

Alana smirked, pulling out into traffic. "Low-key isn't in my vocabulary, Shi. First stop: brunch. Then shopping, and after that? You'll just have to wait and see."

They pulled into a trendy café in Beverly Hills, where the tables were adorned with fresh flowers and the smell of espresso wafted through the air. The two snagged a corner table, scrolling through the menu.

"Avocado toast or pancakes?" Shi mused.

"Both," Alana said confidently. "You've had a rough week. Treat yourself."

They ordered a feast: stacks of fluffy pancakes, perfectly poached eggs, and mimosas that sparkled in the light.

"So," Alana said between bites, "spill. How are things with Luca?"

Shi groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Why does everyone keep asking me that? We're just friends."

Alana raised an eyebrow. "Friends don't look at each other the way he looks at you, Shi."

Shi hesitated, toying with her fork. "He's been really sweet lately. But I don't know. It's complicated."

Alana leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Complicated is just another word for 'interesting.' Don't overthink it. Just see where it goes."

Shi smiled, feeling lighter. "You're impossible."

"I know," Alana said with a wink.

After brunch, they hit the shops on Rodeo Drive. Alana dragged Shi into every boutique, insisting she try on outfits that were completely out of her comfort zone.

"Come on," Alana said, holding up a sleek red dress. "This would look amazing on you."

Shi rolled her eyes but took the dress into the fitting room. When she stepped out, Alana clapped her hands dramatically. "Girl, if Luca sees you in that, he's gonna faint."

Shi laughed, twirling in front of the mirror. "It's not bad, I guess."

"It's more than 'not bad,'" Alana said, snapping a picture. "We're getting it."

"Alana, it's way too expensive—"

"Consider it a gift," Alana said, waving her off. "You're worth it."

After a long day of shopping, Alana drove them to Venice Beach for the "surprise" she had mentioned earlier. They strolled along the boardwalk, the ocean breeze cooling the heat of the day.

Shi noticed a small art stand tucked away near the edge of the beach, where a local artist was painting portraits.

"Come on," Alana said, tugging her toward the stand. "Let's get one done together."

The artist smiled warmly and gestured for them to sit. As he worked, Shi and Alana laughed about old memories, from sneaking into movies as kids to their disastrous attempt at a high school talent show.

When the artist finished, he handed them the portrait. It was a vibrant, colorful depiction of the two of them, their smiles radiant and carefree.

"This is amazing," Shi said, her voice soft.

"You're amazing," Alana said, wrapping an arm around her. "Don't let the world get you down, Shi. You've got this."

Shi hugged her, the day's joy filling her heart. No matter what challenges came her way, she knew she could face them with friends like Alana by her side.

As they walked back to the car, the sun dipping low on the horizon, Shi felt a renewed sense of strength and gratitude. Girls' day out? Success.