Love in the Time of Corona

23

A week or two has passed. Time flew so fast and it makes me want to stop it for a moment. I don't think I'm done here. I don't usually have these feelings of uncertainty but for some reasons, which would include Kio being distant, I can never be at peace to just go back to Korea.

I know I promised to give him space and respect his decision, but we can't live this way forever. I can't afford to lose a trusted family member and my literal, better half. Oh, and also, the elders are starting to notoce the cold war we're going through. They're never used to us being like this.

That is why I decided to eat up the fear of confronting him. I don't have any idea of whatever he's gonna say or do, but I know for a fact that I'm not letting that uncertainty terrify me.

I quickly opened his door.

"Kio!" He squealed as I seemed to shock him. I got confused when I saw him on the phone, looking like a lovesick fool.

He quickly hid it and made a straight face. "What do you need?"

I stepped closer to his bed, "Can I?"

He said nothing but I took it as a yes. I sat on the edge of his bed and took a deep breath.

"I think I've given you enough time. Can  you tell me what I need to know now?" I wanted to sound sincere... and it looked like it worked cause his gaze went somewhere else. He softened too, that's a good sigh for me.

He sighed. "Your parents are not getting a divorce." What he said left my mouth ajar. If that's the case, why is my mother staying here, acting like they're still on?

As I was trying to put the pieces together, I suddenly recalled a conversation we once had.

"Krystal. Can we talk about your Dad?" My mom asked out of the blue.

I raised a brow but silently nodded.

"Would it be better for you.... if we're still together?" I heard unfamiliar feelings in her voice, but I ignored it. But if I'm to answer, I mean, who wouldn't want to have a complete, happy family?

"Where is this going?" I stared at her directly in the eye. She avoided my gaze and just smiled sweetly and not-in-an-innocent-manner.

"Nevermind. I forgot that you answer questions with questions." She left the room then.

"Oh my god. Where did you get that?" I sounded guilty.

"So you knew... but you never told me." He slowly nods.

"No, we had a talk about that... but I would have never agreed if she told me." I lowered my head. "Look, I know if I try to explain myself to you, it'll sound like I really betrayed you, even if I didn't. But can you at least tell me how you knew about my mother's profoundly immoral plan?" I'm despairing for answers. I don't care if I look pathetic but I need truths.

He sighed deeply. "I shouldn't be the one telling you this... but I'm sorry. I thought you knew. I thought you were okay with it." He went near me. He opened his arms. I gladly surrendered.

"Don't ever do this. Just tell me what's wrong and we'll settle things together." I mumble as I struggle to keep it together.

I'm happy crying and sad crying at the same time. I'm really delighted to set things straight with my brother... but I don't feel fine with the idea of my parents reconciling. I can't imagine what Kio would feel and go through. Even me. I don't know what to think or do or feel. I'm okay with it, but I'm not.

I sighed. Summers were great before this one.

When we finally decided to go down for breakfast, I sat on the couch. I turned on the television.

"...The World Health Organization  finished an assessment that characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic."

I took my phone out. How come I'm getting concerned that this virus might ruin my break? Just before I was able to look at the statistics about this freaking disease, Kio grabbed my phone and took my hand.

"Give it back. I'm looking for something online." I calmly pleaded, even if I'm basically being dragged from the couch towards the dining room.

"No. I'm not letting you get stressed with that thing. Eat first. Then I'll think about it." He pushes a plate contaoning bacon, eggs and bread. He also placed a cup of coffee beside it.

"What's with you?" I tried to look confused but broke into a smile anyway. I miss him, being like this. It took me a while to talk to him and I really regret that. I shouldn't have given him space. It just prolonged the petty thing.







"So. Damon, huh?" He teased. "...and Caden, again. What's up?"

Speaking of the two, since that day, I've never heard from Damon and Caden. I know, for sure, that Caden might need the time off but Damon? Why is he suddenly gone again?