Chapter 1622
Yasmine sobbed as she pulled up her underwear and sweatpants, then slowly buttoned her jeans. Her lower body was still stung with pain, and her mind was a whirlwind of confusion. She had completely fallen out with Ivan, her last hope dashed. What was she supposed to do now? Was she really going to just tough it out until graduation, only to get a useless high school diploma? If that was the case, she might as well drop out and get a job. Maybe she could even become a big boss like Natalie.
Natalie was now the most famous entrepreneur in Harmony County, and her legendary life story was the talk of the town. Yasmine idolized Natalie, a woman who had risen from humble beginnings and a rough past to reach the pinnacle of success through sheer effort. At least Yasmine was still in high school.
Yasmine tidied her hair and returned to the classroom, continuing to read her book. No matter what, she had made it this far and was determined to take the exams. Maybe a miracle would happen.
Not far away, Kevin, dressed plainly, watched Yasmine silently. His real name was Abel Lester. He was a boarding student from West Stream Town. His parents were honest farmers.
Compared to the city kids in his class, Abel's high school life was tough. After school, while others went home for meals or out for snacks, he and the other rural kids had to eat in the cafeteria, choosing the cheapest meals. He often struggled to pay his tuition, and while most students wore down jackets, he had a patched-up cotton coat that looked particularly shabby.
Even among the boarding students, Abel's situation was the worst. But he didn't complain; he cherished the opportunity to study at Sunset Valley High School. After all, coming from West Stream Town to the county seat was already a stroke of luck.
Every day, he was the first to get up, heading to the playground to study. At night, he stayed in the classroom until late, only sneaking back to the dorm to sleep. His grades consistently ranked in the top ten of the class, which was his greatest pride.
As a teenage boy, Abel couldn't help but feel attracted to the opposite sex. The standout girl in Class 48 was undoubtedly Fiona. From the first day at Sunset Valley High School, she had been the center of attention: the County Executive's daughter, top of the grade, Class President, Student Council President, school beauty... She had all the enviable titles.
All the boys in Class 48 had tried to pursue Fiona, writing love letters and giving roses, except for Abel. He didn't dare to dream; Fiona was in a different league.
But Abel did have a crush—on Yasmine. He remembered the first time she introduced herself during class elections. Her maturity, beyond her years, captivated him. Her delicate face, long eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and the way her school uniform hinted at her developed figure made her stand out from the other girls.
Abel fell for this unique girl instantly, silently observing her every move. Yasmine was outgoing and always surrounded by boys. He wanted to find an excuse to talk to her but never had the courage, fearing ridicule and rejection.
In over two years, he had only spoken to Yasmine a few times, and always because she needed something from him. Whenever their eyes met, Abel would instinctively look away, feeling like a shy child in front of this mature, beautiful girl. He meticulously combed his hair and avoided wearing his most patched-up clothes. Every time he answered a question correctly in class, he couldn't help but glance at Yasmine, hoping to see her surprised expression.
At this moment, Abel watched Yasmine, her delicate wrist supporting her chin, a strand of hair swaying back and forth, mesmerizing him.
With finals approaching, Abel felt anxious. Once winter break started, he wouldn't see Yasmine. This evening, most of the class was at a party, a rare opportunity.
Taking a deep breath, Abel stood up, his heart pounding as if everyone were watching him, though they were all focused on their work. He pushed his chair back, the noise startling in the quiet classroom, but no one looked up, giving him the courage to approach Yasmine.
Yasmine looked up at the sound of footsteps, her eyes questioning. Abel stammered, "Yasmine, why aren't you at the party?"
"Not interested. It's mostly for the freshmen and sophomores. Besides, with Fiona there, why should I go?" Yasmine replied lazily, her voice slightly hoarse. She tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing a round, smooth ear. She had taken off her down jacket, wearing a cream-colored sweater that accentuated her full chest, exuding youthful allure.
"Oh!" Abel rarely spoke to girls, especially his crush. He didn't know what to say next. Seeing the math problems in front of Yasmine, he seized the opportunity. "Are you studying math?"
"Yeah, I can't understand this topic. It's too hard," Yasmine pouted, looking distressed. "The exam is coming up, and I'll probably fail math again."
Abel's heart leaped. Math was his strong suit. Though not as perfect as Fiona, he could easily tutor Yasmine. "I can help you with it."
"Really?" Yasmine was surprised but then smiled, moved to the chair next to her, and let Abel sit in her place.
Abel was thrilled by the unexpected success. Sitting in Yasmine's chair, he felt the warmth left by her body, imagining the indirect contact with her. He quickly suppressed his excitement, determined to make a good impression.
"Yasmine, this topic isn't that hard. Let me draw a diagram for you." Abel's confidence grew as he explained the math problem, and his passion for the subject became evident.
"Oh, I see," Yasmine nodded thoughtfully. She wasn't unintelligent, just unfocused on her studies. Abel's clear explanation made sense to her. "Abel, you're amazing. Better than our teacher."
"No, no, I'm not that good," Abel stammered, flustered by Yasmine's admiration and the faint scent of her perfume. It was the first time he had been so close to such a beautiful girl.
"Can you help me with this one too?" Yasmine pointed to another problem. "I don't get it either."
"Sure," Abel said, regaining his composure. As he explained, Yasmine's leg brushed against his, sending a shiver through him. His body reacted, and he quickly pulled away, his face burning.
Yasmine, more experienced, noticed Abel's discomfort but felt sympathy rather than disgust. The world was unfair; boys like Ivan played with girls' hearts, while someone like Abel blushed at a simple touch.
"Abel, why are you blushing?" Yasmine teased, pressing her leg against his again. "Is it hot? Why did you stop explaining?"
"No, I'm just thinking," Abel replied, trying to stay calm. But the sensation of Yasmine's leg against his was overwhelming, making it hard to focus.
Seeing Abel's red face and awkwardness, Yasmine decided to stop teasing him. She moved her leg away, and Abel relaxed, finishing his explanation, though still flustered.
"Thank you, Abel," Yasmine said with a smile, pulling a small, beautifully wrapped bag from her desk and handing it to him. "If I have more questions, I'll ask you."
"Of course, anytime," Abel said, thrilled, taking the bag. His fingers brushed against Yasmine's, sending a jolt through him, making her giggle.
Back at his seat, Abel's heart raced. After calming down, he opened the bag to find a small cake. It was the first time a girl had given him something, even if it was just a snack.
He carefully unwrapped the cake and took a bite. The taste reminded him of childhood treats but softer and sweeter, like a girl's gentle touch.
Abel glanced at Yasmine, who looked back and gave him a peace sign. He waved back, feeling a rush of happiness, almost like being in love.
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