Juan Li Sun

My alarm went off at 7:30 AM. I rolled out of bed quietly, careful not to wake my roommates, Jordan and Alex, who were probably still asleep after last night’s party. The kitchen was a mess—empty bottles, pizza boxes, and someone’s jacket thrown over a chair. I ignored it, sipping my coffee while scrolling through my phone, pretending I was the only one in the apartment.

I’ve been living in Vancouver, Canada, for two years now, studying computer science at UBC. My parents invested a lot to send me here from Hong Kong, and academically, I’m doing well. My grades are great, and I’m on track to graduate with honors. But I feel like I’m living in a different world from everyone else here.

Jordan and Alex are nice enough, but we don’t have much in common. They see me as the quiet computer nerd who never leaves his room. Meanwhile, they’re into partying, hooking up, and experimenting with drugs. They’ve invited me to join them a few times, probably as a joke, but I always decline.

Lately, though, their jokes have started to get to me. “You ever gonna lose your virginity, man?” Alex asked the other day, laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world. I just shrugged it off, but his words stuck with me. I started to wonder if there was something wrong with me, something I was missing out on.

That’s when I came across an article about asexuality. Reading it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. It was like someone had finally put into words what I’d been feeling for a long time but never knew how to express.

I’m 22, and I’ve never had sex. I don’t even think I want to. And I’m okay with it—actually, I’m more than okay. I’m happy.

As I finished my coffee, I glanced at the time. It was almost 8:00 AM, and I had a full day of coding ahead of me. That’s something I can handle. The rest? I’m still working on it, and I’m hopeful.