AEAO

twenty-six

The dim lights of the small cafe cast a soft glow on Shi and Luca as they sat across from each other, the buzz of conversation and clinking coffee cups creating a distant hum in the background. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the cool Los Angeles breeze swept through the open windows, ruffling Shi's hair and bringing a fresh scent of summer rain. Despite the quiet surroundings, there was an undeniable tension between them. They had been together for a while now, and for the first time, they found themselves at a crossroads.

Luca sat back in his chair, his hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee, but his mind was far away. He was usually so confident—on the court and in his life—but this was different. This wasn't something he could just train for or push through. This was about the future. About the two of them.

"So..." Luca began, his voice steady but with an edge of uncertainty. "I know we've been talking about it for a while, but I think it's time we really think about what's next. About our future. What do we want? And... are we ready for it?"

Shi looked at him, her eyes focused and thoughtful. She had been turning these questions over in her own mind for weeks, but now that the moment was here, she found herself nervous, unsure of what to say. The easy path—just letting things flow, not forcing any decisions—had been comfortable. But she knew that comfort couldn't last forever.

"I've been thinking about that too," Shi replied, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup as she spoke. "You know, after everything that's happened... my past, your career, us... I've realized that we're both growing, and that means our relationship has to grow too." She paused, taking a breath. "But I don't know if I'm ready to take the next step. What does that even mean for us?"

Luca's gaze softened, and he set his coffee down, leaning forward slightly. "I'm not talking about rushing into anything. I'm talking about a real conversation—about what we want out of our lives. What we want out of each other."

Shi felt a knot form in her stomach. "You mean like... moving in together?" she asked quietly, her voice unsure.

Luca nodded, but there was a hesitation in his eyes. "It's more than that. We've talked about our careers, our families, where we want to be in five years. But what happens when we're faced with real decisions? What happens when things get complicated?"

Shi felt the weight of his words. This wasn't just about the small moments they shared now—this was about their long-term plans. Their lives. Could she picture herself living with Luca? Could she picture a future together, a shared life in a city that was constantly moving, always evolving?

"I've always been the one to push forward," Luca continued, his voice softening. "Chasing my career, traveling, doing what I love. But I need to know if you're going to be by my side, if this is something we want. Not just me."

Shi stared at him for a moment, feeling the tug of his words. She had always been so independent, focused on her own goals, her own future. She had spent years figuring out who she was outside of her family, outside of Luca. But now she realized that maybe, just maybe, there was room for him in her future, too.

"You know," Shi began, her voice taking on a more reflective tone. "I've never really thought about what it would be like to share my life like that. I've always been focused on surviving, getting through school, making sure I'm not just defined by everything that's happened to me. But with you, I feel like... I feel like maybe I could finally take a step into the future, without looking over my shoulder."

Luca's heart swelled with emotion. He had always admired Shi's strength, her resilience. And here, for the first time, he saw the vulnerability in her words. It wasn't easy for her to open up like this, to let him in fully. But she was doing it, and that meant more to him than anything.

"I want you in my life, Shi. I want us in my life. I'm not asking you to move in tomorrow or make any big decisions right now. But I think we need to decide if we're ready to take the next step. Together."

The question hung in the air like a delicate thread, weaving between them. Shi sat back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Luca as she thought deeply about her response. Could she really picture a future with him? Could they build something lasting, something real, despite all the chaos that life could throw at them?

"I think we're getting there," Shi finally said, her voice quiet but sure. "I don't know exactly what the next step looks like, but I know that I want you in it. I don't want to be afraid of the future anymore."

Luca smiled, relief flooding through him as he reached across the table to take her hand. "Then let's figure it out together."

After the cafe, the two of them took a long walk through the city, the bright lights of LA stretching out in front of them like endless possibilities. The weight of their conversation still hung in the air, but now, it felt less like a burden and more like the beginning of something new.

They passed by small shops, restaurants, and cafes, the energy of the city filling them with a sense of hope. They had no concrete answers yet—no perfect plan for what came next—but they both knew they were on the same path. And that was enough.

As they walked, Luca stopped and turned to face Shi, pulling her gently toward him. "So, what do you think about me taking you on a little adventure? No big commitments, just you and me... a trip away from everything."

Shi raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "You're suggesting we run away from all our decisions?"

Luca grinned. "Not run away—just take a moment to figure it out. Just us. What do you say?"

Shi laughed softly, feeling the weight of the moment lighten. "I think I'm up for it."

They shared a moment of quiet understanding before Luca leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. It was soft, reassuring—a reminder that while their future was still unknown, they were facing it together, with no rush and no fear.