when love is sweeter

Two

"Can we talk?" Iris looked at her brother. She paused the song on her iPod before answering, "Why ge? Is it important?" She didn't even notice Kris going inside her room because she was.. again.. too focused on studying.

"Yeah. It's about you. You and Chanyeol." The older sat on Iris' bed and made himself comfortable. He turned his head to where his sister is, currently sitting in her study table with a pile of books up on her face. Kris almost can't see her. He frowned at that thought.

"What about him?" Iris didn't even glance at him. It may look like she is not paying attention but she actually is. She is fully aware of why her brother came to her.

"What's up with the both of you? Is there something wrong with you? Earlier I saw what happened at the mall. If you have problems with him you can always tell me." Kris side-eyed Iris, trying to see her reaction.

She stopped looking at her notes and massaged her head. "Ge, that is what I'm asking myself as well Like-" Frustration is etched on her face.

"If.. you think this is too hard for you.. Break up with him."

She quickly answered. "No. I don't want to break up with him. I still love him you know. God knows that, it's just that I want to be alone right now and it's true that he's giving me space but like.. I don't really understand. It feels like something is lacking? Sort of."

Honestly, That's the last thing Iris wants to think about right now.

She loves Chanyeol. That's why she can't understand herself. She loves her boyfriend but at the same time she feels like she can't afford to be near him.

Kris sat up from her bed. "Ris, you better sort out your thoughts. Chanyeol isn't a thing.."

He watched her closely. "You can't toy with him. He's my friend and he means a lot to me. You can't just drop him off when you like and grab him back when you do. I know what Chanyeol feels for you is real. If it's the opposite I won't even let him pursue you in the first place."

Iris gaped at him. "But it's not like that though! I adore Chanyeol. I would never treat him like that. I'd be damned if I don't know such person's worth. He means a lot to me as well.." She trails on her last words. The pain in her eyes, evident and Kris felt guilty for what he said but then again, that's better than not trying to put her in her place.

She longingly stared at nothing in particular.

She gets it.

Chanyeol was never a toy for her. She never saw him as one. She loves Chanyeol without hesitation nor affliction. She's aware of her imperfections but wouldn't really say she's lacking, so much. Iris is good with people. She helps them when they're in need, under any circumstances as much as she can. She's very filial, must be because their family traditionally are. Also, She's a loving girlfriend. Not to be narcissistic. Even if Iris can't cook, she will still try her best to make porridge for Chanyeol when he's sick. Sometimes Iris would visit Chanyeol whenever they have practice and never fails to support him in her ways. Like, bringing water and food during their sessions. Although Iris has a habit of disremembering things, she never forgot the special dates and things in their relationship. Like their anniversary, their birthdays, their mutual interests, his favorites and even their schedules. He has the impression of Iris forgetting these but she actually doesn't. Definitely, she wouldn't hesitate to kiss Chanyeol in public and that's a big gesture for her because she isn't as showy as him when it comes to expressing their love for each other. More importantly though, when Chanyeol feels inadequate, she would always reassure him that no matter what, the amount of love he has for him makes it impossible to even think of triggering their relationship.