I casually puffing on a cigarette, and surveyed the surroundings. The smoke drifted out of my mouth with an air of indifference. My gaze wandered to the newly occupied shop across from my tattoo parlor. I couldn't help but smile in amusement, took in the sight of an abundance of flowers in the neighboring store. The thought crossed my mind about how absurd it was for someone to choose to open a flower shop right across from my edgy tattoo studio.
But my heart skipped a beat as a girl emerged from the flower shop, diligently wiping the glass window. It was as if I had been struck by Cupid's arrow. Her beauty captivated me entirely and I found myself unable to look away.
Time has blurred into a series of days, each one blending into the next as I constantly keep a watchful eye on the flower shop catty-corner to my tattoo parlor, eagerly awaiting the chance to catch another glimpse of its beautiful owner. Somehow, without consciously intending to, I find myself standing outside the flower shop. I take a deep, steadying breath and stepped inside. As soon as I set my gaze on the lovely shopkeeper, her eyes lifting to meet mine, and it took my breath away.
Her gaze filled with curiosity, wondered why a rough-looking man with tattoos like me was standing here. I cleared my throat softly, attempting to assume an air of interest in buying flowers, despite not knowing the names of a single bloom in front of me.
"Hi... I, uh, I want... that." I randomly pointed at a bush of vibrant hydrangeas, mentally crossing my fingers that I had gotten the name right. This was incredibly at odds with my tough and aloof persona. My heart hammered wildly in my chest, its rapid pace betraying my emotions, even though I tried to maintain an indifferent, irritated expression. But beneath it all, I could feel myself falling head over heels in love with her.
Her beauty so radiant, her innocence so pure. But it was her compassion, her kindness, that truly captured my heart. could such a gentle soul truly love a rough, tattooed man like me?