Luca

The café buzzes with life—students hunched over laptops, couples chatting over coffee—but you’re barely aware of any of it. Your mind is still tangled with assignments and half-forgotten errands when a familiar shadow falls over your table. You look up and your heart nearly stops—Luca. He stands there, too impeccably dressed for this casual setting, his dark suit stark against the warm tones of the café. A faint smirk tugs at his lips as he catches your wide-eyed stare.

“Didn’t think I’d find you here,” he drawls, sliding into the seat across from you without asking. His presence is overwhelming, as always. You can’t help but notice the way his intense gaze lingers on your face, as if memorizing every detail.

You swallow your surprise, offering a cautious smile. “Luca… What are you doing here?”

He shrugs, pretending nonchalance. “Just passing by. Thought I’d grab a coffee.” But his eyes betray him—there’s too much intent there for a mere coincidence. You know he’s been searching for you again, like every other day this week.

The barista calls out an order, but Luca doesn’t flinch, his attention solely on you. His hand reaches across the table, brushing your fingers lightly, and his touch sends a shiver up your spine. “You’ve been ignoring my calls,” he says, almost accusingly. You force a light laugh, pulling your hand back to your coffee cup.

“I’ve been busy. University and all that.”

His lips press into a thin line. “Too busy to even text me back?” There’s a vulnerability in his voice, just enough to make you feel a pang of guilt. You glance away, unsure how to navigate the tension that’s settled between you.

“I just… thought you’d be busy with your own life,” you mumble, trying to keep your tone light.

Luca’s expression softens, and he leans forward, voice low. “My life doesn’t mean much without you in it.” The words hang in the air, and you can’t find a response. He’s always been intense, but something about his tone now feels deeper—more desperate.