The Touch-Starved Girl and the Boy Who Chose Her

I have skin hunger syndrome. On my first day at a new school, I tackled the school’s resident troublemaker and ran my hands all over him. But officially, I was the school heartthrob’s obsessed admirer—the girl who had transferred schools just for him. By that afternoon, the gossip that I was dating two guys at once had spread across the entire school. This time, I was prepared. I dragged a suitcase full of cash in front of the school bully and asked, “Mason Reed, let me touch you, and all this money is yours.” The moment I reached the school gates, my body began trembling uncontrollably. My face flushed, then turned pale. I crouched down, digging my nails into my backpack strap as I struggled to steady my breathing. I had taken my suppressant before leaving home. How could it flare up so quickly? A pair of shoes suddenly appeared in front of me. A hand poked my shoulder. “Hey, are you okay? Should I get a teacher?” My vision blurred. My gaze grew hazy. Body heat. Burning, wonderful body heat! Just let me touch him. Just once… Grabbing onto my lifeline, I sprang up and crashed straight into the person in front of me. The boy was caught off guard and fell backward with the force of my impact. If my backpack hadn’t cushioned his fall, his head would have hit the concrete. He could have been seriously hurt. I pressed myself tightly against him, wrapping all four limbs around him. Every cell in my body screamed with longing. So warm. A little warmer… My hands seemed to have a mind of their own. They slid down from the back of his neck, inch by inch, then lingered lovingly around his waist. I gradually came to my senses when I heard his muffled groan and the shocked gasps from the people around us. Oh no! I’d made a complete fool of myself on my very first day! The boy’s face turned black. “Hey, enjoying yourself?” “Could you get off me already?” I coughed and tried to sound as casual as possible. “Sorry. It was an accident. Totally an accident.” “I, uh… my blood sugar dropped. Do you have any candy?” Even while getting up, I couldn’t stop myself from touching his waist twice more. The boy jumped several feet away and walked off without looking back. “No!” I turned to the crowd watching the spectacle. “Hey, I’m the transfer student who just arrived today. My blood sugar dropped.” “Could someone point me toward the nearest convenience store or cafeteria?” Since I had already started acting, I had to finish the performance. I bit into my bread and headed toward the classroom building. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the boy at the school gate. His body temperature ran a little high. It was exactly the temperature I liked. His body looked firm, but when I touched him, he was surprisingly soft. Especially the small of his back. I couldn’t get enough. He was also unbelievably handsome. The kind of handsome that left anyone stunned at first sight. After wandering around for a while, I still couldn’t find my classroom. Then a person I hated blocked my path. Ethan Cole hugged a stack of thick study guides and deliberately ran his fingers through his bangs a few times. He lifted his chin, convinced he looked incredibly cool. “Ava Carter, you really are crazy about me.” “You transferred here during the second half of junior year, when academics matter most, just for my sake.” “But I have to tell you, I don’t date.” “Whatever feelings you have are your problem.” I rolled my eyes. Who liked him? What an arrogant jerk! All I’d done was touch his hand twice while we were preparing for the math competition. What was the big deal? He had to spread rumors about it every day! If I’d known this would happen, I would have chopped off my hand before touching him.I gave a cold laugh. “Like you?” “Then I must be blind.” Ethan flashed a charming smile. “You don’t have to be embarrassed.” “Work hard, and maybe we’ll have a chance someday.” I swallowed the bread in my mouth with difficulty and nearly kicked him. I’d been forced to start my morning with a mouthful of greasy nonsense! Then I spotted the pretty boy. I hurried over, grabbed his arm, and whispered, “Good Samaritan, I know you’re kind. Help me out.” The boy gave me a complicated look and stood there without moving. Ethan let out a sharp, strangled gasp. He waved his index finger back and forth, his face turning pale. “What are you doing?” “Ava, let go right now, and I might forgive you!” I looked Ethan up and down with deliberate sarcasm. “What school heartthrob? He’s not even half as handsome as this guy.” “Stop dreaming. I wouldn’t choose you if you were the last guy alive.” Ethan trembled with rage. He forced a miserable smile. “You’re trying to make me jealous, right? Fine. I admit it. I’m jealous.” A black line appeared across my forehead. What kind of delusional narcissist was he? Couldn’t someone keep him locked inside his house instead of letting him out to bite people? I hooked my arm through the boy’s and said coldly, “Get lost.” Ethan’s eyes filled with disbelief. He stomped his right foot. “You played with my feelings! I won’t let this go!” “Ava Carter, I’ll be back. You’ll regret this!” The boy sighed helplessly. “Can you let go now?” I rubbed my fingers against his arm twice before reluctantly releasing him. “You’re such a good person.” “You’ve saved me twice in one day.” “What’s your name?” “I have to thank you properly.” The boy gave two dry laughs and asked, “Do you?” I smiled brightly. “Of course. I’ll buy you a plaque and have the school praise you at the next assembly.” “Mason Reed.” After saying that, he