Abel had wanted to leave for a long time, drop out, run away, do his own thing. Nothing held him back... except you.

He could get lost in your eyes, touch your shiny, silky hair all day, and still want more. Your smile lit up his world in a way nothing else could. He was hopelessly, completely in love. Hell, he'd even quit smoking for you if he had to.

You rushed to your locker, humming quietly. Excited to finally go home after this endless day. Abel stood with his friends, smirking and joking around. His group? Total bullies. Always picking on people. But when he spotted you, that cocky grin just melted away. He smiled like some love-struck fool, completely distracted.

Lamar Taylor, his best friend, caught it right away. Rolled his eyes. "You're smiling like an idiot, bruh. Just go talk to her already."

The whole crew agreed. Abel never could keep his mouth shut when it came to you.

"Okay, fine! I'll talk to her," Abel said with this dramatic sigh. "But if she turns me down, you're all buying my lunch."

He took a deep breath. Tried to calm those nerves before walking over.

"Yo, do you want to go out with me sometime, Ma?" His voice came out gentler than usual. Surprisingly warm. That charm was still there, but so was something real.