The new school year began, and Lena was now in 12th grade, majoring in science. Thanks to her hard work, she was selected as the best student in her class. Lena's achievements became increasingly recognized among teachers and students. However, despite her growing busyness as both a student and a food seller, Lena remained humble and modest.
Amid her busy activities, there was a new student who caught Lena's attention. His name was Sebastian. He had just transferred from a school outside the city. He had a tall posture, a calm face, and a friendly attitude. His presence quickly became a topic of conversation at school, especially among the female students.
However, for Lena, Sebastian was just a new friend who happened to be in the same class as her. They began to get to know each other when the biology teacher asked them to work together on a practical project.
"Lena, we're on the same team. I hope I can learn a lot from you," said Sebastian with a friendly smile.
Lena nodded. "Let's work on it together. I'm sure you can do it too."
The project became the beginning of their relationship. As the days passed, Sebastian grew closer to Lena. He admired how Lena managed her time between studying and helping her family. One day, during break time, Sebastian saw Lena selling food in the cafeteria.
"You sell food too, Lena?" Sebastian asked curiously.
"Yes, this is to help my parents," Lena replied with a smile.
Sebastian nodded with appreciation. "May I buy your fried chicken rice? I've heard from friends that your cooking is very delicious."
Lena chuckled softly. "Of course, but sorry if the portion is simple. I only bring a little each day."
Since then, Sebastian became a regular customer of Lena. He even often helped Lena manage orders from their friends.
As time went by, Sebastian helped Lena more often, both at school and outside. He frequently accompanied Lena selling food in front of her house in the afternoon. Sebastian also willingly helped Lena study difficult subjects, especially physics and mathematics.
"Lena, you're already smart, but I know you can be even better," Sebastian said one night while they were studying together at Lena's house.
"Thank you, Sebastian. I just want to do my best for my family," Lena replied gratefully.
However, although Lena felt comfortable with Sebastian, she began to realize something different. Sebastian often brought expensive items, such as luxury watches and the latest phones. Lena had also once seen Sebastian being picked up by a very expensive-looking car.
One afternoon, when Sebastian was helping Lena sell food again, a neighbor approached them.
"Sebastian, you're from the Hartanto family, right? The wealthy family in this city?" the neighbor suddenly asked.
Sebastian smiled politely. "Yes, ma'am. But I just want to help my friend here."
Hearing that conversation, Lena was shocked. She never expected that Sebastian came from a very wealthy family. In her mind, Lena began to feel uncomfortable. She was afraid people would think she was taking advantage of Sebastian or that she was not worthy of being his friend.
The next day, Lena began to distance herself from Sebastian. She refused his offers to help her sell food and even avoided studying together.
"Lena, what's wrong? Why are you distancing yourself from me?" Sebastian asked one day, his voice full of confusion.
"Nothing, Sebastian. I'm just busy," Lena replied briefly, trying to avoid further conversation.
Sebastian Confesses His Feelings
Sebastian felt that something was wrong. He did not want to lose Lena as a friend, especially since he had begun to realize that he liked her. One afternoon, Sebastian gathered the courage to speak honestly to Lena.
"Lena, I want to know the real reason why you're distancing yourself from me," Sebastian said seriously.
Lena fell silent for a moment. She didn't know what to say. But finally, she expressed her feelings.
"Sebastian, you come from a wealthy family. I'm just the child of a food seller. I don't want people to think I'm friends with you because I want to take advantage of you," Lena said softly.
Sebastian was surprised to hear Lena's explanation. He shook his head and smiled.
"Lena, I don't care about status or your family background. What I know is that you are hardworking, intelligent, and kind-hearted. That's exactly what makes me like you," Sebastian said honestly.
Lena was stunned to hear Sebastian's confession. Her heart trembled, but she still felt hesitant.
"Sebastian, I don't know what to say. I just don't want to trouble you," Lena replied softly.
Sebastian stepped closer and looked at Lena with confidence. "You never trouble me, Lena. In fact, I want to support you. I want to always be by your side, helping you achieve your dreams."
After that conversation, Lena began to open her heart. She accepted Sebastian's help sincerely, without feeling awkward or inferior. Together, they continued to study, sell food, and support each other.
