Tied with scissors - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Studying and Monthiversary

Samanta organized an afternoon study session at home. She, Fabrício, and two college classmates were preparing for the scariest exam of the semester. Each had their notebook open, with cups of tea on the table.

While explaining an exercise, Samanta noticed something subtle. Every time Fabrício lowered his head to read, he had to push back the long strands falling over his forehead. Since she started blow-drying and styling his hair, he still hadn’t gotten used to the softness of the strands slipping over his face.

Without saying a word, she stood up, went to her room, and came back with a wide pastel-blue headband.

— Sweetie, hold still for a second, — she said, appearing behind him.

Before he could even ask what she was doing, he felt her fingers adjust the headband on his head.

— There. Now your hair won’t bother you anymore.

— Oh… thanks, — he replied, distracted, immediately turning back to his exercises.

The classmates exchanged glances. One of them, with a little smile, leaned closer to Samanta and whispered:

— Hey, Samy… are you sure he’s really a boy?

Samanta laughed without missing a beat:

— Of course he is. But he’s the cutest boy in the world.

When the study session finally ended and the girls had gone home, Fabrício sank into the couch, exhausted.

— Phew. We’re done. That headband was a lifesaver.

He took the accessory off his head, studying it for a moment — the delicate bow, the soft fabric, clearly something meant to be cute… and girly.

His cheeks flushed red instantly.

— Samanta! Why did you put that on me? There were people here!

She flopped down next to him with a shrug.

— But you looked so cute with it… and you were so focused you didn’t even notice. I couldn’t resist.

— What are they going to think of me…? I wore it like it was… normal!

— Hehe… one of them even said you looked like a little girl…

— Honeeeey!
— I can’t help it if you’re just so adorable.

Fabrício crossed his arms and turned his head away. Sulky. And completely red.

Since that day, Samanta had slowly been winning him over, convincing him to wear cuter clothes whenever they were alone. She also brought him into her skincare rituals and took special care of his hair: hydrating, treating, and using only the best products. Even though his face was always a little red and his expression sulky, he never actually said “no.” And every time she ran her fingers through his soft hair, a small, almost shy smile would escape his lips — like he didn’t want to admit how much he liked it all.

When the first month of dating rolled around, Samanta got an idea.

She approached Fabrício with a mischievous smile.

— Hey, darling, do you know what day it is today?

— Hmmm… Saturday?

— No, silly. — She laughed, wagging her finger. — It’s our one-month anniversary.

Fabrício’s eyes widened in surprise.

— Don’t tell me you didn’t get me anything today…

— S-sorry, love. I didn’t even realize… I didn’t know people celebrated that.

Samanta tilted her head, still wearing that playful smile.

— Well, it’s a special day for me. So since you forgot, your present is going to be letting me dress you up however I want for our date tonight.

Fabrício blushed, embarrassed and a bit nervous.

— Well… you’re not going to go overboard, are you?

— Don’t worry. I’m going to make you perfect for our date!

She picked up a pair of hair-cutting scissors she had bought just for this.

— So, Fabi… let’s start by fixing up that gorgeous hair of yours!

— W-what’s wrong with my hair?

— How long has it been since you last cut it?

— I don’t know… four years?

— Exactly! If you want healthy hair, you need to trim the ends regularly, love. I’m just going to take off a little bit, okay?

— Alright… but no girly haircut, okay?

— Okay, okay. Now hold still, I’m starting with the back.

Samanta gripped the comb and began to cut his hair, which fell past his waist, carefully and precisely. She combed and lined up the back sections, making sure they were perfectly straight. Each snip of the scissors made a soft, dry click, and strands of golden hair slowly fell, forming a little blanket of pale strands at his feet. When she finished, Fabrício’s hair now fell just a finger above his waist, swinging lightly, straight and neat.

— Can I see how it looks, love?

— Not yet, cutie. I only did the back. Now for the rest.

She moved to the side of his face and lifted a section that ran from his ear to his bangs. Before he could protest, she measured it with her fingers and, in one swift cut, took off nearly half the length. The crisp sound of the scissors filled the room. Fabrício’s eyes widened as he saw Samanta holding that generous chunk of hair in her hand. His heart raced — seeing how the side of his hair was now so much shorter.

— S-Samanta…?

— You needed a little more style, Fabi. Now for the other side.

— But… but…

— It’s already done. Unless you want to walk around with uneven hair?

He sighed, resigned. Samanta snipped the other side to match, leaving the front sections at nipple height. When he finally looked in the mirror, he was in shock. How could a straight, short cut make him look so… feminine?

— Honeeeyy… I said not to go overboard…

— But you look so cute…

— I wonder what everyone at college will say when they see me like this…

— They’ll say that my Fabi gets cuter every day!

Fabrício turned even redder, unsure how to respond.

— Well, that’s the first step for our date look. Now, let’s get to the special outfit I picked out for you!

— It’s not any of your clothes, right?

— No! — she laughed. — It’s a gift. It’ll suit you, I promise.

A few minutes later, Fabrício came out of the bedroom wearing pink shorts, long socks, a cropped T-shirt that was almost a baby tee, and another long shirt underneath. Samanta couldn’t hold back her smile.

— Long socks, Samanta… — he muttered, tugging at the sleeves, red-faced.

— It’s perfect. It suits you so much!

Before leaving the house, Fabrício took a small step back, embarrassed.

— Can I… at least wear pants?

Samanta smiled and moved closer, gently smoothing his hair.

— Come on, Sweetie, just for today… for me?

He sighed, his face bright red, and stepped forward, lowering his head.

— Just for today.

She hugged him lightly, then pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.

— Thank you, Darling. This is going to be the best monthiversary ever.