~ waisa project

'TW: mentions of stalking

Scrunching the shopping list in my pocket to double check that it was still there, I turned the corner and stared at the busy store. My Dad wanted me to pick up some groceries for dinner. We were new to the area, we didn't have food stocked up properly yet, so I followed the map on my phone to the nearest store which was easy enough. Coming from Ignacia, a small populated village with market stalls and thatched houses, to Ninjago City, an overgrown tourist attraction with busy streets and too much traffic, was a little different to my norm. It was surprising to see the amount of vehicles still on the road at this time of day, it was nearly 7pm, back in Ignacia, the only vehicle that we frequently saw was the milk van. Other then that we used Bikes to travel around. Like I said, it was a small place. People in work suits bustled all around me and I couldn't help but stare at them. I was used to armored workers in leather from their Blacksmith work, not people with briefcases and black ties.

We had moved to Ninjago because my Father's Blacksmith stall had done wonders. It had grown among the village and with a few donations from neighbours and kind friends, we eventually made enough to open a small store. My Father was proud, he and an old buddy forged a sign that proudly presented Li's Armoury. I was proud of him too, he'd always wanted to come to the big city and make a living for the both of us.

It was the middle of winter, Christmas had just passed and as my Dad said, we'd arrived at a perfect time for me to join school. School... I wanted to die at the thought of being a new student in the last year of High School. I wanted to die at the thought of High School alone. I hated school. Nothing bored me more. Though ironically enough, I needed it. Massively; I wanted to be a surgeon. School sucked, but oddly enough I found studying by myself easy. Dad said I got that from him, when he was learning to be a Blacksmith, he found it difficult to learn from others but when a textbook was in front of him... he was just fine.

I wondered if I'd make any friends. I thought about the people that I was passing and wondered if any of them would end up playing a massive role in my life. Maybe, I'd just have to find out.

It was exciting moving to a big city. Aside from constantly having to use maps to get around the streets I was currently unfamiliar with, the opportunities and wonder that I never got at Ignacia were right in front of me now. There was a museum holding precious artifacts about the making of Ninjago, the First Spinjitzu Master and all of the Elemental Masters. Just the thought of that made my skin ticklish with excitement.

The Ninja! I'd heard so much about them. So much. We never really needed saving in Ignacia, the only time I remembered was when the Serpentine were let out of their tombs. But rumor had it the Red and Gray Ninja used to live there, I never saw them though.

The cold fought it's way through the barricade of my coat, my hands fisted in my pockets. From where I was, the familiar sight of Borg Tower illuminated bright lights all throughout the perimeter. I loved it. I loved the contrasting areas I found myself in. The lights blasting from every direction, big windows from the tall buildings, the constant sound that signaled to busy surroundings. It was a sensory overload and it was brilliant.

As I approached the store, I was thrown off by the sound of a blaring police car. Right. Bigger environment meant higher crime rate.

I walked in, not paying attention to my surroundings. I was met with a warm heat that instantly fought off the cold still clinging to the material of my coat. But before I could start my shop, a loud voice called out to me.

"Congratulations!" A middle aged man stood in front of me, cutting of my walk, "You're our 1000th customer!"

I stared at him inscrutably. They were keeping count of who entered the store? What for? But on further observation, I noticed the big signs celebrating the grand opening. Maybe it was a promotional thing? But as I studied the decorations, I noticed the electronic sign keeping count of the number of those who entered. It said 1001.

"I don't think so," I gently corrected, pointing to the sign, "It says I'm the 1001th," And then I looked to the boy who had walked in just before me, "That guy walked in before me, shouldn't you be congratulating him?"

Having heard our conversation, the boy I mentioned turned around. My stomach dropped to my feet. Golden curls stuck out from his green hood, they fell to his cheekbones and were pushed away from his forehead. His brows were narrowed slightly, pulling his eyes into a shape that prohibited confusion. But that wasn't the only thing they gave off. His eyes emitted a glowing green unlike I'd never seen before in someone. He had long lashes, top and bottom. His cheekbones were high and they squared out his jaw.

This had to be the most attractive man I had ever seen in my life. His hoodie was zipped halfway up leaving the hood to sag near his neck. It revealed the white shirt that sat underneath. To match, he wore some black cargos and some old trainers. He could dress well too. Holy cow. Could this guy get anymore perfect?

The man who interrupted my shopping before it had even started glanced over his shoulder. His became poison as he stared at the boy who met his gaze. Mystery Hot Guy winced and turned his back, continuing his shop before I had mentioned him. What was that about?

"You don't know who that is?" He asked with a puzzled expression before shaking my unknowing off, "He doesn't count as a person in our eyes, this machine just detects the motion and added him. He's nothing don't worry,"

What the hell have I just walked in on? He doesn't count as a person? He's nothing, don't worry? I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy. Why were there such harsh opinions about him?

"Oh," I pursed my lips, eager to find a way to get this conversation to end, "Thank you for telling me?"

