Chapter Forty Six

< Nina’s POV >

“Are we going there yet?” Clarence, who was so excited to go not too long ago, is now looking impatiently. He has been walking in circles as I, the center of his circling steps, is trying to tap the send button on my phone.

But I couldn’t.

S-Should I, shouldn’t I? This is the very first text message to Luca’s number. And I don’t get why I am hesitating till now. We patched things up, right? We have already settled our differences.

So, why can’t I click it?

Not to mention that in his contact list, I wrote “The Bringer of Misfortunes” and I tried to remember why. It was definitely out of impulse during our first meeting.

So I check my own text message for the fiftieth time as I gulp, wondering if this is good enough to convince Luca.

‘Hi, Luca. This is Nina. My project partner and I are heading there since we decided to make a diorama if you don’t mind. And I promise to clean everything afterward!’

A hand grabs her phone as Clarence sends the message when I hear the clicking sound.

“H-hey!” I turn to glare at him.

“You’re taking so long that I look like an idiot carrying all these!”

Ah, right. As soon as Clarence’s driver came back from his speedy shopping, he brought a lot of materials that were more than enough for our diorama. But because I told Clarence that I live nearby, he asked the driver to leave us be.

So we can say, we have 8 paper bags of mini figurines, paint, stationary tools, and some paperboard.

And he’s right. We are sticking out like sore thumbs outside the Pizza Place.

“And seriously, why do you call your family “The Bringer of Misfortunes”? Is that a pet name for your father or something?”

I couldn’t answer. Honestly, I don’t get why I even brought up the idea of doing the project at Luca’s place.

My phone buzzes and I quickly snatch the phone from him which startles him and proceeds to read it.

‘Sure, go ahead.’

Another message.

‘But I just left to do some last-minute paperwork. I’m afraid I might arrive home late. I left some money inside the vase at the coffee table. Feel free to treat your project mate as well.’

I blush. I didn’t ask for money. In fact, I still have some left and...I haven’t asked him about my decision to find a job yet.

I look at Clarence who has been scorning all throughout the wait. “I got a yes. We can go there now.”

“Finally. Why is it hard for you to ask?” He scoffs.

I just laugh nervously as I try to get three paper bags of the materials.

Then, I just realized something. Luca is not at home. I’ve invited Clarence to his apartment and it will be just the two of us alone.

I pale.

This isn’t what I’m expecting.

B-but then again, will it be better if Clarence hasn’t seen Luca throughout this project? I have been having an internal monologue of whether to change my mind and come again tomorrow with Luca at home.

Or

Trust Clarence and have this project finished asap?

While I have been thinking all throughout the walk, Clarence has continued chattering on and on about what to do with the diorama and I felt embarrassed worrying about things.

It won’t be a big deal, right?

……………………………..

< Nina’s POV >

“This place looks like shit.”

Frowning, I retort, “It has this historical atmosphere to it. I don’t think it’s a rundown at all.” In fact, he shouldn’t be insulting someone else’s living place like that.

Clarence looks at the Spanish-inspired exterior of the building with disgust. “This is the Dawn City we’re talking about here. I didn’t expect a building like this to exist, not to mention it’s literally a few blocks from the school.”

I ignore him as I walk to the stairs. But he continues talking. “From what I’ve heard Luca de Milano lives around here.”

That makes me stop my trail, glancing in his direction. “L-Luca?”

“Those are just rumors. Do you know that he lives in Dawn City, yeah?”

I silently nod, as we continue to walk the stairs.

“I’ve seen him occasionally. Either when he is driving or his men drive for him. But I guess you can say he is a secretive man, none of the locals even know where he actually lives.”

“Uh-huh.” I was wondering how it’s impossible to locate him because he and heck, his car stands out a lot even in the parking space. But what bothers me is that Clarence has been mentioning him from time to time.

“Do you like him?” It’s a slip of the tongue but I’m just curious.

He just laughs a bit and replies, "Of course I do.” His face softens and he smiles. I stare at him for a moment, wondering if this might be the first time I’ve seen him like this. “He’s someone I look up to.”

“B-because…” I trail my own words, recalling our previous conversations. “...he is the embodiment of perfection?” Honestly, as someone who has been with him for a month, I haven’t thought about it. Well, h-he might be one physical-wise, seeing him the first time back then made me mesmerized with his beauty.

But personality-wise, he is like anyone else.

“Duh,” he says, still showing that childlike smile.

“A-and if we happen to encounter him?”

“Then, I will make sure to be his acquaintance for the sake of business purposes. But aside from that, I am just his biggest fan.”

At that, I am thanking all the deities who have been pitying me since my arrival here that Luca is out and I hope that we will finish this project before he comes back.

Once we reach the front door, I announce. “H-here we are.” I grab the spare key inside my wallet and unlock the door.

“Wow, contrary to the outside, this place is luxurious enough to befit the affluent.” He whistles as he looks around.

Well, that’s because Luca de Milano cares about that. I sigh as I remove my shoes.

“S-So, shall we start?”