AEAO

seven

Shi was at the kitchen counter of her apartment, flipping through a sketchbook while nibbling on a granola bar. The apartment was quiet, a rare moment of peace between her classes and assignments. She was halfway through a design for her next project when her phone buzzed.

Luca: "Are you home? I need to ask you something."

Shi raised an eyebrow at the message. Luca wasn't usually cryptic.

Shi: "Yeah, come over. Door's unlocked."

A few minutes later, there was a light knock, and Luca stepped in. He looked more polished than usual, his D1 tennis team hoodie swapped for a crisp black polo, and he had his hands tucked nervously into his jeans pockets.

"Hey," Shi greeted, setting her sketchbook aside. "You look... different. What's up?"

Luca scratched the back of his neck, his usual confidence replaced with a kind of endearing awkwardness. "Uh, I wanted to ask you for a favor. But don't laugh, okay?"

Shi smirked. "Now I'm definitely laughing. What is it?"

Luca took a deep breath, his brown eyes meeting hers. "I want to ask your mom for permission to take you on a date."

Shi froze, her granola bar halfway to her mouth. "You... what?"

"You heard me," he said, his cheeks tinged with pink. "I respect your family, Shi. And I know how much they mean to you. I don't want to take you out without making sure they're cool with it."

Shi blinked, her heart doing a weird flip in her chest. "That's... really sweet. But also terrifying. My mom can be intimidating."

"I've faced tougher opponents on the court," Luca said with a crooked grin. "Besides, your mom already likes me, right?"

Shi laughed. "She tolerates you. But okay, if you're serious about this, I'll call her."

A few moments later, Shi had her mom, Camari, on a video call. Camari's familiar, poised face filled the screen, her eyebrows arching slightly at the sight of Luca standing awkwardly beside Shi.

"Shi, sweetheart, what's going on? Everything okay?" Camari asked.

"Everything's fine, Mom," Shi said quickly. "Luca wanted to talk to you. About something... important."

Camari's eyes narrowed slightly as she focused on Luca. "Luca? What is it?"

Luca cleared his throat, suddenly looking much less confident. "Hi, Ms. Reems. Um, I know you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point. I really like Shi, and I'd like to take her on a date. But I wanted to ask for your blessing first."

Camari's expression softened, but there was still a hint of sharpness in her gaze. "You're asking me for permission?"

"Yes, ma'am," Luca said, standing a little straighter. "Shi means a lot to me, and I want to do things the right way."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Camari smiled—a genuine, warm smile. "You're a brave young man, I'll give you that. I appreciate your respect for my daughter and our family. I'll say yes, but only on one condition."

Luca nodded eagerly. "Anything."

"You treat Shi with the care and respect she deserves," Camari said, her tone firm but kind. "And if you hurt her, you'll answer to me—and my husband."

Shi stifled a laugh, covering her mouth. Luca, however, looked completely serious as he said, "I understand, Ms. Reems. I promise."

Camari's smile grew. "Then you have my blessing. Take care of my girl."

After they ended the call, Luca let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Well, that wasn't so bad."

Shi shook her head, grinning. "You're ridiculous. But I have to admit, that was kind of amazing."

"So," Luca said, his confidence returning. "What do you say? Friday night? Dinner and maybe a walk by the pier?"

Shi pretended to think for a moment, then smiled. "Okay, Mr. Tennis Star. You've earned it."

Luca grinned, his excitement evident. "It's a date."

Shi laughed, feeling a mixture of nerves and anticipation bubbling in her chest. This was going to be interesting.