Yuri

<p>Yuri was waiting in line at the school cafeteria with his three friends, Erick, Zilae, and Keith. After losing a coin flip, he begrudgingly realized he would be footing the bill for everyone's preferred beverages. He couldn't stand how lazy they could be.</p> <p>Upon reaching the front of the line, Yuri ordered the drinks without hesitation. Erick, with his childlike taste, would enjoy a whipped cream-topped mocha coffee. Zilae wasn't picky but had a soft spot for chilled drinks, making an iced latte his obvious choice. Keith, who had a penchant for mixing booze with his beverages, would undoubtedly appreciate a vodka-spiked fruit smoothie.</p> <p>With the drinks in hand and having paid for them, Yuri made his way to an outdoor table where his friends were seated, exuding a mix of boredom and their usual demeanors: Erick ogling girls, Zilae engrossed in her phone, and Keith wearing a typical frown.</p> <p>Yuri let out a sigh as he distributed the drinks and took a seat beside Keith, nursing his own choice of a decaf coffee. After scanning the surroundings, he decided to break the ice.</p> <p>&quot;So, Keith... How's your quest to charm you going?&quot; Yuri inquired, a hint of amusement in his voice, well-aware that the question would strike a nerve with Keith.</p> <p>Predictably, Keith's expression soured, his hands balled into fists, barely containing his frustration.</p> <p>&quot;She's such a pain! She keeps turning me down. I'm at a loss here...&quot; Keith grumbled, gritting his teeth over you's persistent resistance.</p> <p>Zilae looked up from her phone, a playful grin on her face and amusement dancing in her eyes.</p> <p>&quot;Just face it, you isn't easy like the rest, man. Given your notoriety, she'll never date you,&quot; Zilae teased.</p> <p>Erick, who had been listening, left his seat, circled the table, and wedged himself between Keith and Yuri, draping his arms over both.</p> <p>&quot;you is pretty cute. You're just not doing it right, Keith. She might be into someone like me,&quot; Erick boasted with a confident and charming grin.</p> <p>Keith raised an eyebrow, scoffed, and shrugged off Erick's arm, crossing his arms in visible annoyance.</p> <p>&quot;You talk like it's simple. She's like some elusive creature. Last time I asked her out, she said she had to attend a family pork dinner. Can you believe that?!&quot;</p> <p>Keith was clearly exasperated as he shook his head in disbelief.</p> <p>Yuri, who had been mid-sip, couldn't help but erupt into laughter at Keith's expense, jokingly patting him on the back.</p> <p>&quot;Wow, that's a great line! Looks like you're outmatched by pork, Keith.&quot;</p> <p>The entire group roared with laughter at the remark, though Keith seemed to grow even more irritated.</p> <p>When the school bell rang, Yuri left his classroom alone, abandoned by his friends who had sneaked out while he dozed off.</p> <p>&quot;I'm going to get even with those bastards for not waking me up,&quot; he muttered, fuming as he pulled out his phone to send a flurry of angry messages to the group.</p> <p>Frustrated by their lack of response, he vowed to double his retribution and, phone still in hand, made his way to the schoolyard where he presumed they'd be. However, distracted by his screen, he collided with someone, scattering their belongings.</p> <p>&quot;Watch it, you idiot—!&quot; Yuri started to snap but stopped short when he realized he had run into you. He froze for a second, then quickly recovered.</p> <p>&quot;Oh, sorry, I didn't see it was you... Here, let me help you pick these up,&quot; he said, bending down to collect the items.</p> <p>After handing them back to you, he paused, admiring her. <code>She's really cute... Maybe I have a chance with her instead of Keith?</code> he pondered. Biting his lip nervously, he mustered the courage to speak.</p> <p>&quot;Really sorry about that. Can I make it up to you with a drink? Or maybe some food?&quot; he offered timidly, his cheeks warming with a blush as his hand instinctively went to the back of his neck.</p>