Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Twenty One

Merida went straight to the hospital where her mom worked. It was much bigger than the one in their city, with long, polished halls that made her feel small. At the information desk, she asked for her mom.

"Oh, she has an operation tonight, love," the nurse said warmly. "You can wait in her office or in the lobby."

Merida thanked her and found her way to the office, remembering her mom's old video-call tour. She set down her luggage, rested for a while, then sighed when her stomach growled.

She remembered the paper bag Leo had given her. Inside were egg rolls and rice balls, still neatly packed. "He's so sweet," she murmured before heading up to the rooftop, food in hand.

The rooftop was quiet, the evening air crisp. She took a bite—and instantly smiled. Leo's cooking was perfect, warm and familiar, almost like her mother's. She giggled at the simple joy of it.

"Wow," a voice said suddenly. "Never seen someone get that happy over egg rolls."

Merida's eyes widened. She froze, staring. Those eyes reminded her of him. The boy who once told her to fight back. The boy whose gaze had been so gentle it stayed in her memory.

Was it...?

Her lips parted slightly, heart hammering.

"What are you staring at?" the person asked, tilting their head.

Merida blinked hard, realizing. No... she was wrong. Not him. This wasn't a boy.

"I—I wasn't—" she stuttered, face flushing.

The stranger smirked, stepping closer. Short black hair framed sharp blue eyes, and though her build and energy leaned boyish, there was no mistaking it now—she was a girl.

"No need to be all red about it," she said. "I'm Yuri."

Merida fumbled. "I'm Me—uh, Love," she said quickly, offering her second name. To cover her embarrassment, she held out the food. "Want some?"

Yuri took an egg roll, bit into it, and made a strange face. "Tastes perfect... but annoying."

Merida just blinked at her.

"So," Yuri said casually, tugging at the hospital gown she wore. "You a visitor? Or a patient?"

"My mom works here," Merida replied. "I just got in from another city."

"Visitor, then. I'm the patient. Been here a while, but I'll probably get out next week. Finally."

Merida nodded.

Yuri's gaze sharpened, almost playfully. "You're not much of a talker, huh?"

Merida shook her head quickly.

Yuri chuckled. "Tell you what. When I get out, I'll show you around. Ever been to the beach?"

"Once. When I was a kid."

"'When I was a kid'? How old's that?"

Merida gave her a look, and Yuri laughed. "Sorry, sorry. That's the doctors' fault. They're contagious—they ask a million questions like that. It rubs off on you."

Merida giggled despite herself.

"Better," Yuri said. "You look prettier when you laugh."

Merida froze. The compliment reminded her too much of him—the guy who told her she was beautiful. The memory stung.

"Tell me about you," Yuri said, softer now.

Merida hesitated. "I don't know. I always get bullied. I came here because... because I was betrayed. It hurt too much, so I left before even hearing his side."

"His side, huh? Sounds like heartbreak," Yuri said. "Cry if you want. I won't mind."

Her chest tightened, and tears slid down before she could stop them. "He saved me," she whispered. "He made me feel beautiful... I believed him. But it was all a lie."

Yuri looked up at the sky, smirking faintly. "Saved you? How?"

"He was the first one to stand up for me. He treated me so well that I fell in love. But he..." she trailed off, wiping her tears.

"Don't you think it matters more who stays than who's first?"

Merida glanced at her. Yuri's smile was sharp, but her words felt true.

"He didn't lie when he called you beautiful," Yuri continued. "What he lied about was forever. That's the curse of promises—they're easy to make, harder to keep. You were a fool to believe him, but that just makes you human."

Merida stared, realizing Yuri must have been through the same kind of pain.

"You've been hurt too," she whispered.

"Plenty of times," Yuri replied simply. "That's why I don't waste time with boys. What you need is a man—someone who wakes up every day loving you more than yesterday. Or at the very least, someone who doesn't give up and change with the season."

Merida exhaled shakily. "Wow... I don't even know what to say."

"Then don't," Yuri said, standing. "Nice to meet you, Love. Walk me back?"

Merida picked up her things and followed. When the elevator stopped at the seventh floor, Yuri stepped out with a lazy wave. "See you when I see you."

Merida watched her go, strangely lighter than before.

Later, when her mother finally returned, she ran into Beth's arms, crying.

"I missed you, Mom!"

Beth hugged her tightly. "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm here. Love hurts sometimes... but I'll always be here."

After minutes of silence, Merida smiled faintly. "Mom, I made a friend today. Her name is Yuri. She's really nice... and pretty."

Beth stiffened, recognizing the name. "Yuri? On the seventh floor?"

"Yes! Do you know her?"

Beth forced a smile. "She's... a good girl."

But inside, she thought otherwise. Yuri was notorious—always causing trouble for the staff, never following rules.

Still, looking at Merida's hopeful face, she stayed quiet. Because some lessons had to be learned firsthand.

Question: Who do you think will Merida be with?  >~<