Boy of my Dreams - Rewritten ( BL )

Part 4 - Reassuring Luka

( Luna POV )

Lunch went by in no time. The rest of the food was scrumptious, and Rachel's housekeeper's cooking was next level; I had never had such delicious food before. 

I felt a pang of disappointment when Rachel broke down and folded the divider, her mask back on and her hair perfectly in place, making it impossible to see anything other than her eyes and eyebrows. My gaze lingered for a moment as I wished I could see what she looked like, even if it was briefly. 

However, I didn't want to disrespect her and push her to do something she wasn't comfortable with, so instead, I averted my eyes and started helping to pack up the dishes, humming a little as I did so. 

We sat for a while, clearing up the containers and packing them away into the picnic basket Rachel had brought the food in. The last container was closed and packed away, and I leaned back in my chair, trying not to let my nerves show. Rachel was still laughing at one of my jokes, her bright, fiery hair catching the light in a way that made her look radiant. I hesitated, drumming my fingers on the table before blurting out, "I just remembered—I need to meet Luka at his office."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Luka? What for?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling my face heat up. "I called him earlier this morning," I admitted. "I... well, I asked for his advice on how to apologize to you." The words came out quieter than I intended. Rachel's gaze was sharp but kind, and it only made my stomach twist more.

She laughed again, a warm, teasing sound. "Luka? Apologies? Oh, that poor man. He's sweet, but I doubt he'd know where to start with something like that."

I managed a small smile and shrugged. "Probably not. But I kind of dragged him into my mess, and he got really stressed about it. The least I can do is stop by and apologize for worrying him."

Her expression softened, and her smile was now touched with something gentler. "You're a good guy, Luna." She reached across the table, her hand brushing mine briefly, and my heart skipped a beat. "Want some backup? I can come with you. You know, moral support and all."

The relief that washed over me was instant. "Yeah," I said, grinning. "That'd mean a lot. Thanks, Rachel."

We left the café together, the brisk winter air biting at my skin as we made our way across campus. I kept sneaking glances at her as we walked, her breath misting in the cold through her mask, I imagined her cheeks were probably pink from the chill. She made me feel steadier like everything wasn't completely falling apart.

The west wing loomed ahead of us, its ivy-covered brick walls standing strong against the gray sky. Luka's office was on the third floor, and as we climbed the stairs, my nervousness started to creep back in.

I stopped in front of his door, the familiar plaque with Dr. Luktavia Lukhorn – History Department staring back at me. Taking a deep breath, I knocked.

"Come in!" Luka's voice called from the other side, muffled but distinct.

I pushed the door open, and we stepped inside. Luka's office looked just like it always did—chaotic but somehow cozy. Books and papers were stacked on nearly every surface, maps were pinned to the walls, and the faint smell of coffee clung to the air.

Luka looked up from his desk, his sharp, dark eyes immediately locking onto me—then shifting to Rachel. His reaction was immediate and dramatic.

"Rachel!" he exclaimed, springing to his feet. "I... I'm so sorry!" He actually bowed his head, his words spilling out in a rush. "Had I known you were coming —oh, this is a mess, hold on one moment!"

I opened my mouth to reassure him, but before I could get a word in, Luka spun around and marched back to his desk. He yanked open the top drawer, rummaging around until he pulled out a small jewellery box.

Turning back to us, he held it out like some kind of peace offering. "This," he said solemnly, his voice heavy with guilt, "is for you."

I blinked, completely thrown. I knew he said he would buy Rachel an apology gift, but was that…an heirloom? Rachel glanced at me, her confusion mirroring mine.