As he was making dinner, he thought about how Lucy must have known about Wei. Wei was her department advisor. 

His phone then rang a familiar tune.

Knowing it’s his editor, he washed his hands, wiped them dry, and then answered the call.

“Ieon Sarah, is there something urgent?” Luca asked the moment he answered the phone.

Luca, I have an assignment for you,” Ieon Sarah's voice carried a hint of excitement. “There's a buzz in the art scene here in City B, and I want you to cover it.”

Luca's interest piqued. He loved stories that delved into the local art and culture scene. “What's the assignment?”

“It's an artist,” Sarah began. “An artist who has been creating quite a stir with their work. Their latest collection is garnering attention not just locally, but nationally.”

Luca leaned against his kitchen counter, his curiosity growing. “That sounds intriguing. Who's the artist?”

“The artist is quite reclusive,” Sarah explained. “But I've managed to secure an exclusive interview for you. You'll have the chance to meet them in person.”

A surge of excitement coursed through Luca. “That's fantastic, Sarah. When do I meet them?”

“Tomorrow morning at 10 AM. The location is a studio downtown. I'll send you the address,” Sarah replied. “This could be a big break for your career, Luca.”

After the call ended, Luca's mind raced. An exclusive interview with a reclusive artist was a significant opportunity. He quickly jotted down the details and set a reminder for the meeting.

Looking through the information, Luca decided to research more about the artist VIA. 

Like Sarah said, they were a very reclusive artist. There was barely any information except for the amount of artwork Luca had found.

The evening passed in a blur of preparation. Luca researched the artist, pouring over articles and reviews of their work. The anticipation of the interview filled him with a sense of purpose.

The next morning, Luca arrived at the artist's studio right after he finished his segment of the news. A member of the artist's team greeted him and led inside.

As he entered the studio, Luca's gaze fell upon a captivating collection of art. The pieces were a blend of colors, emotions, and memories, each telling a unique story.

The studio was an oasis of creativity, bathed in soft, diffused light that accentuated the vivid colors of the artworks. Luca felt like he had stepped into a realm where time and space converged in a tapestry of emotions.

“Welcome,” said a voice and Luca turned to face the artist. The artist’s face was obscured by a mask but Luca recognized instantly the eyes and the birthmark.

Wei’s younger brother Kai.

Kai has indeed grown up too. 6 years can make a huge change. Gone was the baby fat and squeaky voice from puberty, but a fine looking man.

“Hello,” Luca gave a warm smile as he held out his hand, “I am Luca Chantasri. I will be interviewing for channel 4.”

Kai shook Luca's hand with a firm grip, his eyes holding a hint of familiarity. 

Kai shook Luca's hand with a firm grip, his eyes holding a hint of recognition. “Hello, Luca. If it's alright with you, I'd prefer to go with VIA.”

Luca nodded in agreement. “Of course, VIA it is.”

Luca started to set up the camera and microphone equipment. It wasn’t much as this was a rushed interview and a short one as is.

The interview began, with Luca and Kai discussing the inspiration behind the artworks and the artist's creative process. Luca was captivated by Kai's insights, each answer revealing a layer of the artist's psyche.

“Your work seems to explore themes of memory and nostalgia,” Luca observed. “Can you tell me more about that?”

Kai's masked face remained impassive, but his eyes revealed a depth of emotion. “Memory is a powerful force,” he replied. “It shapes our identity and connects us to our past. Nostalgia, in particular, has a way of evoking powerful emotions and transporting us to different times.”

Luca nodded, his curiosity piqued. “And what about the use of masks in your art? It's a recurring motif in your work.”

Kai's voice held a hint of mystery. “Masks represent the duality of human nature. We wear masks to conceal our true selves, to protect our vulnerabilities. But beneath the mask, there is always a hidden truth, waiting to be revealed.”

The interview continued, with Kai sharing his thoughts on the role of art in society and the impact of the past on the present. Each question and answer unveiled a new layer of the artist's philosophy, leaving Luca with a sense of awe.

As they wrapped up the interview, Luca began packing away his equipment. The encounter had left him with a whirlwind of emotions, a blend of nostalgia and fascination.

Then Kai's voice broke the silence. “You know who I am,” he stated, his tone carrying a hint of expectation.

Luca looked up from his sitting position, meeting Kai's gaze. “You're VIA,” he flatly stated, his warm smile disappearing the moment the camera stopped rolling.

