OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 2.2: FIRE

21 July 2030, 07:00 PM

Do you believe in love at first sight? I used to think it was foolish. How could you look at someone once and fall in love instantly? Love isn’t that simple; it’s a far more complex feeling. How could someone captivate you in a single glance or smile? But I was wrong—he managed to do just that. After meeting him, he lingered in my mind constantly. And that tattoo. Why a snake? He could’ve chosen something else. I don’t like snakes; they terrify me. One day, I want a tattoo too, something deeply personal, something that will always remind me of someone or something. I don’t understand people who tattoo random symbols as if they understand what they mean. But people will do anything for aesthetics.

The day passed quickly, and my date was approaching. I slipped into blue denim shorts and a cropped top. A bit of makeup—some brow shaping, powder, and gloss—pulled my hair into a ponytail. That was it; I wanted to keep it simple.

I arrived first at the meeting spot. The sun had begun to set, casting a soft, golden glow. The air was still warm from the day, and the sky was deepening into shades of blue streaked with orange and pink. As I waited in front of the bookstore, I started doubting he would come, wondering if luck in love was something meant for others, not me. But then he appeared, wearing the same simple clothes as yesterday—blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and black sneakers. His snake tattoo was visible again, winding its way up his forearm. He was tall, with dark, curly hair. His face was striking, with a strong jawline and those deep, dark brown eyes framed by thick eyebrows. He had a short goatee beard. He was muscular, but not in that gym-sculpted way. His strength looked natural, gained from hard work.

- “So, you actually showed up”, I said in a serious tone, trying to suppress a smile. “I thought you ditched me.”

- “How could I ditch a beautiful girl”, he replied, handing me a rose he’d been hiding behind his back. “I didn’t buy it, if you’re wondering", he said with a smirk. "To be honest, I stole it from a garden on my way here.”

- “Really? You didn’t have to,” I replied, unable to hold back a smile.

- “I couldn’t afford one from a flower shop, but I thought you might like it.”

This wasn’t what I’d expected. A stolen gift—humble, almost comical. But it was genuine, so unlike what I was used to.

- “Let’s go get that coffee I promised you yesterday. This’ll be a date like nothing you’ve had before.”

I followed him. We reached a small café at the edge of a park, where an elderly woman served us coffee in paper cups. We sat on a bench near a small fountain, its gentle splashing providing a calming background. It was completely opposite to the luxurious restaurants I was used to, but in this moment, it felt perfect.

- “You don’t talk much, do you?” he asked, breaking the silence.

- “I do, but…”

- “But you’re a bit cautious around me, right? I’m guessing there are a few assumptions, plus the tattoo you keep glancing at.”

I didn’t know what to say. He was partially right; there was a hint of fear.

- “Let’s dispel those assumptions and get to know each other better. Tell me something about yourself,” he prompted.

- “Well… I’m studying medicine.”

- “Medicine? So, if I ever collapse, you’ll revive me and save my life.”

- “Maybe. If you’re lucky.”

- “Challenge accepted,” he teased.

- “What about you? What’s your story?” I asked.

Deniel took a deep breath and looked away, his gaze fixed in the distance. He paused, gathering his thoughts before sharing.

- “My life’s a bit chaotic. I have six siblings. We all live together with our mom. Dad passed away a few years ago, and mom does the best she can. I used to have a lot of friends. I ended up in a bad friendship for a while, I even started using drugs, and made a lot of bad choices. But one day, I just decided it was time to change. I started doing part time jobs. Anything I could find to make some money.”

I listened quietly, struck by his openness and courage in admitting his mistakes. I watched him with empathy, realizing how different our worlds were. My family always had stability and comfort. Listening to Deniel made me understand the stark contrast between our lives. It was obvious he hadn’t had an easy path.

- “Sounds like you’ve been through a lot.”

- “We all have our struggles. Some people’s battles are just a little different. But what about you? I’d guess you come from a wealthy family?”

- “Yes, but I don’t like talking about it. It’s not something I take pride in.”

- “I understand. Money doesn’t make people happy. My mom always said that. And I read that somewhere in a book”

- "You read books?", I asked him.

- "Yes, I do. I even read the book you bought yesterday."

- "Please, don't spoil it for me."

- "I won't, but you will cry after the death..."

- "I said, don't give me spoilers."

- "I'm just messing with you", said Deniel. "And I didn't know you read those kind of books. I thought you were only interested in medical textbooks."

- "I don't read only textbooks. And I'm surprised you read books."

- "Well, books were my escape from reality. Even though I didn't like going to school, I always loved reading a good book. One time I stole a book from my school."

We then started sharing stories from childhood and funny memories. As we talked, I felt the ice barrier between us melting. A spark had ignited within me. He was unlike anyone I’d met— real, imperfect to the world, but for me perfect. Though this was just an ordinary date in the park, it felt like so much more.

As the evening wore on and the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, I knew one thing—this wasn’t the end of the story. Deniel was someone I wanted to know better, no matter how different our worlds might be.