Wale stood outside his flat, waiting for his girlfriend, Cherry. They had been together for nine years, and in just a few days, they would celebrate their tenth anniversary.

"Hmm... Should I consult Kind on what to get Cherry? They seem quite close, so I'm certain he knows her preferences better than I do," Wale muttered to himself, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face. He could almost see Kind's exasperated expression as he, yet again, passed the responsibility of choosing a gift for his girlfriend onto his best friend.

A nostalgic memory flickered in his mind. Kind had once been dating a complete cad, though he had passed the man off as his "long-lost cousin" on multiple occasions. They'd frequently quarrel, mostly due to how inseparable Wale and Kind were, a bond the so-called cousin never understood. Wale lifted his chin, gazing thoughtfully at the sky, trying to recall the scoundrel's name. "Can't seem to remember... 'ass of a man' will suffice."

"Me too," came a whisper, jolting Wale back to reality. "Earth to Wale."

"You certainly took your time."

"What had you so spaced out? I distinctly heard 'ass of a man,' and my curiosity piqued immediately," Cherry quipped, circling Wale playfully as if hunting for clues. She stopped in front of him with a teasing glint in her eye. "What on earth were you daydreaming about that you didn't hear me calling your name, twice?"

"You're always late, Cherry, and I grew bored of waiting," Wale responded, sidestepping any mention of his thoughts. He knew all too well how Cherry reacted whenever the subject of Kind arose.

"You arrived early, darling. We agreed on ten sharp, and I had to wrap something up at work. But where's Kind? He's never late," Cherry asked, glancing around. They had planned to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a new restaurant nearby.

"He's not coming. It's Saturday, but for some reason, he insisted on going to work," Wale replied, sounding a bit crestfallen. Cherry instantly noticed the shift in his tone. Reaching out, she cupped his cheek and pulled him in for a soft kiss.

"Don't fret, my love. Now it's just the two of us, as it should be. Besides, why do you always drag poor Kind along, making him the eternal third wheel on our dates?"

Wale kissed her again, eager to change the subject. "What nonsense are you on about? Let us be off on our way. You're getting me all worked up, and I'm starving."

"Oh? Which hunger are we referring to here?" Cherry teased, a wicked smile curling at the corner of her lips. The pair shared a laugh at their shared innuendo, oblivious to the bemused passersby.

Hand in hand, the couple prepared to leave, but just as they turned, they caught sight of Kind standing in the distance, watching them. Wale's mood shifted instantly, and he called out to his friend with sudden excitement.

"Kind...?" Cherry asked, visibly surprised. "I thought you weren't coming! I'm so glad you could join us."

"Get a room, you two," Kind quipped as he headed towards the restaurant.