YOU ARE MY LOVE STORY

From adolescents to marriage, when gray takes over, my story has always been all about you. "Lee, I like you." As I voiced these words, we were walking down a dimly lit path under the cover of night. The streetlights cast long, eerie shadows that danced around us. Lee squinted slightly, his expression as cold and indifferent as ever, and he remained silent as he descended the stairs. Desperate to keep him near, I grasped the corner of his shirt, using the fireworks across the river as an excuse. "The fireworks are really beautiful." I insisted, urging him to stay and walk with me a little longer. We continued along the gravel path to the end of the river, then turned right to follow the riverbank. The streetlights stood tall, their warm glow cascading down. A faint layer of light cast a delicate sheen over his face, creating an effect both subtle and elusive, shifting between light and shadow. I trailed behind him, sometimes strolling in his shadow, and at other times kicking at pebbles and mumbling to myself. I bit my lip slightly, feeling deflated and overwhelmed with regrets. Words, once spoken, are like spilled water; there's no retrieving them. A surge of panic washed over me as I scanned the surroundings, seeking any form of escape from the awkwardness. A couple walked by hand in hand, while a little girl, disappointed by a fallen sorbet, cried in frustration. Nearby, a man playing with his dog took a tumble. I stifled a laugh and briefly considered suggesting we grab a bite to eat, trying to lighten the mood. Someone once said that if the person you like takes a long time to respond, indulging in more desserts might fill at least one of your heart or stomach. Before I could finish my thought, a boy on a skateboard nearly collided with a cyclist ahead. Lee acted swiftly, pulling me out of harm's way. I fell into his embrace, clutching him in a panic. "Iris, are you okay?" Lee's voice, though slightly cold and melodious, carried a reserved warmth, always seeming just out of reach. As I pulled away, blushing and embarrassed, I found myself unexpectedly nostalgic for the comfort of his embrace. “N-No, it’s nothing!” He pulled my hand firmly, leading me through the crowd. The surrounding commotion grew louder as we passed, with the two people who had collided now locked in a heated argument. Their voices were raised, nearly lost in the chaotic din, and their gestures suggested an imminent confrontation. His steady grip was a reassuring anchor amidst the chaos, his presence a calm counterpoint to the storm around us. Curiosity got the better of me, and I glanced back at the quarrel. "Focus on the road," Lee's voice cut through the noise, his tone commanding. Those four words were an undeniable authority, compelling me to redirect my attention and stay aware of our surroundings. ...... Lost in my thoughts, a restless feeling began to stir within me. “Two mango sorbets, please” he said. By the time I realized what was happening, he had already paid. I blinked in surprise. “When did you…” “For you,” he answered, almost as if he had read my mind before I could finish the question. “Ah…” He shrugged lightly. “Aren’t you craving them?” ...... Eight o'clock. The city is a maelstrom of people and noise. The crowd surged and jostled, making every step a struggle. Even speaking required shouting, as the din of the city swallowed every quiet word. After exerting all our effort to maneuver through the masses, we finally found a brief respite, leaning against the railing by the river. I glanced around. The river mirrored our shadows, gently rippling with the water's movement. He was not one for many words, reminded silent, so I tried not to disturb him. The minute and second hands of the clock pointed in different directions, ticking away with faint sounds. After a few minutes of anxious waiting, the sky erupted in a spectacular display of fireworks. The night was split by brilliant bursts of light, painting the dark expanse with dazzling colors. Small fountain-shaped sparklers shot into the air, their brilliance reflected against the grand fireworks that spread across the sky. The scene was magnificent and awe-inspiring, stirring everyone present. Standing quietly beside him, I watched as the fireworks burst and blossomed in the sky. He studied my somewhat indistinct profile, a fleeting smile gracing his lips. Strands of his brown hair were stirred by the gentle breeze, and the glint of his earrings flickered in the light. He smiled briefly, just as I caught sight of it, before it vanished. ...... The streets were bustling, the colorful lights hanging high above. Walking side by side, I couldn’t help but ask, “Lee, what did you think of what I said today?” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. At the same moment, a loud, piercing horn blared nearby, making my ears ache, and my words seemed to get lost in the din. With his acute hearing, he clearly caught my words. After a moment of serious contemplation, he replied, “I’m your brother.” “But we have no blood relation,” I said, my tone a mix of dejection and stubbornness. He seemed uninterested, responding, "Focus on your studies. I’m not considering a relationship right now." ...... For me, life was a simple routine of eating, drinking, sleeping, and going to school. After that incident, he acted as if nothing had happened. But I couldn’t forget it. We continued walking the same old path to school, perceived by others as an enviable sibling duo. He was exceptional, so much so that his reputation was known throughout the school. ...... In senior year, he received early acceptance letters from five prestigious universities. The principal was so thrilled that he seemed ready to use every word in his vocabulary to praise him. I basked in his glory, as everyone knew that I was his sister, Iris. Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly jolted by a familiar voice. Looking up, I saw Louis grinning mischievously and making a funny face. Books were scattered all over the floor, and he was crouching down to pick them up. As I helped him gather the books, I noticed him picking up a photo that had fallen. I recognized the girl in the photo. A sudden, unsettling feeling struck me like a bolt of lightning, reminding me of Lee’s rejection. A wave of sadness washed over me, and my heart ached with a sharp pang. I crouched down, lost in a daze. “What’s wrong?” he asked, frowning slightly as his gaze shifted to me. Feeling extremely uncomfortable, I quickly said, “Nothing, it’s nothing!”