At school, Lena remained the best student. Sebastian also showed his talents in sports and arts, making them both admired by their classmates.
Outside school, Lena's food business grew even more. With Sebastian's help, Lena began to use social media to market her food. They created a special account to take orders, and in a short time, their small business attracted many customers.
Sebastian also helped Lena manage her finances, ensuring that every income was used wisely.
"Sebastian, thank you for being here. I don't know what would happen without you," Lena said one night while looking at their increasing sales results.
"I just want to see you succeed, Lena. You deserve the best," Sebastian replied with a smile.
At the end of the school year, Lena not only graduated with the highest honors but also received a full scholarship to continue her education at a university. Her food business also became more successful, becoming one of the main sources of income for her family.
Sebastian, on the other hand, decided to stay in the city and support Lena in every step she took.
"I know this journey is still long, but I'm sure we can get through everything together," Sebastian said as they sat in front of Lena's small food cart, which had now become well-known.
Lena smiled, feeling grateful for everything she had achieved and for the people who supported her. In her heart, she knew that hard work, love, and support from loved ones were the keys to achieving dreams.
And that was the beginning of Lena and Sebastian's journey, two young souls supporting each other to reach a bright future.
Sebastian decided to stay in the small town, not only because of his closeness to Lena but also for a bigger reason. His father, a successful businessman, had just opened a new branch of the company in that city. As the eldest son, Sebastian wanted to be involved and learn directly from his father about how to run a business.
"Father wants me to understand this business from the beginning," Sebastian explained one afternoon to Lena as they sat on the terrace of Lena's house, enjoying a warm cup of tea.
"I think this is a good opportunity to learn. Besides... here I feel more meaningful."
Lena smiled as she listened to Sebastian. She admired another side of him—a wealthy heir who remained humble and committed to his responsibilities.
"I'm proud of you, Sebastian," Lena said sincerely. "You don't only think about yourself, but also your family and everyone around you."
Sebastian simply smiled at Lena's praise. In his heart, he felt even more motivated to support Lena, who was also planning her future.
That night, Lena spoke seriously with her parents. She expressed her desire to continue her studies in the faculty of medicine.
"I want to become a doctor, Mom, Dad," Lena said confidently. "I know this won't be easy, and the cost will definitely be high. But I'm ready to work harder to achieve my dream."
Her mother, who was folding clothes in the living room, looked at Lena with love. Her father, who was sitting on a wooden chair while enjoying a cup of coffee, remained silent for a moment.
"You are a smart child, Lena," her father finally said. "If that is your dream, we will support you as much as we can. But we have to think about how to pay for it."
Lena smiled with relief upon hearing her parents' support. She knew that her family did not have much money, but she also knew that they always believed in her abilities and hard work.
"Don't worry, Dad, Mom. I've already received a scholarship for most of the tuition," Lena said.
"And I will continue running this business to help with the other expenses."
Sebastian, who heard the news, then came with an idea.
"Lena, what if we develop your business even bigger?" Sebastian asked enthusiastically.
"We can turn it into a more professional online business. That way, you can focus more on preparing for college."
With Sebastian's help, Lena's small food business grew rapidly. They created a pre-order system through social media, managed finances better, and even added several new, more attractive menu items. The profits began to make a significant contribution to Lena's family.
Sebastian also helped Lena study for the medical school entrance exam. Every night, they spent time together, studying biology and chemistry questions.
"You're really serious about this, Lena," Sebastian said one night while handing over his notes. "I'm sure you will succeed."
"I have to succeed," Lena replied with a small smile. "This is not just for me, but also for my family."
Seeing Lena's determination, Sebastian felt even more inspired. He also began to think about his own future, how he could continue to support Lena without neglecting his responsibilities to his family.
The big day finally arrived. Lena was accepted into one of the top universities with an excellent medical program. She cried with joy when she read the acceptance letter in front of her family.
"I did it, Dad, Mom!" she exclaimed while hugging her parents.
Sebastian, who was also present at that moment, congratulated her with great joy. "I knew you could do it, Lena. You deserve this."
Although Lena had to move to another city for college, she and Sebastian promised to continue supporting each other.
"I will visit you often," Sebastian said. "And if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me."
Lena nodded, feeling grateful to have someone like Sebastian by her side.
To be continued…