Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (English)

Chapter 09 - Put on the spot

December 17, 2010, Later That Night

Odyssey trudged home, his mind heavy with turmoil. Today had been particularly troubling, far worse than the last argument they'd had. It dawned on him just how challenging it was to deal with vague and unclear communication. Even though he had clearly told Lee that she was bothering him, he hadn't realized until now that it was her uncharacteristic silence when he gave her his brother's gift that truly unsettled him.

He pulled the necklace out of his pocket, where it had been tumbling around since this morning.

"Tsk." He chuckled bitterly. He hadn't even bothered to get a box or any wrapping. How could he possibly give it to her like this? He felt utterly pathetic.

Lost in his thoughts, he was jolted by the sudden voice of his brother, Perseus.

"What's that?"

His brother had arrived home.

"You didn't give it?" Perseus asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Uh—" Odyssey began to explain, but it was clear his brother wasn't interested in the details. Perseus didn't seem eager to dive into this topic. Although Odyssey was relieved not to have to explain why he was wistfully staring at the gift he hadn't given, he still longed to talk about it with someone.

"What's this 'uh' about? What about my gift? You didn't give it, too?" Perseus asked again.

"I did," Odyssey replied.

"Ah... good. Thanks!" Perseus said, heading toward the bathroom.

"Wait, Perce. I need to ask you something."

"What is it, Kuya?"

"Uhm..."

"Yes?"

"Well..."

"Can it wait? I really need to use the bathroom."

"Oh, right! Hurry up, then!"

Perseus hurried into the small bathroom, chuckling as he seemed to anticipate the direction of the conversation.

"What's it about?" Perseus called out from inside.

"Nothing. You said later. Finish up first..."

"What's the matter?!" Perseus persisted.

"Just flush the toilet properly. You're a grown man, and you still don't help keep the house clean."

"Yes, Mom," Perseus replied sarcastically, teasing his brother.

Odyssey, taking on a maternal tone, had become somewhat like a mother to Perseus. Life's challenges had forced him into this role, shaping him into someone with the strength and resilience comparable to a mother's. His emotional stoicism was a result of how life had molded him.

"Did you flush? Did you wash your hands properly?"

Perseus frowned at his brother's redundant questions.

"Smell it yourself! You're so strict, Kuya. How are you ever going to have a girlfriend with that attitude?"

"Huh?" Odyssey looked perplexed. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Look at your face. You're talking about love life now."

"Why me?"

"Why not you? Don't you want one?"

"H-huh?"

"You're the one being teased about it. Love is right there in front of you, and you're not even noticing. Or maybe you see it but are just letting it pass. What's really going on?"