ABO: A Debt to Repay - Chapter 18
Xu Xi took a seat, and the classmates around her immediately began to ask questions.
“Class rep, how did your exams go? Have you decided on a university yet?”
“I think I performed about the same as usual. As for university, I’m planning to stay local—probably A University.”
“Wow, then you’re practically guaranteed admission! I didn’t do so well this time. If my score’s bad, I might have to repeat the year… sigh.”
Xu Xi reassured her, “Don’t worry. The results aren’t out yet. You might do better than you think.”
Liu Mianmian, who had previously mentioned she wanted to talk to Xu Xi, chimed in again, “You don’t want to study out of province?”
Xu Xi shook her head. “I’d prefer to stay close to my family.”
“I see…”
Liu Mianmian looked like she had more to say but hesitated. Noticing this, Xu Xi gently asked, “What’s on your mind? You can tell me.”
Seeing that their classmates were already engaged in other conversations, Liu Mianmian leaned in and said quietly, “My family wants me to study abroad, but I don’t want to go. I want to stay here.”
“Actually, if you have the opportunity, it’s worth trying. You’ll grow a lot and get to see more of the world.”
“But… I…” Liu Mianmian glanced at Xu Xi, then lowered her gaze. “Xu Xi, I—”
“Hey, the homeroom teacher’s here! Teacher, come sit here!”
Their conversation was interrupted as the teachers arrived. Everyone invited them to take seats, and the gathering officially began.
The class president and vice president hosted the event. Some students volunteered to sing for the class and teachers, while others took the mic to express their gratitude. Xu Xi wasn’t the type to show off. She simply sat there quietly, watching the laughter and joy around her. But when it came time to talk about parting ways, many of them teared up.
Eighteen is a beautiful age—not quite the beginning of youth, and not the end either—but it’s a vivid and unforgettable chapter in life.
Whether it was brilliant or not, it would be remembered forever.
Flowers may bloom again, but youth never returns. No matter how reluctant they were, they could only move forward—never back.
Their teachers, having sent off class after class over the years, still felt a wave of melancholy as the lunch ended. They gave heartfelt blessings to their students, bringing a close to this phase of their lives.
After the teachers left, someone suggested going to a karaoke bar to keep the mood going. Everyone surprisingly agreed, perhaps caught up in the emotions of the day and unwilling to part just yet.
Although Xu Xi wasn’t a fan of such places, she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
She had originally planned to text He Lin to let him know she’d be going to the KTV with classmates, but then remembered He Lin had told her earlier to enjoy herself today. So, she didn’t bother reporting in.
The KTV they chose was called “Star River.” Some students weren’t there to sing but just to join in, so two large private rooms were enough.
The lighting inside was dim. Xu Xi sat watching people sing and occasionally chatted with the classmate beside her.
Before long, Liu Mianmian tugged at her sleeve. “Xu Xi, can I talk to you alone for a bit?”
Xu Xi nodded and followed her out.
In the empty hallway, faint music from the private rooms could still be heard. Liu Mianmian pulled Xu Xi around a corner, lowered her head, and said, “Xu Xi, I like you.”
“…!”
Xu Xi froze in place, stunned. “But… we’re both Omegas. How could you…”
Liu Mianmian looked up at her, eyes bright and unwavering.
“Love isn’t about gender. You’re a wonderful person, so I like you.”
Xu Xi had always been gentle, but she was known at school for being focused on studies and carrying a distant air. Many admired her, but most never dared to approach. Few had ever confessed to her—and those who did were turned down quickly.
But this time, the confession came from another Omega.
In their world, A-O relationships were still the norm. Others were rare, especially O-O pairings, which many still saw as taboo.
Xu Xi admired Liu Mianmian’s courage, but she had no romantic feelings for her.
“I’m sorry, I—”
“It’s okay,” Liu Mianmian interrupted gently. “I’m not confessing to make you accept me. I just wanted to tell you that you’re someone worth liking.”
Her words warmed Xu Xi’s heart. She looked at her sincerely. “Thank you.”
“Then let’s both hope for a bright and beautiful future!”
“Yes, let’s both hope for a bright and beautiful future!”
Liu Mianmian tilted her head and smiled. “Let’s have a hug then, okay?”
Xu Xi nodded, and they shared a brief embrace.
“All right, mission complete. I won’t stay any longer. I’ll head home first. Let’s meet again if fate allows!”
“Okay. Until we meet again!”
As Liu Mianmian left, Xu Xi was filled with mixed emotions. She turned around and faced several branching hallways—and suddenly realized she’d forgotten which way she came from. Trusting her instincts, she picked a direction.
But she hadn’t gone far when she noticed that one of the room doors ahead hadn’t closed properly. Through the crack, she caught a glimpse of a figure—one she knew all too well.
Her heart skipped a beat. Unease crept over her. Her mind said stop, but her body kept moving forward.
As she got closer, she confirmed it.
That handsome man inside, laughing and chatting with another Omega seated beside him—who else could it be but He Lin?