The Beauty of Love

Chapter 10

The days went on and with Maia's birthday approaching, I went to the mall one afternoon to buy her a present.

I remember that during our previous shopping, she wanted to buy a pair of white sandals we saw in a shop. She really liked them but decided not to buy them because they were quite expensive and she was saving for something else.

Remembering this, I decided to buy them for her special day. I know Maia will appreciate it. She is always happy and grateful for whatever her friends give her.

I've witnessed it since we were in college. Every year on her birthday, I was there to celebrate with her and see how happy she was with every gift, whether expensive or not.

You know... my best friend may have a strong personality, but she is a simple girl at heart.

"Oh, this is so cute," I said when I saw a matcha squishmallow.

Matcha is Maia's favorite flavor of drink, and I can only imagine her joy once she sees this, so I decided to buy it for her as well. And while I was in line to pay, someone suddenly came up to my side.

It caught my attention, so I looked at the man next to me but didn't say anything.

"Hi," the guy greeted.

"Yes?"

He flashed a sweet smile at me. "Can I have your number?" he asked smoothly.

I knew it. Boys and their tactics.

"You're very pretty," he added. "You also have a nice figure, and I honestly think you're a good girl."

"I am," I replied, though I didn't care about his smooth talk.

The guy chuckled. "I can see it. Can I have your phone number, then?"

"I'm not interested, sir." I replied in all honesty.

"Ow," he reacted.

"Excuse me. I'll pay now," I said politely as I reached the counter.

"Yeah, yeah. All good," he said and he eventually left.

I paid for the squishmallow for my best friend and went outside. And while I was carrying the bags, I let out a sigh. I'm thinking about the boy from earlier.

I wonder if I came off as rude or disrespectful. I just don't just like the idea of being perceived as a bad person, even though I have negative feelings towards boys now.

It wasn't the first time. Even at the café, some people have tried to hit on me and ask for a date, but I always refuse. Some of them even ended up coming back as regular customers.

Their eyes are on me all the time, but since they are customers, I try to be as respectful as I can. I'm fine with it as long as they don't bother me while I'm working. I'm also grateful that they don't disrespect me as a woman.

They don't force me into anything. When I say I'm not interested, they stop bothering me. But like I said, some of them really became our regular customers.

I can see that they are good people, but I simply don't like them. I don't need a romantic relationship in my life, especially because I see each one as potentially capable of cheating one day.

Of course, I'll decline anyone. Why not?

Boys will always be boys. I've been a fool before, and I'm not going to be one anymore. I'm done with being stupid. I don't want my heart to be broken again. It's too scary.

"Sir, how much po ito?" I asked the guy inside the shop, referring to the glasses I saw. It's very beautiful and suited me well.

Right now, I'm on FaceTime with my mom. I'm asking for her opinion on whether it looks good on me or not. I want to make sure my money won't be wasted if the glasses don't make me look nice.