IRIS

27. CANDOR

Once everyone had left the hospital, Iris stayed to care for Changbin, and he explained everything that happened that night. 

"I told you you didn't have to explain anything to me." 

"I know, but the similarities between what happened five years ago, and last night were eerily similar, and I wanted to make sure that you knew I'm not leaving, and I'm not confused. I needed to stay in character in order to sell it. He had to think I was being swayed. Still, I am sorry. You're everything to me, and all I ever need."

"Thank you. I'm glad you're who my heart chose to trust. I understand getting caught up in the moment, and in character. It's hard to keep your body from reacting, but body and heart are separate. I have been turned on by a mark or a person I was undercover with, but I didn't fall in love with them. I get it."

Changbin raised his eyebrow and side-grinned. "Like when you get kissed on the back of the neck?" 

She scrunched her nose, smiled and bit her tongue. "You saw that, huh?"

"I did, and I can't deny it was hot to see. Chris obviously knows you well, and I was taking notes. I am eager to get to know you just as well, and make you a very happy woman." 

She bit her lip and adjusted herself in her chair. "Hmm… maybe that threesome could happ…"

"No, ma'am!" He interrupted. "I do not share." 

She huffed and stood up. "I'm gonna go get you some ice and water. I'll be right back."

As she exited the room, she walked sensually singing "Whatever Lola wants… Lola gets…" making Changbin laugh. 

Once out of the room, Changbin made a phone call. 

"What do you want?" 

Hyung, can you please recommend my status change from undercover agent analyst. I want to start a family like you and Hannie, and I can't do it in this line of work. I won't be my dad. I refuse. 

"Changbin, are you sure?" 

"Positive. I feel Iris is the one I'm going to marry, and even if she's not, I want a family some day, and I won't end like my dad. I almost died today. That's enough for me. I won't put my wife and children through that."

"You really like her, don't you?" Minho felt obligated to ask, but he knew he was serious. He'd seen it in his eyes. He just wanted Changbin to verbalize it.

"I don't just like her, hyung. I love her. I love her so much already. It's crazy. I can see my children in her eyes. I… I'd ask her to marry me today, if I could. While I was out, all I could think about and dream about was her. I dreamed about our wedding and our kids. It was wild. I felt so happy. She makes me happy."

Changbin didn't know but Iris was outside, at the nurses' station, listening to the whole conversation, and was now in tears. 

She shook her head as she locked eyes with the nurses, who were also listening to the conversation, and smiling at her with their hands over their hearts, obviously moved by his confession. 

She whispered to them, smiling and wiping her tears. "I can't believe he just did that!" 

"You're a lucky woman! Men don't just say these things willy-nilly, and the fact he doesn't know we heard it all! Makes it twice as sweet!" 

"Could you please let him off the hook?" She asked making a cutting motion with her hand in front if her neck. 

One of the nurses laughed and nodded, and knocked on his door, entering the room. "Mr. Seo, is there something you need? You are pressing the call button." She couldn't help but smile. 

Changbin's eyes almost burst out their sockets. "I am what, now?" 

"Pressing the call button." She bit her lips and covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. 

"Ohhh… Holy crap! Did… did you all hear my conversation?"

She grimace-smiled and nodded. 

Minho laughed so hard he could be heard over the phone. 

"Hyung, don't laugh!" 

"It's fucking funny, Changbin! You publicly confessed!! Good luck! I'll do what you asked! Bye!" 

"Hyung! Hyung! Don't hang u… up. He hung up." He told the nurse. "Is… is she out there? Did she hear?" 

"I'll let her tell you. Have a good evening, sir! Good luck!" She then whispered "she's in tears. I think you have a good chance!! Fighting!"

He smiled as she left. 

Iris knocked on the door, opened it, and decided to address his confession head on. 

"우리 남편 너무 귀여웠어 (my husband is so cute)  내 아이들의 아버지, 내가 나도 사랑해요! (Father of my children, I love you too!) Don't forget mommy liked daddy first! I confessed first, on day one!" 

He looked at her with a serious look on his face. He took a deep breath and said.

"Iris María Sánchez, I know this is illogical, but will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me? Will you please marry me?" 

"Of course, I will, baby! No doubt! It makes perfect sense to me." 

She rushed over to kiss him and hold his hand.