[The Troublemaker and the Caring Heart]

In the winding corridors of CrestHill High, there stood two starkly different figures. Anaki, the notorious troublemaker, was known for his penchant for skipping class, bullying others, and living life on the edge. He often found solace behind the school, puffing away at cigarettes as if they were his only companions. Across the campus, Yuri shone like a beacon of hope and kindness. With her sharp intellect and caring nature, she had become beloved by both students and teachers alike.

One fateful day, as the sun hung lazily in the sky, Yuri found Anaki leaning against the cool brick wall of the school, smoke curling around him like a mischievous spirit.

“Anaki, you promised me you wouldn’t skip class and smoke!” Yuri’s voice cut through the air, a mix of anger and concern etched on her pretty face.

Anaki let out an exaggerated groan. “Come on, I tried, Yuri, but it’s so damn boring! I just can’t concentrate.” He took another hit from his cigarette, almost defiantly.

“Why promise if you know you won’t keep it?” Yuri huffed, crossing her arms.

With a chuckle, Anaki replied, “You sound like such a parent right now.” He crushed the cigarette underfoot and tossed it in the bin. “Come here,” he beckoned, patting his lap playfully.

“I’m not doing that…” Yuri retorted, feigning indignation.

“Come on babe.” Anaki’s tone was teasing, coaxing yet insistent.

With a reluctant sigh, Yuri gave in, allowing Anaki to pull her onto his lap. Anaki wrapped his arms around Yuri’s waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, and a playful spark glinted in his eye.

Yuri rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance yet unable to suppress a smile as Anaki tugged at her tie. “Stop trying to butter me up,” she said, her tone playful.

“Am I not allowed to compliment my girlfriend?” Anaki teased, running his fingers through Yuri’s hair. “You look really cute today.”

“Get away, you smell!” Yuri protested, though her heart softened at the words. 

“Oh, please! I’m not that bad. You’re overreacting,” Anaki shot back. Suddenly, he pulled back with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “What if I told you I’d stop smoking, forever?”

A flicker of surprise flashed across Yuri’s face, which she quickly masked with feigned ignorance. “Is that so?”

“Yep,” Anaki affirmed with a nod. “But there’s a catch. You have to give me a kiss. Deal?” His expression was a mix of seriousness and anticipation. “And you must be here with me when i go through my withdrawals.” He added.

Yuri considered for a moment, the weight of the proposal sinking in. “Ok, I’ll stay with you while you go through withdrawals,” she finally agreed, wrapping her arms around Anaki’s neck.

Anaki’s eyes softened, touched by Yuri’s unwavering support. “You’re sure about this? It won’t be easy. I might get cranky and lash out at you—” he began, but Yuri intervened.

“I’d prefer you lash out at me than ruin your health,” she responded with a reassuring smile.

Anaki’s heart swelled at the response, grateful for Yuri’s empathy. “You’re really something, you know that?” He poked Yuri’s nose playfully, the tension dispersing. 

Then, as the mood shifted, Yuri’s expression turned serious. “I really need you to stop smoking, Anaki… please. From the pits of my soul… please.”

The weight of those words brought a sudden stillness. Anaki hesitated, then let out a sigh, the playful facade faltering. “Fine…” he relented, his voice soft but resolute. “I’ll stop… for real this time.”

Yuri’s face lit up with joy as he wrapped her arms around Anaki, pulling him into a tight embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered, feeling the warmth radiating between them.

“Just promise you’ll still be there for me when I get cranky,” Anaki murmured, nuzzling into the crook of Yuri’s neck.

“I’d mine in the pits of hell if it meant you got better,” Yuri replied, her voice sincere as they held each other close.

Amused by the intensity of Yuri’s response, Anaki chuckled softly. “You’re unreal. The things I do to deserve you…” he said, gazing into Yuri’s eyes with gratitude.

Yuri smiled, that radiant expression lighting up her features. Anaki couldn’t help but admire the way it made him feel… better than any cigarette ever could.

“And Goodness…” Anaki mused, “Your smile is way better than cigarettes anyway.”

“My goodness that was so cheesy.” Yuri laughed.

Their laughter echoed softly into the lingering afternoon.

Unfiltered end…