# 2 JUST ANOTHER BORING DAY PART II
1190 Words
Mom and Dad hugged him warmly. Dad ruffled his hair. I giggled for no reason and sat at the dining chair — the one that was almost too tall for me.
Uncle Jesse brought souvenirs and gifts. I was too focused on mine to care about the adults’ conversation. Everything was beautiful, but one thing caught my eye: a book filled with tattoo drawings — patterns, symbols, colors, stories.
I traced the designs with my tiny fingers.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Uncle Jesse said beside me.
I nodded.
“So which one’s your favorite?”
I eagerly flipped pages until I found it — the most stunning tattoo. Complicated yet simple, unreal colors, a design that flowed like fabric.
“Oh, you’ve got great taste! That one’s beautiful,” he said, ruffling my hair.
“Yes, it is, Uncle Jesse! Where did you get this from?”
“In Japan,” he said. “I visited some local shops on my tour and found a tattoo artist’s place.”
“You have this one?” I asked.
“No, I wish. But it’s not really my thing.”
“Why?”
He chuckled. “Well… this particular tattoo is drawn only on specific people.”
My eyes widened. “It is?”
“Yes. They’re called Yakuza tattoos — only seen on Yakuzas. Amazing, right?”
“Yakuza…?” I repeated slowly.
“Yes, Yakuzas are—”
“Quit it, Jesse. Don’t feed my little girl nonsense,” Dad cut in, slapping Jesse lightly on the back.
“Come on!”
“Don’t listen to him, honey. He talks too much,” Mom said.
“I didn’t say anything bad— alright, forget it. I’m hungry. Where’s the food?” Jesse sighed, making my parents laugh.
If only they knew what was brewing in the head of that five-year-old girl.
---
I was back in my rented apartment, lying on my bed with my laptop, searching for information about a very important person. It was 9:37 AM, and I had no intention of getting up.
Unfortunately, Eleanor marched in, hands on hips.
“Get up, beautiful, or I’ll make you,” she warned.
I didn’t move.
“Don’t let me get to you — no Yakuza is gonna like a crippled bride.”
“You’re a joy-kill,” I muttered, shutting my laptop.
“I don’t mind being the villain if it gets you straightened out.”
“Sure thing, Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes as I headed to the bathroom.
We walked to campus — a short distance. I was a second-year ITRC student at Hamilton University, known for its top-tier students. But that wasn’t why I chose ITRC. I had my own personal reason.
Eleanor and I split up when our paths diverged.
Lectures were boring, mostly because my mind was elsewhere. Later at the cafeteria, Eleanor joined me. She looked cheerful — she loved her course.
She had banana bread and a smoothie. I had chocolate chips.
“So Nat, you’re seriously not coming to Denver’s party?” she asked for the millionth time.
“Yes, Eleanor. Y-E-S. I’m not coming. I have more important things to do than hang around with drunk strangers.”
“You could just not drink, you know. Come on, it’ll be fun. Besides, we both know your ‘important thing’ is stalking some innocent guy… who may not even exist.”
“Don’t say we. You’re unsure he exists. I’m sure.”
“Okay, then imagine he exists and turns out to be some old dude. What then?”
“It won’t change anything.”
“Yeah, sure. But you can’t stay oblivious forever.”
“Oblivious to what?”
“More like who. Denver. He likes you. Like… way too much, Nat.”
“Maybe you’re the only one who thinks that. I know nothing about it.”
Don’t get me wrong — Denver was attractive. Chestnut curls, hazel eyes, smooth jawline, tan skin, a perfect build, perfect height… someone I would’ve considered, if he wasn’t drowning in female attention.
“Nat, you need to try new things to know what you like. He isn’t that bad,” Eleanor insisted.
“I never said he was. It’s just that Denver—”
“Yeah? What’s up with Denver?”
A deep, familiar voice whispered right beside my ear. I almost flinched.
Eleanor’s eyes lit up instantly. I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
“Denver, why don’t you sit?” she said.
He looked at me first. “May I?”
I nodded, assuming he’d sit far away. He didn’t. He sat so close our arms almost touched.
“So, good afternoon, ladies. How’s your day been?” he asked politely.
“Not eventful. Just classes,” Eleanor said. He nodded before turning to me.
“How about you, miss?”
“Same old boring day. Wishing for something exciting,” I said.
“Aww, I feel you. Wish I could help, but I think I’m the boring type too.”
Liar. Denver was anything but boring. It felt like he just wanted to sound humble.
“You? Boring? Please,” Eleanor snorted.
They kept talking. I zoned out, nodding whenever it felt appropriate. I just wanted to get home and continue my research — not be stuck between a hot guy and my overly enthusiastic cousin.
“…can I?” Denver’s voice suddenly cut in.
“Huh? Me?” I looked confused, glancing at Eleanor for help.
“I want some of your chips,” he said.
I shrugged, unable to respond because I had one hanging from my lips.
He smiled — then leaned closer.
Too close.
His nose brushed mine. My heart skipped. His fingers brushed my lips as he plucked the chip away — and popped it into his mouth, never breaking eye contact.
He leaned back with a smirk.
“I wanted to see how good chocolate tastes. It’s really good.”
Eleanor’s expression was… demonic. She burst into laughter, giving me a chance to break eye contact.
“I hope you know you’re in public. Keep it mild,” she laughed.
Denver’s eyes widened before he chuckled. “Honestly, I forgot.”
“Yeah, suit yourself,” I muttered, trying to seem unbothered.
After a while, he stood. “Anyway, I’ll head out. Just reminding you about the party this Friday. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you both. Natia — see you tomorrow.”
He walked off, and I found myself watching him go. When I reached for more chips, Eleanor was staring at me with the creepiest smile known to mankind.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I asked.
“So… you and Denver, huh?”
“Please don’t. Just stop right there.”
“Fine, fine. So edgy,” she giggled.
“I’m going.” I stood.
“To where?”
“Home. Duh.”
She shoved the rest of her food into her mouth and followed me out.
“Girl, wipe your mouth,” I said as we headed home.
- Writer
