Butterfly 99

Author: Jordan Kreiger
Translator: Xiao Wen
Editor-in-Chief: Liu Zhengxing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features:
Excerpt: "The nickname 'Tiger Eyes' comes from a character in a book by Judy Blume that she loved. The character's name is also 'Tiger Eyes.' In the book, the protagonist's father dies. Tiger Eyes' father also passed away at a young age due to a blood clot in his brain when she was only twelve. My family, however, is from parents who divorced, and my father left little impression on my life. So on this matter, we have much in common. In short, we have established a good relationship. When we confided in each other about our deepest secrets, there was never an awkward silence between us. We have never had a sweet date either; she doesn’t even know what I look like, so I never worry about my hairstyle or my clothes. Then why am I breaking this status now? If Tiger Eyes thinks I’m an idiot①, what then?
"Then just don’t go," Mark said casually before heading out to play soccer. "As I’ve always told you, online dating should stay online. This kind of thing won’t work in real life. Don’t take the risk."
Maybe he’s right. In real life, a girl with tiger-like eyes wouldn’t be interested in a guy like me. I have an ordinary, unattractive face—not particularly handsome, not particularly ugly, and not very muscular. But what does Mark know? He’s already mapped out his life’s path. He wants to be an investment banker, get engaged at twenty-nine, and married at thirty. He’s even chosen the neighborhood in Boston where he’ll live in the future. What does he know? I’m sure he’ll stick to his plan. He’s not a dreamer; there are no romantic cells in his soul. He’ll never hop on a bus to pursue a girl he met only through the computer network.
But dreamers are different. Even if they just want to see the one they love once, they’ll take the risk. Even if I end up running away like a complete coward back to school in the end, I’m going to see her—just to catch a glimpse of her. I think I’ve made up my mind. I have to go.