Yuri yawned as she fought off her drowsiness, but she stayed focused on studying with Andra.
“Did you stay up late last night?” Andra asked.
Yuri nodded and smiled. “I’m used to it,” she replied.
Andra let out a long sigh. “Do you work part-time at a café?”
“Yeah, like usual,” Yuri replied, looking completely unburdened.
Andra knew Yuri was hardworking because she came from a poor family. She even attended this school on a scholarship. Not many people knew that because Yuri kept it a secret, and Andra supported her decision.
“If you’re short on money, just tell me. You don’t have to push yourself like this. It could interfere with your studies,” Andra said.
“I’m okay. I want to be independent, and I don’t want to burden you. Don’t worry so much, Andra,” Yuri said.
That was what Andra liked about Yuri. She was hardworking and kindhearted. Anyone would be touched by her. On top of that, Yuri was incredibly intelligent.
“I’m sure you’ll achieve your dream and earn a scholarship for college,” Andra said.
“Yeah, Andra,” Yuri replied with a nod.
They returned their focus to studying together so they could win the olympiad the next day.
Meanwhile, Evelyn had just finished her punishment. She was completely exhausted.
“You can go back to class,” the senior said before leaving.
Evelyn finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh my God, I’m so tired,” she said, fanning her face and hair with her hand.
“Evelyn,” a girl called out dramatically as she walked toward her.
“Hmm?” Evelyn hummed.
“How did you end up getting punished like this? Were you late?” Bianca asked.
Evelyn simply nodded and took the water bottle from Bianca’s hand. It had obviously been meant for her.
“Seriously? How? Don’t you have tons of cars and a driver too?” Bianca asked.
Evelyn bit her lip. There was no way she could tell Bianca that she had been with Andra and that he had dropped her off on the road.
“Oh, that… My car broke down on the way, so I didn’t have time to catch a taxi. That’s why I had to walk,” Evelyn said.
Bianca shook her head when she heard that. “That’s awful. You must be exhausted. Come here, I’ll massage your back.” Bianca moved closer and rubbed Evelyn’s back.
“That feels so good. Thanks. You really are my best friend,” Evelyn said with a sweet smile.
“Such a drama queen,” Bianca said, though she looked a little embarrassed by the praise.
Not long afterward, they saw Andra and Yuri walking past them.
“It must be nice being Yuri. She’s always close to Andra,” Bianca said. “And Andra is so handsome, too.”
“Yeah,” Evelyn replied.
She was actually jealous, but what could she do? She meant nothing to Andra.
Bianca helped Evelyn to her feet, and then they returned to their classroom.
“Luckily, Yuri was there earlier. She was the one who gave me time to drink some water and rest before I continued my punishment,” Evelyn said.
“She really is so kind. That’s why Andra likes her,” Bianca replied.
Evelyn fell silent. If only she were Yuri, Andra would surely care about her. But the truth was, she meant nothing to him.
“You’re spacing out again. What are you thinking about? You have plenty of money, so just ask for some. Or we could hang out at a café after school so you don’t get bored,” Bianca said.
“That sounds great. I want to focus on studying lately because I’m trying to raise my ranking,” Evelyn said.
“Did I hear that right? Didn’t you say you didn’t want to stand out?” Bianca asked. “And now you suddenly want to study hard?”
“I think I want to change, little by little,” Evelyn said.
“Finally, you’re starting to get it. That’s great, because I want to see you come in first,” Bianca said.
After school, Evelyn got into Bianca’s car. They went to a newly opened café that was said to be filled with flowers and have a beautiful atmosphere. The two of them could hardly wait.
When they arrived, the two beautiful girls went inside and sat in a corner near a display of roses.
“This place is so pretty for taking pictures,” Bianca said.
“Hold on, I’m going to order first,” Evelyn said. She took out her phone and ordered through the barcode on the table.
“Come on, hurry up,” Bianca said, impatient to take selfies.
Evelyn moved closer, and they took lots of pictures there. They both laughed because the photos turned out cute and funny.
After that, their orders arrived. But what shocked them was that the server was Yuri, their senior from school.
“Here are your orders,” Yuri said.
Evelyn noticed that Yuri seemed nervous as she moved. Then Yuri accidentally spilled a glass of warm coffee, splashing it onto Evelyn’s hand.
Evelyn winced but didn’t scream. Bianca, however, let out a loud, panicked cry that drew everyone’s attention to their table.
“I’m sorry. It was an accident,” Yuri said, grabbing some tissues and wiping Evelyn’s hand.
“Oh my God, Evelyn, that must hurt so badly! The coffee was still really hot,” Bianca said hysterically.
“I’m okay. Relax,” Evelyn told her friend.
“I’ll get you a new one, and I’ll pay for the coffee,” Yuri said guiltily.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it,” Evelyn said with a smile.
Yuri nodded in relief. Then she cleaned everything up and returned to the kitchen.
“Yuri totally did that on purpose,” Bianca said. “How could she not see your hand right in front of her? She’s so annoying.”
“It was an accident, Bia. Don’t make a big deal out of it,” Evelyn said.
“Or maybe she’s jealous that we’re having fun like normal high school girls while she has to work here after school,” Bianca said.
“Oh my God, Bia. You can’t say things like that. I trust Yuri. She’s a good person,” Evelyn said.
Bianca rolled her eyes lazily. “You’re not even intimidated by her anymore. It’s so obvious she’s jealous. Well, she’s poor, after all.”
Evelyn could only shake her head. Her friend’s attitude kept changing. At school, she had praised Yuri, and now she was judging her. It was so strange.
“Forget it. Let’s just enjoy the atmosphere,” Evelyn said, and Bianca simply nodded.
When Evelyn arrived at the mansion, she immediately collapsed onto the bed. She didn’t see Andra anywhere. Maybe he had moved to another room because he was uncomfortable.
Evelyn had just started to close her eyes when the door opened. Andra walked in. She immediately sat up on her bed.
“What is it, Andra?” Evelyn asked.
Andra locked the bedroom door and moved even closer to her.
“What did you do to Yuri?” Andra asked angrily.
Evelyn furrowed her brow. “What happened to Yuri?” she asked. “I didn’t do anything to her.”
Evelyn even hid the hand that was still red from the hot coffee earlier that afternoon.
Andra laughed coldly. “Are you trying to get revenge on Yuri because I dropped you off on the road?” he snapped.
Evelyn truly couldn’t understand Andra’s thinking. She hadn’t done anything.
“You nearly made Yuri lose her job because of your carelessness!” Andra shouted.
“Don’t you feel sorry for her? She works at that café to earn extra money, and you went there and caused trouble. You really have no heart.”
“You’ve got it wrong, Andra. What happened was—”
“I don’t want to hear your explanation. Don’t touch Yuri. Even if she’s a poor girl, she’s still more respectable than you,” Andra shouted again.
Then Andra left her room, slamming the door behind him.
“I—I’m always wrong in your eyes, Andra,” Evelyn murmured as tears spilled down her cheeks.