Kai's frustration was palpable.

“I was able to recognize you right away. Why haven't you done the same?” he asked, his tone tinged with impatience.

Luca chuckled softly, his voice carrying a note of amusement. “If I stopped to recognize every fan, I'd never get any work done. Besides, you've changed a lot in six years.”

Kai protested, “Taya, I'm not a fan.”

Luca's smile softened, and he ruffled Kai's hair affectionately. “That mask seems unnecessary now, Dae Kai.”

Kai's sheepish grin revealed a sense of vulnerability. He ran a hand through his hair, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. “I had to be mysterious.”

They stood in the studio, the weight of their unspoken words and shared memories hanging in the air. Time had transformed them both, but the connection they once shared remained as strong as ever.

Luca checked the time and made a decision. “It's time for me to leave. I have other appointments to get to.”

Kai nodded in understanding, a sense of regret flickering in his eyes. “I understand. Let me walk you out.”

Luca headed towards the door where a figure blocked it.

“Taya? You’re late,” Kai’s pout could be heard through his voice.

Wei was blocking the doorway, staring right into Luca’s soul.

Luca felt a sudden pang of unease as he faced Wei's penetrating gaze. It hasn’t been a full week since he’s seen Wei.

“I got held up at work,” Wei replied to Kai, his eyes never leaving Luca’s.

Luca shifted uncomfortably under Wei's intense scrutiny. The tension in the room was palpable, and he could feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.

“Would you mind moving?” Luca asked once he cleared his throat. The first time he has ever spoken to Wei in 6 years.

Wei's gaze remained fixed on Luca for a moment longer before he finally stepped aside, allowing Luca to pass. The encounter left Luca with a knot of anxiety in his stomach as he made his way towards the exit.

Kai followed closely behind, clearly aware of the tension between Luca and Wei. “Taya,” he began, “there's something you should know.”

Luca turned to face Kai, his curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

Kai hesitated for a moment before speaking in a hushed tone. “T’Wei... he's been searching for you, Taya. He never stopped.”

Luca felt a rush of mixed emotions. He had deliberately distanced himself from Wei six years ago, and he had thought that part of his life was behind him.

“There’s no use searching for something that ended a long time ago,” Luca sighed.

“Are you sure about that? Even I don’t understand why you guys broke up. It couldn’t have been from a simple misunderstanding right?”

“It's complicated, Kai,” Luca replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. “Sometimes things just don't work out, no matter how much you want them to.”

Kai nodded understandingly, his expression sympathetic. “I get that, Taya. I hope you have a safe trip.”

“Take care,” Luca said as he marched towards his bike.

“Taya, can we exchange numbers?” Kai called out as Luca was putting on his helmet.

Luca paused for a moment, considering Kai's request. It was unexpected, but there was a sincerity in Kai's eyes that made him rethink his initial hesitation. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and exchanged numbers with Kai.

“Alright, Kai. Just in case you need anything,” Luca said with a faint smile, trying to put aside the uneasy feeling that Wei's presence had stirred up.

Kai nodded appreciatively. “Thanks, Taya. You be safe out there.”

With a final nod, Luca revved the engine of his motorcycle and rode out into the busy streets of downtown, leaving behind the memories and emotions that had resurfaced.

The city bustled around him as he navigated through the maze of traffic, his mind now focused on the task ahead.

Kai University, where he was scheduled to hold a lecture for a group of eager journalism students, awaited him.

He might be a recent undergrad but he was also doing his masters and this was necessary for one of the classes.

Entering the lecture hall, Luca was greeted by the eager faces of the journalism students, a diverse group with a hunger for knowledge. He saw in them the same curiosity and passion he once had.

With a confident stride, Luca began his lecture on global media, drawing upon his own experiences and research.

“In today's rapidly changing media landscape,” he began, “we find ourselves at the crossroads of an unprecedented global shift.”

He emphasized the impact of globalization on television, radio, and emerging media, highlighting the profound implications of transnational satellite communication.

“As future journalists and media professionals,” Luca continued, “you'll be navigating a world where borders are increasingly blurred, and information flows freely across continents.”

The lecture delved into the challenges and opportunities presented by international coproduction, urging students to consider the nuances of collaborating on a global scale.

“Global media isn't just about broadcasting content worldwide,” Luca explained. “It's about understanding the diverse perspectives and developmental differences that shape media consumption.”