Graduation had been tiresome—so many memories, so many emotions all at once. And now, they had stepped into a new chapter of their lives as freshmen, first-year college students.
Through the passing days, they found comfort in each other, building friendships that slowly became something deeper.
That night, Valerie suddenly spoke, breaking the calm.
"Hey… it's Saturday night. Wanna drink?"
A grin spread across everyone's faces.
"Bring it on!" Lukas, Elliene, and the others replied in unison.
They had just finished their exams. The weight of pressure was finally gone, replaced by laughter, noise, and clinking glasses.
"Ughhh… I don't care anymore about my score…" one of their friends slurred, already losing balance.
"Yeah, he's completely wasted," another one laughed.
Elliene glanced at Lukas, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"…I don't think he's the only one who's wasted."
Valerie followed her gaze—and sure enough, Lukas was swaying slightly, his usual composure gone.
She let out a soft laugh.
"I'll take Luke. My apartment's nearby anyway."
"Alright, let's call it a night!"
"Goodbye!"
"Take care!"
The streets were quieter now.
Valerie adjusted Lukas' arm around her shoulders, steadying him as they walked.
"You're heavier than you look, Luke…"
"Mm…" Lukas mumbled, unconsciously resting his head against her shoulder.
Valerie stiffened for a moment—but didn't push him away.
"Hey… don't throw up on me, okay?" she muttered, poking his cheek lightly.
"This is what happens when a lightweight tries to keep up."
"S-swe…rry…"
She paused, then sighed, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"…Stop acting cute."
When they finally reached her apartment, Valerie carefully guided him inside and laid him down on her bed.
Lukas shifted slightly but didn't wake.
"Stay here," she whispered. "I'll just brush my teeth."
"O-okay…riri.... " he murmured, already drifting deeper into sleep.
"..riri?" Valerie was confused but thought it was cute
Valerie lingered for a second, watching him.
Then she quietly turned away.
Morning came gently.
"Arghhh…" Lukas groaned, clutching his head. "This hangover…"
He blinked, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling.
"…This isn't my room."
He sat up quickly, confusion flashing across his face—before realization settled in.
"Wait… this is Val's."
It wasn't entirely unfamiliar. Lukas had stayed here more than once—it was close to school, after all.
Still… something about waking up here felt different.
He stood up and noticed a bowl of soup waiting on the table, a small note beside it.
*Eat this when you wake up. It's for your hangover.*
*And don't be late for your part-time job.*
Lukas stared at the note a little longer than necessary… before letting out a quiet chuckle.
"…She didn't have to do this."
But he ate anyway.
And somehow, it felt warmer than it should have.
Later, at the café—
Lukas stepped into the locker room, still fixing his uniform. As he placed his bag down, the door suddenly swung open.
"Hey, Luke—you didn't invite me to drink last night."
Lukas didn't even turn around.
"I texted you. You said you were busy, idiot."
"Hahaha," Arthur laughed, stepping closer. "A kiss would've made up for it."
He leaned in slightly, teasing.
Lukas immediately pushed him away.
"Fuck off, dude."
"Aww… our Lukas is all grown up now. Doesn't need me anymore," Arthur teased dramatically.
Lukas rolled his eyes, grabbing his things.
"Just go. There's a customer waiting."
Arthur smirked before turning back toward the café floor.
And as Lukas followed after him
Hours passed.
Lukas continued his shift, carrying orders from the counter to the customer area, moving back and forth without rest.
The café door chimed softly—
And in walked Valerie.
Arthur, who was at the counter, immediately noticed her and smirked.
"Well, well… Valerie," he said teasingly. "Looking for my baby?"
Valerie crossed her arms, playing along without missing a beat.
"Yeah. Where's Lukas—my boyfriend?"
The two of them had always enjoyed teasing each other whenever Lukas was involved.
Arthur chuckled and gestured toward the dining area.
"He's over there, carrying orders. What brings you here?"
Valerie shrugged casually, though her eyes were already searching for Lukas.
"Hmm… I figured I'd buy some coffee." She paused, a small smile forming.
"And maybe see my boyfriend ."
"Alright then, here's your receipt. I'll let Lukas know you're—"
"Never mind," Valerie cut him off, her gaze locking onto someone behind him.
"Speak of the devil."
Arthur turned slightly—and there he was.
Lukas froze for a second when he saw her.
"…Uh, hey, Valerie. What brings you here?"
Valerie stepped a little closer, her expression playful.
"I'm here to see you."
Lukas immediately looked away, his ears turning red.
"Y-you didn't have to…"
She tilted her head, pretending to think.
"Hmm… no, I also came to buy coffee."
"Right…" Lukas muttered, trying to regain composure.
"O-okay, I'll bring it to you when it's done."
Valerie smiled, clearly amused by his reaction.
"I'll be waiting, then."
Valerie walked off to find a seat
Lukas stood there for a moment… frozen.
Arthur didn't miss a single second of it.
A slow, dangerous grin spread across his face.
"…Your girlfriend, huh?"
Arthur leaned against the counter, clearly enjoying this.
"How about me, Lukas… you're leaving me?" Arthur said, placing a hand over his chest dramatically, pretending to be heartbroken.
Lukas immediately turned to him.
"Shut up."
"And yet," Arthur leaned closer again, smirking, "you're choosing her over me."
"I'm choosing peace over you."
"Ouch." Arthur clutched his chest again. "That one actually hurt."
"Good."
Both of them burst out laughing