On a lazy Sunday afternoon, a teenage girl wrapped up her makeup routine in front of the mirror. Unlike her usual minimalist approach of just moisturizer and sunscreen, today she decided to jazz things up a bit. With only a compact powder and a barely-touched lip tint in her arsenal, she resorted to borrowing a dab of foundation and blush from her mom.
Meet Andrea Kim, an 18-year-old high school senior. Fresh off her exams, she was now waiting for the results, due in a few weeks.
Andrea sported a white sleeveless shirt paired with a denim jacket, complemented by a pale blue tobi miniskirt. As she stole another glance at the mirror, she couldn't shake the slight unease creeping over her. The mini skirt barely grazed her thighs, shorter than even her school uniform, and its unfamiliarity made her fidget. Despite her usual casual and tomboy style, her boyfriend never minded her daily attire. Yet, today was significant – their very first year anniversary – and she wanted to feel pretty, if only for this special occasion.
"This is the day," she whispered, a soft smile gracing her lips as she admired her reflection.
Ding! There was notification on her phone.
Boyfie: -Front-
Ding!
Boyfie: -Take your time-
Andrea: -Okay, babe. Just wait a sec-
With a final adjustment of her new high heels, Andrea felt a surge of confidence wash over her, embracing her newfound sense of beauty.
Stepping out of the apartment, she paused at the stairwell, almost opting for the familiar path, but remembering her desire not to get sweaty on her date, she chose the elevator instead.
"Hey, baby tomboy! You're... uh... So stunning... What a rare sight we have here! Heading out for a special occasion, Little Lu?" Her neighbor Quan Brother, a twenty-something man, the son of the building owner, looked at her with admiration.
He was jobless, often wondered around the building. He lived alone in the next door since high school, so Andrea had treated him like a brother.
"Yup, of course! I'm not forever single like a certain someone," Andrea quipped, flashing a playful grin as she stepped into the elevator.
"Hahaha... I may be single, but I'm richer than you. Don't forget to use protection, Babe!" he teased, winking mischievously as the elevator doors slid shut.
Outside the apartment building, Andrea's boyfriend, Timothy Xu, awaited her with an air of charm and sophistication. Tall and handsome, he was just her type. Timothy was dressed in a crisp white long-sleeved shirt paired with blue jeans, a look that perfectly complemented his demeanor. Andrea couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. While Timothy always looked cool in his basketball uniform, today he appeared even more fresh and stylish.
"Are you okay with the high heels?" Timothy asked as soon as he saw her.
"Babe! Can you just look at me and say I am beautiful?!" Andrea pouted.
Timothy laughed and touched her hair gently. "You are always beautiful."
Andrea smiled in satisfaction. She glanced down at her feet, feeling a little uncomfortable.
"Well, I have slippers in my bag. Just in case, haha...," she patted her sling bag.
Timothy replied, "Okay. Let's go! I have my license, so my brother-in-law lent me his car."
Andrea asked hesitantly, "Would your big sister be angry? I don't mind with bus."
Timothy reassured her, "I wouldn't dare if she were here. No worries. She's on a business trip."
They had a fantastic time at the amusement park. Andrea ditched her high heels halfway through the day, prioritizing comfort over style, she went back to her slipper.
Timothy received a new smartphone as a graduation gift from his parents. Impressed by the camera quality, they spent the day capturing countless memories. Playing, snacking, they were having so much fun.
Andrea was very... very happy.
When Timothy went to buy some food as they took a rest, he allowed Andrea to transfer their photos onto her own phone. As she scrolled through the images, something caught her eyes.
Among the snapshots of their day, there were numerous pictures of another person – Timothy's close friend, Qilin Han. Andrea couldn't shake the bad feeling that washed over her, especially as many of the pictures seemed candid.
Qilin was tall and undeniably handsome, but not Andrea's usual type of handsome. He possessed a beauty that defied traditional gender norms, and his quiet, almost nerdy demeanor added to his enigmatic charm. Rumors circulated that he was gay, but his wealthy background shielded him from any bullying or confrontation.
"Soda or juice?" Timothy placed the bag full of food on the table.
"Soda," Andrea smiled and smoothly closed the smartphone, putting it back in Timothy's bag.
Andrea spent the rest of the day pondering the significance of those pictures, a sense of unease creeping into her chest. She wanted to ask, but she was scared of what if...
If it had been another woman, Andrea wouldn't have been so distraught. She felt a sense of confidence because she believed that if Timothy had been interested in someone more conventionally beautiful or feminine, he wouldn't have chosen her in the first place. Moreover, Timothy always made sure to avoid situations that might trigger jealousy or misunderstandings, reassuring Andrea of her worth. She considered herself attractive enough, and her tomboyish style was something she could easily adapt to more feminine occasionally. And of course because not many dared to cross her, it made her feel secure in her own skin. Andrea thought she had everything she wanted, or so she thought.
However, life is full of surprises, and sometimes they aren't pleasant ones.
Qilin Han was undeniably prettier than her... but he's a boy.
Ranked in the top 5 of the entire school, Qilin Han surpassed her in intelligence as she only ranked around 40... but he's a boy.
With wealth beyond measure, Qilin Han could drown her in money with a mere flick of his finger... leaving her powerless to retaliate.
BUT HE IS A BOY!!!
Never had she imagined that the first pangs of jealousy in her relationship would be because of A F*CK*NG BOY!
Like it ? Add to library!