Chapter Fifty

< Nina’s POV >

This is what I’m afraid of when Luca starts to ask questions about my life. And when he asks, he is the type to get the answers he wants. I’ve been hiding my pathetic self from him but failed to hide it thanks to my drunken state. Who knows if he still treats me normally if he knew that I got bullied all my life.

But Luca is here, waiting for me to speak. He has been very, VERY patient that I feel like he is willing to wait for me until the end of the day.

I gulp.

“I once had a female friend in the past. She took pity on me when I—” When I got bullied and got locked up in the girl’s bathroom. “—when I failed all of my exams. She thought I was really pathetic.”

“Then we sort of had this falling out. And we haven’t been friends or I am not on speaking terms with her now.” Because she was afraid of being targeted by the bullies after I refused to leave Gene’s side. “Since then, I have had a difficult time making friends.”

“And does that bother you?”

“W-well, I’m happy to have Gene by my side. And I’m glad that we continue to talk till this day.”

He smiles. “I know he’s precious to you. After all, I hear you talking to him every day, only distinctively.”

W-wait...what? I look at him with bewilderment.

But instead, he chuckles. “When Yu used to live here, he also had to tolerate my sexcapades in the past.”

“What?” I’m not sure if I’m more surprised that Yu lived here before or because Luca admitted that he had a lot of experience.

Well, duh. He is Luca de Milano after all.

“You must be wondering why a billionaire lives in this apartment, right? Well, when Yu and I moved here from Italy, we were college kids then. This is the very first apartment that I rented without relying on my mother’s wealth. It holds a sentimental value for me.”

“Oh right.” He points at my room. “That was Yu’s room before he decided to leave after getting fed up with the noises.” He chuckles.

I couldn’t help but smile. “But he never leaves you alone, Luca. He always likes talking about you whenever we hang out.”

“Of course, because we’re always together. Just like you and your mini-Yu or if he’s the Luca in your duo, I can’t tell.”

“I think he’s more like you, Luca.” I try to imagine what it’s like when Luca and Gene meet. Luca can be hot-headed and sassy at times and Gene is great at making comebacks. Deep down, I would love to see that.

“By the way, are you sure you two aren’t dating?”

I frown. I have been hearing this a lot from my mom so I got used to it. “I know I don’t have female friends but to me, Gene is my best friend.”

The only friend I have.

“I see…” he is pondering for a bit before he says, “The reason I asked this is because of my earlier statement: You are beautiful, Nina."

And for the second time, he says that I turn a brighter pink.

Then he smirks as he pats my head, dotingly. “I mean it!. You were completely different five years ago. Of course, you were a brat before.”

I feel like every word Luca says is making me flustered. Maybe it’s out of embarrassment or something I couldn’t tell yet.

“I a-am not.”

“Well, sure you are.” He smiles. “I don’t lie, Nina. Just to let you know.”

But I feel uncomfortable asking why he sees me this way. After all, HE is the beautiful one. Calling me like that— I cough, decided to just get away from this topic.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect you to say these things,” I comment while nervously playing with the helm of my shirt. “Not t-too long ago, I thought you would find me a hindrance.”

“Well, Nina. I regretted those weeks and as I said, I’d like to make it up to you. You are going to be my future sister, after all.”

Sister. It’s the first time he said it to me. I look up, gazing at his eyes, and my heart flutters. I can’t believe that Luca finally acknowledged me.

Then I curve into a smile. A shy yet teasing look which I finally reserved for this moment. “S-so you finally accepted their relationship. My mom’s and Rodrigo’s.”

After I said that, it was his turn to get flustered as he frowned. “Uhm... that is something I haven’t considered till now.”

My smile widens and for some odd reason, Luca turns red as he stares at me. There was a brief silence which I didn’t realize till later on but my mind tells me that I’ve achieved something: to make him blush.

Then he coughs as he states, “T-there’s a difference between accepting you as part of the family and with our parents’ marriage.”

And Luca stutters, too! I can’t contain myself as I snort a bit. I quickly cover my mouth, trying to suppress myself. But it’s so hard to hide it. Before I know it, I start laughing.

“Well, this is new! Is it just me or my little nuisance is finally cracking up to me?” He laughs as he ruffles my hair.

“Oh, am I allowed to touch your hair, right? Or is this solely for Yu’s?”

I shake my head. “Y-Yeah, you are okay, Luca.”

It was odd, really. Luca and I, who couldn’t stand each other’s presence even a minute days ago, are now laughing together.

And I wish we continue to be this way.