Falling for Mr. Right

When I got my independent admissions letter, I decided it was time to say goodbye to the person I had been crushing on for three years.

Over three years, I couldn't count how many times I had confessed my feelings, nor how many times he had turned me down.

This time, I was determined to cut him off completely and leave my past behind.

"Alec Carter, I've decided not to like you anymore," standing on the small staircase at school, I said and smiled as I looked at the boy in front of me.

Alec was dressed in his school uniform, a white shirt faded from washing and black trousers with frayed edges, but none of this could dim his inherent brilliance.

His face was perpetually cold, but his eyes were captivating, like mesmerizing whirlpools that could trap anyone in their depths.

Alec probably didn't expect me to say anything other than "I like you," and his expression froze slightly.

Slowly, he slipped his hands into his pockets and turned his gaze away, asking, "Have you thought it through?" His voice was still deep, but it seemed slightly strained.

"Yes," I nodded firmly.

At that moment, I felt a sudden sense of relief, not sadness, but a feeling of being reborn, ready to embrace a new life.

Hearing my response, Alec turned to face me, and for the first time, I saw myself reflected in his beautiful eyes.

He smiled.

I didn't know what his smile meant. Was he feeling regret over losing a pursuer, or was he glad to finally be free of me?

Just as I was about to turn and leave, he suddenly grabbed my hand.

"Lillian Wells, wait a moment," he called my name, and the heat of his palm seeped through my skin.

I was startled, looking at him nervously, then at his hand.

What did this mean? Now that I didn't like him, he wanted me to stay? Too bad, it was too late.

For three years, I made excuses to take the bus home just to stay close to him, since the station was near where he lived.

To get his attention, I tirelessly practiced basketball, which was his favorite sport, hoping we could stand on the court together one day.

As a result, I won the women's three-point contest at the school sports meet, and even the PE teacher said I had an amazing arm strength, as most girls couldn't even hit the rim.

Many girls in the class liked him too, but only I knew how many grievances I had endured. To maintain my sense of presence, I bonded with the boys in the class and became the leader of the group, even though I was just a gentle girl, I endured all the hardships because I liked Alec.

But now I had figured it out. With graduation on the horizon, there was nothing worth holding onto. I didn't need to be stuck on one person when the whole world was out there.

Just as I was about to mock him a little to vent my frustration, Alec suddenly released my hand.

"The notebook I lent you last time, don't forget to return it," with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling lost and in disarray on the small staircase.

I had planned to dump him hard, but why did it feel like I was the one who got dumped?

The person I liked for three years cared more about a notebook than me! I was truly foolish.

The day before university started, I went to the hair salon.

Looking at my long hair, I steeled myself and cut it short.

My mom asked why I cut it, and I said it was for convenience during our school training program. But I knew it was to formally say goodbye to my past self.

I was ready for university life. Beautiful romance, here I was.

What I didn't expect was to find romance on the first day.

I noticed a boy who bore an uncanny resemblance to Alec, with the same short hair and aloof expression.

During a break, I secretly took a photo of him and even posted it on my social media, saying, "Found a handsome guy, so cool. Day one of crushing on him."