The store worker, whose name I read off the badge said Paul, nodded his head with a chuckle. What was funny?

"As your reward for being the 1000th customer, your shopping is on us for a month! Cool, right?" He announced proudly, "Go wild... but also don't, if that makes sense,"

Free shopping for a whole month! What God had blessed me with this reward? I'm so happy this was a department store. Father could get food for free for a whole month, and I could get clothes and books for free too! This was insane. I loved this City already.

"Holy crap," I gawped at him, "Thank you!"

"Not a problem," Paul smiled back at me, handing me a red card, "Just scan this at the till OK?"

I nodded frantically, taking the card out of his hand and shoving it in my pocket. Wow. Ninjago City was awesome.

Paul moved aside after that and I let myself relax after not expecting such an encounter from an overly enthusiastic man. I grabbed a small basket and looped it over my arm, a content smile on my face. My brain was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I could get anything from here for free for a whole month, all because I walked in at the right time...

...but I didn't really though, did I? I wasn't supposed to win that gift, the Blonde Boy in front of me was. Curiously, I looked ahead of me to see he was scanning the candy with a soft look on his features. I frowned, walking forward slowly. I really really wanted free clothes but I didn't actually deserve it. He walked in before me and was so rudely talked down on by a stranger! He looked like a person to me, why did Paul think he wasn't?

I bit the corner of my mouth as anxiety riddled up inside of me. I had to say something to him, I just took a dream away from. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting to the small card in my pocket, but as a teenaged girl, not to put a stereotype on it, free shopping was a dream.

He grabbed a handful of something wrapped in a pink wrapper and dropped it in his basket, briskly walking off. I sighed but continued walking, looking to the shelf to grab a bag of rice before following the isle down. I thought to myself in silence as I grabbed a small tray of chicken and placed it in the basket too. Now all I needed was vegetables and I was good to go.

Though close to where I needed to stand was the same boy staring thoughtfully at the different types of herb. I frowned judgementally. I wasn't an expert on boys or anything, but I was sure teenaged ones didn't spend their time cooking in the kitchen, fussing over which spices to use to sharpen their meal.

I spoke without even thinking.

"What vegetables do you recommend with rice and chicken?" I asked, wanting to slap my hand over my mouth quickly after.

His face turned in my direction immediately, shock and confusion lingering on his beautiful features. How does one look like that? How did he become so gorgeous? I wanted to ask him, I wanted to know his skincare routine and how he managed to keep his hair looking so shiny. He opened his mouth to speak but shut it quickly, his frown deepening.

"Um... brocoli?" He replied back, his words sounding more like a question.

I felt my cheeks turn red. Who let me speak to attractive people? Who did it, and why did they let me fail so hard at it?

"Oh, yeah," I nodded swiftly, "That's a good pick,"

That's a good pick? That's a good fricking pick?? Oh God I was doomed.

"Yep," He muttered awkwardly, slowly reaching out to grab a small container of herb and dropping it into his basket.

He stayed in his spot for a moment, probably wondering why my dumbass was still staring at him.

"Can I get that for you?" I wondered, swaying awkwardly on my feet, my gaze dropping to the freezer holding the green vegetable I wanted to grab.

"My shopping?" He confirmed, following my gaze questioningly.

Feeling super dumb, I opened the freezers sliding door and grabbed a bag of brocoli before nodding.

"Yeah. I um, I feel kinda bad," I admitted softly, "You were the real winner... I guess,"

"Why?" He trailed the question off for a little longer then normal, "I mean, why would you do that?"

Was he seriously asking me that? I may be making a complete fool of myself right now in front of the prettiest boy I had ever seen, but did he not understand human kindness?

"Because I shouldn't have been picked," I frowned for a moment, "Free shopping for a month," I reminded, "It's not like it's gonna leave a dent in my wallet,"

He stared at me in silence, his jaw clenching for a moment. My fingers twitched with the need to trace the bone that made such a beautiful structure to his face. Ok. What the heck was wrong with me?

"Okay," He finally agreed, "If you're sure,"

I smiled, proud that my offer had been accepted.

"I most certainly am," I assured, starting to walk again, feeling his presence copy my movements, "Do you need to get anything else?"

He thought about it for a moment before nodding.

"Just some batteries for my brother," He told, walking over to the check out counter to the hooks were they hung.

Oh so he had a brother. Was he just as good looking or were they complete opposites? Nervousness bubbled up inside me. I watched him look over the collection of batteries before he finally settled on two chunky ones that were the size of my fist. Damn. What did his brother want those for, a bomb?

I walked to the closest check out, unpacking my basket before sliding it with the other empty carriers. The lady behind the till smiled at me before her gaze turned to the boy stood behind me. It was the fastest I'd ever seen a smile turn into a grimace, kind eyes turn into a glare and a good atmosphere turn into a worrying one.

