Yuni panicked and blurted out, "Actually… this is my best friend, Loir. He, uh… he just wants to be friends with you."
Behind her, Loir shot her a horrified look. Bro! Are you trying to end my relationship before it even starts?!
Yuni discreetly gestured back, Shut up. Let me handle this.
Sam tilted his head, smiling easily. "Why not? From today, the three of us can be friends."
Yuni clapped her hands together. "Alright then! From today, we're besties!"
After waving goodbye, Sam left for his class.
Loir immediately turned on Yuni the moment they sat down. "Bro, you're going to ruin me! Do you know how much I like Sam?"
Yuni patted his shoulder reassuringly. "That's exactly why I'm helping you, genius. Think of it as… settlement planning. You can't just expect a love story to fall into your lap. Start with friendship, and things will grow stronger. But if you keep hiding and blushing, Sam will never notice you."
Before Loir could complain further, the teacher walked in and started class.
When the bell rang and classes ended, they ran into Sam again near the courtyard. From a distance, Sam raised a hand and waved cheerfully.
"Bro," Yuni whispered with a mischievous grin, "you should walk him home today."
Loir's eyes widened. "What?! Are you insane? Don't throw me to the wolves!"
Yuni ignored his protests, stepped forward, and with a bright smile told Sam, "Please take my friend home safely today. He's really shy, you see."
Loir nearly collapsed on the spot. Nooooo! Bro, don't abandon me like this! His cheeks were burning red. I swear, smoke is coming out of my ears right now!
Yuni, ignoring all his drama, cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "All the best, you two!" Then she dashed away, leaving Loir gaping at her retreating back.
Loir buried his face in his hands. Yuni, I'll never forgive you. How am I supposed to face Sam now?!
Sam, however, only chuckled softly. "Come on, I'll walk you home."
Loir stammered, "I-I can go by myself… actually, I was planning to stop at the bookstall first."
"Perfect," Sam said easily. "I'll come with you."
And so, the two of them strolled side by side toward the little stall near the school gates. Loir kept his eyes glued to the books, trying not to combust on the spot.
Then Sam spoke from behind him. "So… you like love stories?"
Loir's ears turned red. "Y-Yeah."
Sam smiled. "Me too. I love romance stories."
Loir nearly dropped the book in his hands. Why is he saying that with such a straight face? Don't look at me like that!
Sam tilted his head, studying him. "Why are you sweating so much? And your face—it's completely red. Are you feeling sick?" He leaned closer. "Let me check."
Loir jumped back, clutching the book like a shield. "N-No! I'm fine!"
Flustered, he hurried to the counter to pay. But before he could pull out his wallet, Sam stopped him.
"I'll pay. But in exchange," Sam said with a playful smirk, "you have to tell me the story after you finish reading it."
Loir's heart pounded. He glanced down at the book and nearly fainted. Of all the books… why did I pick an adult love story?! How the heck am I supposed to read this out loud to him?
The cashier lady looked between them and asked Loir with a teasing smile, "This handsome young man… is he your boyfriend?"
Sam answered smoothly, without hesitation, "Yes."
Loir's eyes went wide. "N-No!" he stammered.
The lady laughed knowingly. "Well, maybe not now. But soon, you two will definitely be lovers."
Loir thought his heart might actually explode.
Continue...