*Scene:* The following week. Kai and Luca are sitting in the common room, studying. The atmosphere is slightly tense, with Kai focusing intently on his notes and Luca glancing at him occasionally.
luca
*Luca:* (trying to break the silence) "Hey, Kai, are you free this weekend? I was thinking we could check out the local art gallery together."
kai
*Kai:* (distracted) "Uh, I don't know. I have a lot of studying to do. My finals are coming up."
luca
*Luca:* (looking disappointed) "Oh, right. I forgot about that. Maybe another time, then."
*Luca:* (sighing) "Yeah, just... you've been so busy lately. I feel like we haven't had a chance to hang out in a while."
kai
*Kai:* (defensive) "I'm sorry. I'm just really focused on my studies. It's important to me."
luca
*Luca:* (hurt) "I get that, but it seems like you're always buried in books. I thought we were building something more than just studying together."
kai
*Kai:* (pausing, realizing Luca's feelings) "I didn't mean to push you away. I guess I've been so caught up in school that I didn't realize how it was affecting us."
luca
*Luca:* (softening) "I know you're busy, but I miss spending time with you. I thought we were becoming friends, and now I feel like I'm just an afterthought."
kai
*Kai:* (earnestly) "You're not an afterthought, Luca. I value our time together, and I'm sorry if I made you feel otherwise. Let's figure out a balance."
luca
*Luca:* (smiling weakly) "I appreciate that. Maybe we can find a way to fit both studying and hanging out."
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