hurried away. When I stood at the front of the classroom, I spotted Mason immediately. I raised my brows slightly and walked straight toward the empty seat beside him. “What a coincidence. We meet again.” Mason’s pupils widened, and his mouth fell slightly open. Then his expression turned fierce. “You want to sit beside me?” “Pay the protection fee first.” The sweet-looking girl beside him tugged on my sleeve and quietly tried to warn me. “Hey, Mason’s actually a good person.” “As long as you pay the protection fee, no one at Westbrook High will dare bully you.” “He may be the school’s biggest troublemaker, but he has principles.” I asked, amused, “How much is the protection fee?” Mason stared at me, his meaning unclear. “Whatever you think is fair.” I studied him without making it obvious. His T-shirt had been washed until it was almost white. His jacket and pants were torn in several places, likely from fights. His sneakers were ordinary canvas shoes, and there wasn’t a single logo on his backpack. Even the one pen he had left was cheap. Was Mason short on money? He did look delicate and almost painfully pretty. His wrists were so thin they might have been thinner than mine. I pulled five hundred dollars from my wallet and smiled brightly. “A little money isn’t enough to show my gratitude.” “How about this? Mason, do me a favor. For the next week, I’ll cover all your meals, snacks, and drinks.”Mason stared in shock as I stuffed the money into his pocket. “You?” I tilted my head, my eyes narrowing with my smile. “My name is Ava Carter. I’m your new deskmate. Please keep helping me from now on.” Mason’s expression darkened as he looked out the window. We sat in the last row, where no one could see us clearly. And thanks to Mason’s reputation, hardly anyone ever looked in our direction. I glanced around, then cautiously touched his wrist. “Can I hold your hand?” “I’ll pay you. I don’t have any cash on me right now, but I can bring it this afternoon.” Mason shot to his feet. The legs of his chair screeched loudly against the floor. His face and neck turned bright red as he hid his hand behind his back. “I’m going to the bathroom.” By that afternoon, the gossip that I was dating two guys had spread through the entire school. I had toyed with the feelings of the school heartthrob, Ethan Cole, and now I was pursuing the school bully, Mason Reed. Everyone looked at me like I was some kind of fearless warrior. I calmly gathered information about Mason. Having people avoid me out of fear was still better than having them avoid me out of disgust. Mason really was short on money. His parents didn’t care about him, and he survived on government assistance. The school turned a blind eye to his protection racket. For one thing, high school students didn’t have much money. For another, Mason’s reputation kept Westbrook High safe. No street punks dared hang around the school. So, to sum it up: A weak mother. A sinister stepfather. And a fierce, broken boy. I nodded in satisfaction. He needed money, and I had money. No one took care of him, and no one took care of me either. My parents were always traveling for work and sometimes didn’t come home for months. I immediately paid a lawyer to draft a contract and prepared a suitcase stuffed with cash. Everything was ready. All I needed was Mason. Mason covered his stomach with one hand and leaned quietly against his chair with his eyes closed. I deliberately opened the lid of the insulated container. The classroom instantly filled with the mouthwatering scent of food. Mason frowned with difficulty. His nose twitched almost imperceptibly. Then he lay facedown on his desk and buried his head in his arms. I poked his shoulder. “Mason, time to eat.” Mason clenched his teeth. His eyes were complicated. “Why?” I resisted the urge to pinch his cheeks and answered seriously, “I’m trying to win you over. I need your help with something important.” Mason relaxed slightly. “What is it?” I set the lunchbox in front of him and propped my chin on my hand. “Eat first.” Mason ate in large mouthfuls, but he wasn’t rude about it. He treated the food with a kind of respect and gratitude that made him strangely appetizing to watch. Because I kept staring, every joint in his body gradually turned pink. The tips of his ears grew so red they looked ready to drip blood.Mason wiped his mouth clean and sat up straight. “Go ahead.” I spread my palm and held it out in front of him. “Can you hold my hand throughout afternoon classes?” Mason’s knee slammed into the desk. His chest rose and fell as waves of heat rolled off him. After struggling for a long time to find the right words, he finally said, “You’re a girl. You should be more reserved.” I made an agreeable sound and took his hand. “You didn’t say no, so that means yes.” “Good. Go to sleep. I’ll work on some problems.” Mason spent the entire afternoon fidgeting. Both our palms grew sweaty. Whenever he showed the slightest sign of pulling away, I tightened my grip. I was quite satisfied. I didn’t suddenly lose control of my body. I didn’t have to keep track of when to take my medicine. I could simply lose myself in my studies. Only after everyone had left the classroom did Mason finally ask, “Can you let go now?” I pulled out two tissues and casually wiped our hands. “Come with me. I’m taking you to dinner.” “I need you to help me with something.” I dragged the suitcase out from the corner and looked at Mason with interest. “Mason Reed, let me touch you, and all this money is yours.” “I already had a lawyer draw up the contract. You’ll be my twenty-four-hour