I swallowed awkwardly before taking Mr. Gorgeous' basket from his hands and loading it onto the conveyor belt that led to the scanner. He seemed paranoid, his hands immediately retracted into his jacket pockets and his eyes dropped to the floor. I felt terrible for him. Why was everyone acting so strange? What did they have against him?

"I'll be paying with this," I barely said, my voice coming out close to a whisper as I handed the card over.

The lady took it from my hand and scanned it before turning it back.

"Have a good evening," She bidded, clearly only aimed at me.

I went to grab the Blonde boys bag, but he beat me to it, leaving me only to grab my own. We walked out of the store together in silence. My heart ached for him. Why was he being treated so badly by everyone I had encountered so far?

"Thanks," He said after a moment.

"It's fine," I assured, offering him a smile.

I nibbled on my lip for a moment, wanting to say something else, wanting to know more about the Beautiful man I was standing next to.

"You live far?" He wondered, his green eyes looking into mine, surely making the comparison look pathetic.

"About 15 minutes," I said after rounding it in my mind, "You?"

"The same," He looked away, swaying his plastic bag slowly, nervously, "See you around,"

My eyes widened a fraction.

"See you," I replied, but he had already walked away.

My heart sank slightly in my chest. I watched him walk away until I could no longer see him. I wondered what people had against him. But as I started my walk back home, a theory suddenly struck my mind. Ninjago had a high crime rate, what if he was some kind of bad guy that everyone hated? Oh God, what if I was just kind to a bad guy! I gripped my groceries a little tighter and walked a little faster. What if the only reason he wanted to know how far I lived was because he wanted to stalk me? What if he was a stalker? Oh no. Why did it have to be the bad boys that were so incredibly fit? I couldn't date someone who stalked me, that would be weird!

But what if it was a hot kind of stalk? Omg no. What am I thinking right now? Just because he was hot doesn't mean that gave him the right to stalk me. I didn't want trouble, I couldn't have trouble, trouble made me nervous which made me giggle at inappropriate times. Trouble was bad. Didn't matter if trouble came in the form of a good looking guy with beautiful wavy hair and stunning green eyes. Trouble was bad. I would not be bad.

I followed the familiar sights that I had passed moments ago to get home, the hair on the back of my neck standing up at the continuous thought of the Blonde Boy being bad. I wish I'd warned him to not mess with me, my Dad made swords and had taught me how to defend myself with one. That would surely scare him off.

I reached my new home, relief washing through me as I dug through my pockets to get my key. The inviting warmth of the entrance melted me into a comfort that I hadn't felt since our old home back in Ignacia. The sound of my Dad rummaging through boxes made me smile fondly. He was probably making even more mess then the junk crowding every part of this place. It wouldn't surprise me. My Dad was one of the most messiest people around.

"You'll never believe what happened to me," I announced my presence, leaning in the doorway of the lounge.

My Dad retracted back from the box he was digging through with a wide smile.

"What happened?" He asked, his light eyes shining in excitement.

I hesitated for a moment. I wanted to tell him the truth, the store workers hated the actual winner and gave the prize to me instead, but I knew it would make him sad, plus, a white lie wouldn't hurt... right?

"I won us free groceries for a month!" I beamed, showing him the red card in my hand.

He surged forward, grabbing the possession out of my fingers.

"A whole month!?" He repeated in joy, "How the hell did you manage that Girl?"

"I was the 1000th customer," I chuckled awkwardly, "It was a promotional thing I think,"

Dad continued to look at the card like it had solved all of our problems. Moving to Ninjago had caused a lot of financial stress, expecially since he had opened up his own store so I guess maybe it did solve a problem. We wouldn't have to worry about food for a whole month meaning the money usually spent on that could go towards metal for the Blacksmith shop. I smiled fondly at his expression before taking a few steps to the kitchen, placing the bag on the counter then slipping my coat off, hanging that over the back of our wooden chair.

My Dad shook from his happiness and placed the card on the fridge with a magnet before taking the groceries and unpacking them, eager to start dinner.

"Brocoli? I wrote beans on the list... didn't I?" He wondered, showing me the bag suspiciously.

I could feel my cheeks heat up again. Goddamn that good looking, green jacketed, blonde haired, supermodel.

"Nope, you wrote brocoli," I prayed he wouldn't ask to see the list.

He didn’t. My sigh of relief was almost criminal. Dad made dinner whilst I sat down at the table with a book, waiting for it to be finished. We ate with a small conversation hanging over our heads. He told me about how excited he was to open the shop on the day I started school, which invited an educational conversation into the mix of things to talk about.

I was happy for him. Extremely so. He had always dreamed of getting big and managing his own products. The smile of his success never failed to create one of my own. But the talk of school made nervousness tug inside my stomach. It was just school, no big deal. I'd make a lot of friends and survive the last year. I'd graduate and then ship myself off to Cyrus Borg's medical college to chase my dreams of helping people. Easy. All I had to do was pass.

🐉