Heartwarming moments from The Story of Apollo, Daphne and Luca: An Italian Tragedy.
Chapter 1
- Even though Luca doesn't reciprocate her feelings, Rosa accepts her defeat with grace and maturity and is perfectly happy with just being his friend.
- Luca's and Alberto's phone call.
"And then our Professor told us that I got the highest test score! Can you believe it?!”
“That’s amazing Luca! See I told you that you had nothing to worry about. I’m proud -> of you.”''
“Thanks Alberto.” Luca said with a shy smile as he twirled the cord in his other hand.
“You’re seriously the best.”
“Hey, give yourself some credit. You’re a total brainiac. That’s gotta count for something.”
“Nah I wish I was just as cool and strong as you. I mean you’re a full time lifeguard now, that's so awesome.”
“Please! Again, it’s only on the weekends. It’s not that big a deal. I just get paid a little bit more to
do it.”
“But it is a big deal-”
- Alberto informing Luca and Giulia that he's coming to Genoa next Monday ( actually, that Friday) to spend a week with them.
Chapter 2
- Luca telling, excited and happy as never before, his classmates Bianca and Carlos that Alberto is coming to Genoa next Monday ( actually, that Friday).
- Luca's secret Love Letter for Alberto:
I know it’s silly because I’m only studying here in Genoa because of you. You have
no idea how I’m thankful for that. You once promised we’d see the world together but
instead you gave me the chance to discover the rest of the universe. I should be more
grateful for that but lately I can’t stop thinking about the day we’ll be together in
Porto Rosso again. I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time daydreaming in class about riding off with you in our own Vespa. I shouldn’t be thinking like that.
I should be learning. That’s what I promised you, but instead I want more. You’re my
best friend but
that’s not enough. Alberto...
- Alberto's surprise arrival to Genoa, followed by his Twirl of Love with Luca.
Alberto (after a confused and euphoric Luca asks him why did he tell him and Giulia that he would be arrived in Genoa next Monday): Yeah but, Monday wasn’t soon enough.
Alberto (wrapping an arm around Luca's shoulder and using a soft tone of voice): Yeah, that's exactly what I was going for! So come let’s get going, I don’t want to waste any precious time. I want to make every second special for us
Chapter 3
- Luca's and Alberto's interaction on the bus.
''"Oh and right there is like the best pizzeria in Genoa. Seriously, their pizzas are
out of this world!" Luca said, tugging Alberto's hand, while excitedly pointing out the bus window. "We have to ask Signora Caterina to bring us her later on."
"For sure," Alberto said, not missing the opportunity to intertwine their fingers together. "But I bet I can make you a way better pizza. I've been learning how to make good food for us."
He didn't bother mentioning the part where on several occasions, he nearly burned the
kitchen, but that didn't matter at this moment. For now, all Alberto cared about was
the shining look in Luca's eyes.
"Whoa that's so cool!" Luca looked down sheepishly with bright rosy cheeks, noticing
their hands together. "Y-You're super cool…"
There it was.
The look that always made Alberto's heart soar high like the days he used to ride Vespas off of cliffs and make his stomach tight as the knots in his fishing nets. It was the look that always made Alberto's face warm up like he had been standing outside on a blazing summer day. It wasn't the only thing that made him react this way. Whether it was Luca’s smile, laughter or just him simply talking, Alberto knew that he’d feel this way. Frankly, he was okay with that. Not even Bruno's loud shouting could be enough to make Alberto believe that whatever was happening could be anything but good.
Because if it involved Luca, then it had to be good.
"Yeah I am, but you're just as cool." Alberto said, leaning in close, playfully rubbing his face against the hidden curls behind Luca's ear.
"Hehe Beto! Stop that tickles!" Luca giggled as he gave a small push with his free hand.
- Alberto being an absolute sweetheart towards Luca and always spending time with him. This counts also as Tear Jerker since he gets so overwhelmed by his strong infatuation with Luca that he doesn't notices how left out Giulia feels.
- Luca gently asking Alberto (who took him at school) for a hug.
Chapter 4
- Luca's daydream where he rides off into the sunset on a beautiful red Vespa with Alberto behind him.
Soon the classroom began to fade away and was replaced by a beautiful outdoor scene.
Luca was no longer sitting at his desk, but instead was riding a beautiful red Vespa with the wind flying through his hair.
Alberto was suddenly behind him, yelling excitedly as he raised his arms above him.
Luca turned to see a beautiful sun set, but nothing compared to the boy by his side.
He smiled as he revved their Vespa faster at Alberto’s request.
As the Vespa began to speed up, Alberto wrapped his arms around Luca, pressing close to him.
Luca felt his heart jump out of his chest as Alberto rested their flushed cheeks together. Luca turned to look at the tan boy. Alberto smiled at him before leaning in close and kissing his cheek softly.
“I love you Luca.” Daydream Alberto whispered close to Luca’s ear.
“I-”
- Alberto's kind and supportive words towards Luca when the latter confessed to him that he made Giulia upset by playing along with Rosa's dating questions.
Alberto (to Luca): “Silenzio Bruno! You’re way too smart to
believe something dumb like that. You’re the greatest friend anyone could ask for. I’m sure that whatever you could have done, Giulia will forgive you. You just need to talk it out right?”
- Alberto giving Luca Affectionate Nicknames like "Mio angelo" ("My angel"), "Mia stella della notte" ("My night star") and "Bubble".
Chapter 5
- Massimo being supportive of Alberto's crush on Luca and being his biggest cheerleader in this.
- Massimo helping his adoptive son Alberto with making peace with Giulia and giving him good advices about it.
- After seeing Luca's Break the Cutie moment, Vincenzo, in spite of having bullied and even blackmailed him, decides to give him comfort and help him reconcile with Giulia.
- The normally aloof and deadpan Bianca showing her warmer, more caring side to Giulia.
Chapter 6
- Vincenzo's Love Epiphany once he decides to give up on his date with Giulia after he understands to have fallen in love with Luca and genuinely regrets his blackmail towards the poor little boy.
- Even after Vincenzo's bullying and blackmailing, Luca, holds no grudge towards him and immediately forgives him.
- Alberto picking up Luca in warm hug after the latter comes back from his conversation with Vincenzo.
- Luca and Giulia finally reconciling.
Chapter 7
- Luca being back to his usual cheerful and curious self.
- Giulia teaching Luca about pinky promises.
- Alberto being happy that his best friend and his younger sister reconciled.
- Alberto reassuring Luca before going to bed.
Alberto frowned. “Luca.” He said carefully, lifting Luca’s chin up. “Look me in the eye.”
A comfortable silence settled between them as the room sat still. Words were completely unnecessary because everything they needed to say was shared between their eyes.
In fact, at that moment, both boys hadn’t realized the weight of those six unspoken words.
You know I love you, right?
This familiar mantra that Luca's family had repeated throughout all his life, suddenly felt foreign, as if he was hearing it for the first time. It was both scary and thrilling all at the same time; like riding a bike down a big hill for the first time.
This wasn’t a grand confession by any means nor would it be the last that would be
shared between the two.
There wasn't any need for a large romantic spectacle or a long poetic speech that -> could leave anyone breathless. It was simple, sweet and suited them perfectly whether they realized it or not.
