Way to the Glory [Max Verstappen]

Chapter 54 - Yuki the Cook

The warm summer breeze rustled through the palm trees lining the marina, bringing with it the salty scent of the Mediterranean. The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden reflections on the crystal-clear waters of Monaco. I stood on the deck of Charles' yacht, letting the gentle sway of the boat calm my nerves. It had been a long time since I had allowed myself to relax like this, surrounded by friends, without the looming weight of competitions and expectations.

Pierre and Yuki were at the bow, arguing animatedly about something, their voices rising above the soft lapping of the waves. Pierre's laughter was loud and carefree, while Yuki's expressions swung from serious to playful in the blink of an eye. Their friendship was something special—a constant source of amusement for everyone around them.

"Trust me, Yuki! I'm telling you, you won't make it across in one jump!" Pierre teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Yuki narrowed his eyes, determination written all over his face. "Just watch me, Pierre. I've got this!"

Charles and Arthur were lounging near the stern, soaking up the sun. Charles had his sunglasses perched on his nose, a relaxed smile on his lips as he listened to the banter. Arthur, on the other hand, was scrolling through his phone, but I could see the hint of a grin tugging at his mouth.

I felt a tug on my hand, and when I turned, Yuki was looking up at me with that playful spark in his eyes. "Angi, you're on my team for this. We're going to show them how it's done!"

I chuckled, not entirely sure what I was agreeing to, but the infectious energy around me made it impossible to resist. "Alright, alright. What exactly am I signing up for?"

Pierre clapped his hands together, his grin widening. "It's simple. We're having a contest to see who can jump from one end of the yacht to the other without falling into the water."

I glanced at the distance between the two points, and my stomach did a little flip. "Are you serious? That's quite a jump!"

Charles laughed from his spot in the sun. "Yeah, good luck with that, Yuki. You're gonna need it."

Arthur finally looked up from his phone, his expression curious. "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider, Ane? I mean, I don't want to see you get soaked."

I grinned, feeling a surge of competitive spirit. "Oh, I'm in. Let's do this!"

Yuki whooped in excitement and pulled me over to the starting point. "Okay, just follow my lead. And whatever you do, don't look down!"

Easier said than done, I thought to myself as I positioned myself next to him, my toes curling over the edge of the deck. Pierre and Charles were on the opposite side, taunting us with playful jeers.

"Ready, set, go!" Pierre shouted, and Yuki took off like a shot, leaping with surprising grace across the expanse.

I hesitated for a split second, then pushed off with all my might, my heart pounding in my chest. For a brief moment, I was airborne, the wind rushing past me, and then I landed with a thud, wobbling but somehow managing to stay upright.

"Yes!" I shouted triumphantly, throwing my arms in the air.

But my victory was short-lived. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Yuki lose his balance. His arms windmilled, and before I could react, he toppled sideways into the water with a loud splash.

Laughter erupted around me as Yuki surfaced, spluttering and shaking his head. "I almost had it!" he exclaimed, though he was grinning.

Pierre doubled over in laughter, clutching his sides. "I told you, Yuki! Never bet against the French!"