assistant, available whenever I call.” “I’ll handle your food, clothing, housing, and transportation. You’ll attend the same college as me. I’ll also pay you an extra ten thousand dollars every month.” “All you have to do is stay by my side. Simple.” Mason looked at the suitcase, then at me. Confusion filled his eyes. He rubbed his ear, his eyes widening. “What are you talking about?” “I don’t need this!” He crossed his arms and shouted angrily, “Get out!” I shrugged and raised both hands in surrender. “I don’t mean anything else by it. I won’t do anything to you.” “I’m just addicted to your body heat.” “You know everyone has their quirks.” “I think we’re a good match.” “You give me the warmth I need, and I’ll take care of all your living expenses.” “I really need you.” “Of course, you have the right to refuse.” Mason stared at me for a long time before asking in confusion, “You need me?” I nodded firmly. “Our contract will remain in effect until the day you choose to leave.” I hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. I had thought I’d have to fight a long battle. At that moment, Mason sat stiffly on my couch. In my home. He had been nervous ever since stepping inside. I scrolled through my tablet, choosing the things he used most often. Now that he belonged to me, I wanted him dressed according to my preferences. I asked casually, “Any preferences when it comes to clothes?” Mason’s voice was dry. “No. Anything is fine.” I placed the order. Then I naturally sat beside him and pressed down his unruly cowlick. “Hold me. As tightly as possible.” Mason looked like an old robot that had just received a command. He raised his arms and moved them awkwardly around me, but they never quite landed. His lower lip had been bitten pale, and his eyes shimmered like spring water. I said calmly, “Pull me onto your lap. Put one hand against the back of my neck and the other around my waist.” Mason followed the instructions. His chest rose and fell unevenly, and he was breathing hard. I wasn’t satisfied with the loose way he held me. I frowned. “Tighter. I want us pressed together.”The moment our bodies touched, I let out a sigh of pleasure. My entire soul seemed to melt. Endless warmth flowed from Mason into me. I didn’t have to do anything. His burning body heat simply came close to mine. I loved it. Transferring schools had been the best decision I’d ever made. I had met Mason. Mason was mine. Mason stopped breathing. The only sound was his heartbeat, growing faster and louder with every beat. My fingers pressed into the small of his back, stroking the spot I couldn’t get enough of. “Mason, breathe.” His breath blasted against my ear. I rubbed against him in satisfaction. I was so happy. Thanks to Mason, I had felt comfortable all afternoon. So warm that I felt like a normal person. About ten minutes later, I felt moisture against my collar. Mason stiffly placed me on the couch. His back faced me as his body trembled slightly. I could hear the faintest sound of sobbing. He lowered his head and kept apologizing. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry…” “I was wrong. It’s all my fault…” I sighed and cautiously placed my hand against his spine. “It’s okay. This is a normal physical reaction.” “I don’t mind.” But Mason began trembling even harder. He muttered as though trapped in a trance, “Cut it off. Cut it off. It’s dirty. So dirty…” Something was wrong. I forcibly turned him around. Mason’s eyes were empty. His gaze couldn’t focus on anything, and tears silently rolled down his face. I panicked. I hadn’t even done anything! With no other choice, I silently repeated the words body heat several times. I had chosen him. I had to comfort him. I carefully wiped Mason’s tears and coaxed him. “Mason, don’t cry, okay?” I patted his back mechanically. How could he cry so much? Mason’s beautiful eyes were swollen and red. He looked nothing like the powerful school bully who ruled Westbrook High. No matter what I said, Mason barely reacted. He just kept crying. I really wanted to cut down whoever had given him this kind of trauma! If he cried every time, how was I supposed to study? This was enough time to finish an entire biology practice exam! Mason hissed. Oh. I had been angry, and I hadn’t realized how hard I was patting him. The skin beneath his eyes had turned even redder. He finally came back to himself and asked with a pout, “Am I a lot of trouble?” “It’s okay…” “We can pretend we never signed the contract. I’ll leave right now.” I blinked. Did I really look like some gullible sucker? I gritted my teeth. “Go to the bathroom right now and cover your eyes with a hot towel!” “Set a timer. Come find me in thirty minutes.” I had originally planned to let Mason sleep in the guest room. But now I didn’t feel like inconveniencing myself at all. He could sleep on the floor in my room! I tied our wrists together with a piece of rope and stared at Mason dangerously. “Keep holding my hand. Don’t let go.” “I think we need to get used to each other. That way, you won’t cry again.” Mason nodded obediently. “Okay. I won’t let go.” I rolled my eyes. Being beautiful really was an advantage. It was impossible to stay angry at him. Mason leaned against the headboard. The room was dark, but his voice was gentle. “Go to sleep.” My heart suddenly skipped. I wanted to open my eyes, but I squeezed them shut instead. My lashes trembled. Other than my grandfather, Mason was the first person who had ever stayed beside me while I slept. Mason tucked my blanket around me. His voice was soft and soothing. “Sleep peacefully. I won’t let go.”