𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 ✦ ʟ.ᴍʜ

Chapter: 19

XIX: Wilted Flower

Shadows of Laughter | Highlights of how humor can mask tension or unresolved emotions.

Two weeks had passed since the three had shared a delighted conversation in the classroom.

Now, Minho and Iris were seated in the orphanage's cafeteria, Iris comfortably eating while being caged in Minho's arms, who refused to let her go as he munched on his food.

The atmosphere was warm, filled with the soft clatter of trays and muted laughter, but their little bubble of intimacy was quickly pierced by the teasing presence of their friends.

Across from them, Kai, Lea, and Becky sat, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Just like that first day they met, they often found themselves poking fun at the romantic pair, and today was no exception.

"Look at them, so cozy," Lea said, smirking. "Minho, do you need a blanket to go with that embrace?"

Becky chimed in, a playful glint in her eye. "Iris, are you sure you're not suffocating? I mean, I wouldn't mind sharing a seat with Minho if you need a break."

Iris's cheeks flushed pink, her gaze darting down to her plate, while Minho only tightened his grip around her waist, a confident grin spreading across his face.

"Wow, how original. Just like your art skills, Becky," Minho shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"At least my girl gets to cuddle with a professional instead of whatever sad story you've got going on."

The table erupted in laughter, and Becky threw a mock glare at Minho.

"At least I have options, unlike you. What's it like being tied down, huh? Does it cramp your style?"

"Oh, please," Minho retorted, rolling his eyes. "Don't act like you two aren't fingering each other every night. I can see it in your eyes."

The laughter stopped, and both Lea and Becky went wide-eyed, their expressions a mix of shock and defensiveness.

"What?! That's not true!" Lea exclaimed, her voice rising slightly.

"Yeah! Just because you're all lovey-dovey doesn't mean we are-" Becky stammered, clearly taken aback.

Minho lounged back in his chair, arms crossed, wearing a smug grin.

"You guys can't handle the romance over here. It's called being committed. Maybe you should try it."

"Committed?" Kai snorted, leaning forward with a grin. "More like being held hostage. I bet Iris thinks she's dating a block of cheese. What's it like being so dull, Minho?"

"Don't worry, Minho. At least you've got a warm body next to you, even if that body is a total couch potato." Becky jumped in, faking sympathy.

Lea laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, Minho. Your idea of excitement is probably a Friday night spent scrolling through memes. How's that working out for you?"

"Excitement? You mean like your failed attempts at flirting? You guys should stick to your comfort zone of gossiping about everyone else's love lives." Minho rolled his eyes, unfazed.

"Oh, please. We're just trying to save Iris from your boring routine. I mean, do you even have a plan for your next date? Or is it just 'Hey, wanna eat cereal together?'" Becky shot back, a smirk forming.

"Cereal? That's gourmet compared to eating each other's pussies, right, Becky?" Minho raised an eyebrow, letting his gaze shift to the other girl. "And you, Lea." His tone turned sharp as he eyed the pair, silencing them once again.

"Honestly, I feel bad for Iris. I wouldn't blame her if she started reconsidering her options. I'd have serious second thoughts if I had to deal with your 'charm' every day," Kai's voice cut through the silence.

"Yeah? Well, she keeps coming back for more, so maybe I'm doing something right." Minho rolled his eyes.

"Or maybe she's just really into self-punishment," Kai quipped, shrugging casually.

Iris couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "You guys are ridiculous. I'm not looking for options, I'm happy right here."

"Right here with a guy who thinks 'charm' means cracking bad jokes?" Becky teased, nudging Kai.

"Hey, my jokes are top-tier!" Minho exclaimed, feigning offense.

"Sure, if top-tier means a solid five out of ten," Kai countered.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Kai," Minho gave up, rolling his eyes again.

As the banter continued, laughter and the sound of clattering dishes resonated throughout the cafeteria, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that alleviated the tension from their earlier teasing.

;

Minho's Point Of View

Night fell, and Iris's behavior shifted once more. She grew distant, her thoughts seeming to drift far from me. I found myself repeating things just to get her attention, as if her mind was somewhere else entirely.

Ever since she returned, something felt off. She seemed... different.

The warmth I once felt when we cuddled had faded, and our kisses felt forced on her end. Even her scent had changed.
What used to be sweet and familiar was now something unknown, almost nonexistent.

Had she begun to regret being with me? 

Did she regret having sex with me?

She often left our room in the middle of the night, saying she needed to go for walks. I'd offer to join her, worried about her safety, but she usually declined, telling me she needed time alone.

On rare occasions, she let me come along, though we would walk in silence through the dark, her words lost to the night.

And then there was Riki. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was different between them.

Maybe I was being jealous, maybe I was overthinking, but there was something there, something that felt too close. Riki didn't seem to always notice, but I did.

It felt like she enjoyed his company more than mine. Sometimes, she'd cling to him as if I wasn't even there.

It hurt, and made me feel left out, but I didn't want to come across as overly sensitive or make a scene, so I just stayed quiet and let it slide.

"Going for a walk, Minho," Iris said, shutting the door behind her.

And there it was again...

End of chapter 19