“He wasn't wearing anything that speaks celebrity, just a simple hoodie and sweatpants, yet he was still able to attract a large crowd. Unfortunately for him, anything on that body of his will appear expensive and hotter. He ought to put in more effort and wear a face mask. That face will always attract female admirers.”
Beauty pouted.
She looked closer and noticed his awkwardness.
“That smile definitely looked forced, poor Bruno, he hates this kind of attention. He must be praying to disappear from there,” Beauty said to herself.
When the women finally dispersed, satisfied with their encounter, Bruno turned to continue his shopping.
Beauty waited, counting to ten in her head before daring to peek around the corner.
The coast seemed clear.
“Thank goodness, I better grab the things I need and leave before he sees me.”
She murmured with relief.
Quickly, she straightened up and headed for the next item on her list.
She needed a jar of honey from the top shelf, but as she stood before it, she realized with a sinking feeling that it was just out of her reach.
“How can they make the shelf so tall? It's frustrating! I am taller than average women,” she complained silently.
She pouted and stretched on her tiptoes, straining to grasp the jar, but it was no use.
Her height was a disadvantage and the shelf called her short in many languages.
Just as she was about to give up and look for something else, she felt a tall presence behind her.
Before she could make any move, a large hand reached above her head, effortlessly grabbing the jar she had been struggling to reach.
“You were reaching up for this?”
A deep, familiar voice said.
Beauty froze.
She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Her breath caught in her throat.
He was standing behind her so close!
His tall frame towering over her, she never felt so tiny before as a plus size.
Slowly she turned with her face down, avoiding his eye contact, her hands pressed on her chest like.
“Here you go.”
Bruno said softly and handed her the jar of honey.
Beauty’s heart raced as she took the jar from him, her fingers brushing against his.
She felt a rush of chills at his touch, and she struggled to find her voice.
“T-thank you,” she stammered, feeling her cheeks flush a deeper shade of red, still unable to meet his gaze.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Beauty could feel her face heating up, a mix of embarrassment and something more intense churning in her chest with each passing minute.
“Why is he not leaving? I can't breathe with him right in front of me! I can feel him staring at me too, my rough dry face!”
Beauty yelled in her head.
Bruno just stood there staring at her like he lost words or forgot what to say.
People in the store passing by looked at them with smirks at the awkward position, thinking whatever their brain sent to them.
A minute later Bruno finally spoke.
“Beauty,” he said softly, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.
“Why were you hiding from me?”
Bruno asked, staring down at her intensely.
“He knew my name! He called me by my name. Wait, what was the question again? He knew I was hiding… How did he know? I was very careful! What if he saw me before I even noticed him?”
Beauty swallowed hard, her mind scrambling for an excuse, but none came.
“I… I wasn’t hiding sir,” she stammered, trying to get some composure. “I just… didn’t want to disturb you.”
He raised an eyebrow with genuine concern.
“You think I’d be disturbed by seeing you?”
Beauty’s eyes slowly rose to meet his, and for a moment, she saw something in his gaze.
He was staring at her with such seriousness that can only be compared to an optician and his patient.
Like he was looking for something in there.
She couldn’t tell if it was kindness or something more, but it was enough to leave her breathless and her face red like a ripe tomato.
She slowly turned her head to his side awkwardly, and unconsciously he followed her head movement.
“I was…. Just…. Uncomfortable,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Bruno's eyes widened and he blinked.
“Oh…”
He stepped back, giving her space.
“I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, that wasn’t my intention.”
He said quietly, regretting staring too much, standing too close… he must be creeping her out.
Beauty’s heart clenched as she heard him apologize. He must have misinterpreted those words.
She had to fight her nervousness and shyness and talk to him.
“Take care…”.
Bruno said, and he turned to go, Beauty forced her mouth open.
“Mr. Bruno, wait.”
He paused, turning back to her, his expression neutral.
“It wasn’t about you,” she said, gathering every ounce of courage she had. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable. I was just… I didn’t want to be seen like this by you….. My boss, when I am supposed to be at work.”
She had to add the boss and last part immediately to avoid any suspicions.
Bruno’s eyes softened, and the small smile that formed on his lips was enough to make her heart skip a beat.
“I am supposed to be at work too, yet here I am. I don't have the right to judge you even as your boss.”
Beauty's face got more red.
How can he be so sweet, is he even real! His girlfriend must be so lucky. His ex must be traumatized. I wish … I wish I had the beauty to shoot my shot at least.
I wish I had what it takes to attract his attention.
He only sees me as the bullied plus size who needs his kindness and soft words.
Since Beauty was quiet, having many things going on in her head. Bruno thought maybe he made her uncomfortable again.
“Em mm … . If you need any more help with reaching things or anything else, just let me know.”
Beauty's eyes flickered up, and her cheeks heated even more.
“Thank you, I…. I think I’ll be okay. I’ve got everything I need now.”
She paused and swallowed heavily, fighting back her nervousness again.
“Thanks for always being nice to me, sir Bruno. I will never forget about you.”
She said shyly, glancing down at the jar in her hands.
“I will never forget about you too, Beauty.”
Beauty looked up and he smiled at her.
It was actually the first time she's seen him that close and smiling!
The moment passed, leaving Beauty with a whirlwind of emotions. She watched as he turned and walked away, disappearing down the aisle, the jar of honey still clutched tightly in her hand.
Beauty stood there for a long moment, her heart pounding in her chest.
She had been so worried about what he might think of her, but in the end.
Being seen by him was absolutely worth it.