The Text from My Future Self Chapter 1

After the SATs, my childhood sweetheart confessed his love to me.

Just as I was about to say yes, I received a text from my 25-year-old self.

[Don't say yes! He only wants to sleep with you; he doesn't want a relationship!]

[Look at Liam. He's your future husband.]

[His lock screen is you, the tattoo over his heart is you... even the hair tie on his wrist is the one you dropped!]

I was stunned and turned to look at the school bully in the corner, whose eyes were red.

He looked away awkwardly, "What are you looking at? It's not like he's confessing to me."

* * *

After submitting our college applications, Ryan invited me to a graduation party.

I stood at the door of the private room, hand on the handle, my heart pounding so fast it felt like it would burst out of my chest.

Through the crack in the door.

I saw him standing in the center of the crowd, holding a huge bouquet of roses, looking a little nervous.

The classmates around him were laughing and cheering.

"With our school heartthrob Ryan making a move, is there anything he can't get?"

"Wendy has been following you for three years anyway. You couldn't chase her away if you tried."

"If you ask me, you just need to crook your finger and she'll come obediently. No need to buy flowers."

"Even if it's a weed from the roadside, as long as you give it to her, Wendy will treasure it."

My breath hitched, and my heart felt like it was gently pricked by something.

Yes, I have liked Ryan for three years.

He and I are neighbors and childhood friends.

But I only realized my budding feelings for him in freshman year of high school.

In those three years, I followed him.

Watching him play basketball, bringing him water and breakfast, taking notes for him.

He was gentle to me too, patiently explaining problems to me.

Giving me his umbrella on rainy days, even carrying me to the nurse's office when I had cramps.

I always thought he liked me.

But it turns out in others' eyes, I'm just someone who comes obediently at the crook of a finger?

I bit my lip, suppressing the bitterness in my heart.

Don't overthink it.

What others think is their business.

As long as Ryan has me in his heart, that's enough.

Ryan is so good, and so many girls like him.

It's already my luck that he's willing to confess to me.

I calmed myself down and was about to push the door open.

My phone suddenly vibrated in my hand.

I looked down instinctively, and a text from an unknown number popped up on the screen.

I clicked it open.

[Don't go in.]

[I am you from age 25.]

I froze.

Immediately after, a second message came.

[Ryan made a bet with his friends to sleep with you within three days. The stakes are a pair of limited-edition sneakers.]

[He doesn't want a relationship!]

[Otherwise, ask him which college he put on his application?]

I stood there rigid.

[He agreed with Chloe to apply to A University together.]

A University?

But Ryan clearly told me we would apply to C University together because he wanted to be with me always.

I stared at the screen, my brain buzzing.

Chloe transferred here in the second semester of sophomore year.

Wealthy family, outstanding temperament.

She became the focus of the whole school as soon as she arrived.

She once brought water to Ryan on the basketball court.

But he politely declined.

I was secretly happy for a long time.

But it turns out they have been in contact privately?

From the private room, Ryan's voice came with a smile.

"Alright, stop teasing. When Wendy comes later, play along."

"Don't worry, she'll definitely say yes. I know her too well."

My heart felt like it was stabbed, painful enough to turn my face pale.

So, his gentle smile, considerate actions, and even the promised future.

Were all just a gamble?

Or, I was just a seasoning in his bland life.

My future self was afraid I wouldn't believe it and encouraged me to go in and verify it myself.

[If you don't believe me, go in and verify it yourself.]

[Some people need to see it with their own eyes to know if it's worth it.]

[I know you are the type who won't turn back until you hit a wall, because I am you.]

I pushed open the door of the private room abruptly.

The noise stopped abruptly.

Everyone's eyes turned to me in unison.

Ryan was slightly stunned, then smiled.