AEAO

ten

The UCLA campus was alive with energy—students bustling between classes, the constant hum of conversation filling the air, and the occasional skateboard whizzing past. It was a place of opportunity, growth, and freedom, and for Shi, it was everything she'd dreamed college would be.

But while college was about exploring her passions and future, it was also about navigating her relationship with Luca, who had unexpectedly become such an important part of her world.

Shi's favorite place on campus was the design studio—a high-ceilinged, open space filled with drafting tables, easels, and walls lined with student projects. The natural light pouring in from the large windows always made her feel inspired.

Today, she was working on a concept art project focused on sustainability. Her canvas was a mix of recycled materials—plastic, fabric, and natural pigments. It was ambitious, and the pressure was starting to get to her.

"Hey, genius. Everything okay?" came the familiar voice of Carlos, her classmate, interrupting her thoughts.

Shi looked up from her work, surprised to see him standing by her desk, holding a coffee cup. She smiled and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

"I'm fine," she said, sighing. "Just a little stressed. I've been working on this for weeks, and it still doesn't feel right."

Carlos smirked, walking over to her desk and glancing at the piece she was working on. "This? You're crazy if you think this isn't good. You're gonna kill it, Shi."

"I hope so," she murmured, not quite convinced.

Carlos noticed her distraction. "Hey, what's going on? Something on your mind besides the project?"

Shi shrugged, looking down at her phone. The screen was filled with a text from Luca:

Luca: "How's the project going? You're gonna crush it. Let me know if you need a break. You deserve it."

It made her smile, the warmth of his words immediately easing some of her tension.

"I'm just... trying to juggle everything. I'm in so many clubs, and the project is a huge deal, but it's all worth it. I don't want to mess up."

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "You and Luca have a lot going on, huh? I'm guessing he's one of the distractions?"

Shi laughed, shaking her head. "He's not a distraction. He's—well, it's complicated."

Carlos nodded knowingly. "If he's good to you, don't overthink it."

Shi didn't respond, lost in thought. She knew she had to keep focus, but Luca's presence in her life was something she couldn't ignore. They'd grown so close over the past few months. It felt right, but at times, she was unsure how to balance her personal life with her academic ambitions.

That afternoon, after class ended, Shi received a message from Luca asking her to meet him at the botanical garden later. He had a few hours before his next match, and he wanted to spend the time with her.

She was happy, but also hesitant. Shouldn't she be working on her projects? Was it okay to take a break? But then again, there was Luca.

Shi quickly texted him back:

Shi: "Meet you in 30. Don't get too cocky before your match."

Luca: "Haha, I won't. Can't wait to see you."

The campus botanical garden was her sanctuary. It was quiet, peaceful, and the perfect place to relax. When Shi arrived, Luca was already waiting by the large fountain, his fingers tapping absentmindedly against the stone edge.

"You're late," he said with a smile as he looked up at her.

"I'm not late; you're just early," Shi teased, slipping into the space next to him.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of water trickling from the fountain filling the air.

"How's the project going?" Luca asked, glancing at her with that easygoing smile of his.

Shi let out a small sigh. "I'm stuck. I'm pushing myself too hard, I think. I'm trying to do everything perfectly, but it's making me doubt myself."

Luca placed a gentle hand on hers, his touch warm. "You're always pushing yourself. But remember, you don't have to be perfect to be amazing, Shi. You're already incredible as you are."

She met his gaze, and for a moment, it felt like everything outside of this garden didn't matter. "Thanks, Luca," she whispered.

His smile softened, and he moved a little closer, his arm brushing hers. "I mean it. You're going places, Shi. You've got this."

They sat like that for a while, with Luca keeping her company while she gathered her thoughts, feeling the weight of her worries lift just by being in his presence.

Luca's phone buzzed, pulling him out of the moment. He glanced at the screen, then groaned. "Looks like I need to get going. Coach wants me to warm up."

"Go, go," Shi said with a teasing smile. "I'll be fine here. I have to get back to that monster of a project anyway."

"Yeah, yeah, don't work too hard," Luca replied with a wink, standing up and stretching. "Text me later?"

"Definitely," Shi said, watching him head off.

Later that night, after hours of working on her project and still feeling like it wasn't enough, Shi took a break and called Luca. He'd just gotten back from his match and was still riding the high of the team's victory.

"Hey, you," Luca answered, his voice light and full of energy.

"I'm exhausted," Shi admitted, slumping into her bed. "This project is seriously testing my patience."

"You'll get through it," he said confidently. "I know you. And you're not alone in this. I'm here if you need to vent, or if you just want a distraction."

Shi smiled, shaking her head. "I just... I don't know how to balance everything. Sometimes it feels like I'm drowning in all the expectations."

"You're balancing it perfectly, Shi," Luca reassured. "Don't forget to breathe. You've got the talent, and I believe in you."

She exhaled slowly, grateful for him. "Thanks, Luca. You always know how to make me feel better."

"Well, that's what I'm here for," he said with a grin she could almost hear. "Now go to bed. We'll talk tomorrow. You deserve some rest, too."

Shi hung up with a contented sigh, feeling more centered than she had all day. Even though college was challenging, Luca's presence was a reminder that she wasn't alone on this journey. And maybe—just maybe—she could have both the world she was building and the relationship she was slowly allowing to bloom.