Un Verano Sin Ti (Book 1: A Summer Without You) [Bad Bunny Story]

13: Tattoo

=MIA=

We chose to go to a less crowded coffee shop. There were only five or six people inside drinking coffee, and most of them were elderly, so I doubt if they knew him.

"We should buy coffee for Juaquin. I feel bad letting him sit at the other table while we're drinking coffee." I told Beni, so he also bought his bodyguard cookies and coffee. Beni got an espresso, and mine is a café latte. When we got our order, I stirred my coffee and dipped the cookie in it before taking a bite. Delicious.

"I didn't have the slightest idea that you're famous, because in the past, when we went out, people didn't recognize you." I told him.

"I had my bodyguards with me. You just didn't see them. Plus, we don't usually go to crowded places." he said.

Now that I think about it, he's right. The only sites we visited that were packed were the museums and the market-like area. When we toured around the city, we usually went to places with fewer people.

"I can be recognizable if you want me to." he added. 

"Don't. It's better to be low-key." I told him because I don't like to be the center of attention. I'm pretty sure people will ask why I'm with him and stuff like that.

"How does it taste?" I asked him after he took a sip of his espresso. I heard it's bitter, but I don't know how bitter it is. I haven't tried it yet.

"Wanna try?" He asked, and I nodded. I took a sip from his mug after picking it up. I winced in disdain as soon as I tasted how bitter it was. He laughed at my reaction.

I put the mug down and said, "I don't like it." That is bitter. I love the bitterness of dark chocolate, but this is too much for me.

He smiled and gave me a smug look and said, "This is a drink for grown ups."

I retorted, "Yep. It is a drink for old people." When he gave me a deadpan look, I laughed. He probably hates being called old.

After we were done drinking coffee, we went to the beach. We walk to an area with less people and I started taking pictures of the beach. 

"Take a picture of me. I'll borrow this." I didn't wait for his reply. I took his sunglasses and wore them. He shot pictures of me while I was strolling down the sandy beach, next to the palm tree, and under the palm tree. He took a lot of pictures. He became my photographer that day. I've got to say, for a guy, he's pretty patient.

I was playing in the sand when I heard him call my name, "Mia!" I turned to look at him.

He yelled, "Let's take a picture together!" I got up and hurried over to his side. He wiped the sand off my face before he took pictures of us. I didn't even notice that I got sand on my face. 

"That's enough sun for today. Let's go and buy shoes. My sneakers are about to give up on me." I showed him my shoes, which were on the verge of failing me. I've only worn one pair of shoes the entire trip because it's my favorite pair and I also forgot to bring my other shoes from home. 

"Let me take a look at our photos." I told him, and he passed his phone to me. I wasn't really paying attention to the road because I was too busy checking our photos. He instantly grabbed me by the arm when I was about to trip to prevent me from falling. He held my hand and didn't let go of it until we were back in the car.

At the shoe store, I was about to pay for the sneakers I picked, but Beni offered to pay for them, which I eagerly accepted. It's free shoes. Who doesn't like free shoes? Surely not me. After making our purchase and paying for it, we walked out of the store.

"Thank you for the shoes." I happily told him. My day is complete now that I have a new pair of sneakers.

"You are welcome." He smiled, I smiled, and everyone smiled. I'm kidding, but I'm really happy with my new shoes. He placed his arm around my shoulder as we walked along the street. I'm relieved that no one else recognized him but the staff at the shoe store we went to because, according to Beni, he always buys his shoes there.

Beni started cursing in Spanish as we were walking down the street, and I then noticed men running our way while holding big cameras. Are they the famous paparazzi I frequently see on television? I gripped the hem of Beni's shirt as I start to get anxious. They drew nearer and nearer until Juaquin stopped them from getting too close.

I stopped walking when Beni stopped. He removed his jacket and covered my face with it. He pulled me closer to him by encircling my shoulder in his arm as we moved more quickly. I clung to the jacket as if it were my lifeline. I don't want them to snap photos of my face to post online just to get criticized by social media users.

I heard a few of the reporters congratulating him for all of his accomplishments as we moved. Beni would thank them, but when people inquire about my identity or our relationship, he remains silent. We finally got back in the car after what felt like an eternity. I calmed down once I was inside the car. He sure is famous.

"Bonita, you okay?" he asked and I nodded. 

"I'm fine. Just a bit shaken." I answered honestly. 

"Sorry about that." he said with an apologetic look. 

"It's fine. It's what you can expect from having a famous friend. Do you always get mobbed by reporters coming out of nowhere?" I asked.

"Yes, but I got used to it. " He said. 

We didn't go home after that event. We went to a tattoo studio because he wanted to get a tattoo on his leg. "Does it hurt?" I asked him after his tattoo was done. The skin around the tattoo is red and it looks painful. I've always wanted to get a tattoo. My mom won't get mad if I get one because I'm already an adult, I think.

"Un poco. Do you want to try getting a tattoo?" he asked, and I nodded.

"I've always wanted to try and get one, but I'm afraid that it might hurt." I said. I already have a design in mind. As soon as I saw that photo, I took a liking to it because it looked cool and cute at the same time.

"You should get one while we're here. What design do you have in mind?" he asked. I pulled out my phone and showed him the picture.

"My logo?" He asked, his eyes wide with surprise. I nodded.

"It's a cute little bunny. It has a really minimalistic and cool design, which I like. Also, it's your year because it's the year of the rabbit. I'm a fan of Bad Bunny, and it's kind of like a memory of our friendship." It's a rabbit head with the cross or plus sign eyes. I mean, it doesn't need to be meaningful. I like it because it is cute.

"Bonita, are you sure?" He asked. I gave him a firm nod while making eye contact. He grinned at my response.

"Can you do it on my wrist, but only the lines and make it small." I told the artist.

"You can get a temporary tattoo if you want." Beni suggested, but I declined.

"Sir, do it before I change my mind." I told the tattoo artist.