The Day Keith Meets the Exhausted Gryffindor Chasers
The next morning, Keith finished his sign-in and blinked at the reward that appeared in his hand.
System Reward: 3 Coca-Cola Bottles
Keith stared at them, speechless.
Keith:
"…Really, system? Coke?"
The system stayed silent—mocking him with carbonation.
Sighing, Keith pocketed the bottles and continued walking through the corridor toward the courtyard… where he noticed two girls collapsed on a bench, both looking half-dead.
One with long black hair braided loosely over her shoulder carried an elegant air—serene, calm, kind.
She looked shockingly similar to Retsu Unohana from Bleach.
The other, darker-skinned with sharp eyes and athletic build, reminded him of Katerina Solensan from Cowboy Bebop.
Keith slowed his steps.
Keith (thought):
…Another anime world? First Helena looked like Mio Naruse… now this? What's next?
He shook his head to clear the thought.
The girls were exhausted.
Keith approached gently.
Keith:
"Are you two okay?"
Both girls looked up—and immediately froze.
They had seen him from afar before.
But up close?
He was ridiculously handsome.
The black-haired girl collected herself first.
Girl #1:
"Y-Yeah… we're just tired."
The tanned girl nodded weakly.
Girl #2:
"Our captain put us through a nightmare. Said it's your fault."
Keith blinked.
Keith:
"…My fault?"
Girl #2:
"Well—you and Helena Prince joined the Hufflepuff team. And then Oliver heard. And then—"
She groaned dramatically.
"He declared 'special training' at dawn."
Keith winced.
…That actually was kind of his fault.
Seeing how worn-out they were, he sat beside them and pulled out the reward.
Keith:
"Here. Coke helps with exhaustion."
Both stared at the chilled bottles like they were divine gifts.
Girl #1:
"Oh Merlin, thank you…"
They opened the drinks, taking long gulps.
The tanned one wiped her mouth and smiled.
Girl #2:
"I'm Angelina Johnson."
Girl #1:
"And I'm Katie Bell."
Keith smiled and stood, placing a hand over his chest and bowing smoothly.
Keith:
"It's an honor to meet two beautiful ladies.
I am Keith Argus Runcandel."
Katie snorted—then burst out laughing.
Katie:
"Beautiful ladies, he says! Do all Hufflepuffs flirt like this?"
Angelina, cheeks slightly warm:
"He's trouble."
The three of them chatted for several minutes—light teasing, complaints about Oliver Wood's insanity, and curious questions about Helena.
Eventually Katie stretched.
Katie:
"We should get back before Oliver hunts us."
Angelina:
"Thanks for the Coke, Keith. You might have saved our lives."
Keith waved as they walked away, looking far more energized.
Keith (thought):
I didn't expect cola to start cross-house diplomacy…
He shook his head and headed toward his next class.