(Iris’s POV)
Eli’s words keep replaying in my head.
"You're beautiful, always."
It’s ridiculous how much those four words affect me. How much he affects me.
I’ve spent so long believing I was too much—too complicated, too unstable, too hard to love. And yet, here Eli is, telling me I’m beautiful when I feel anything but.
I stare at the sketch he made of me. It’s so raw, so real, that it almost feels like looking into a mirror I’ve been avoiding my whole life.
He sees me. Not just the parts I carefully present to the world, but the parts I try to hide.
And somehow, he’s still here.
"You’re quiet," Eli says, breaking the silence.
I blink and look up at him. He’s watching me, his head tilted slightly, waiting for me to say something.
I force a small smile. "Just thinking."
"About?"
I hesitate. About him. About me. About us. But I can’t say that, so instead, I shake my head. "Nothing important."
His lips press into a thin line, but he doesn’t push. He just nods and leans back against the couch, stretching his arms behind his head.
The comfortable silence settles between us again, but inside, I feel anything but calm.
Because the truth is—I’m scared.
Scared of getting used to this. Scared of believing that someone like Eli could actually stay.
Scared that one day, I’ll wake up and realize this was all just temporary.
But as I glance at him, watching the way his fingers absentmindedly tap against his knee, the way he glances at me every few seconds like he’s making sure I’m really okay—
Maybe, just maybe…
I can believe in this.
In him.
In us.
For now, at least.
And for the first time in a long time, that feels like enough. 💙✨
(Iris’s POV)
I stare at Eli’s message, my fingers hovering over the keyboard.
"Good morning, my love. Don't forget to eat and also, take your meds. I love you!"
My heart skips a beat.
Even after months of being together, I still don’t know how to react to this kind of affection. It’s so easy for him to say I love you, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Like he means it.
I bite my lip, debating whether to reply right away or wait. I don’t want him to think I’m ignoring him, but I also don’t know how to respond without overthinking it.
Instead of texting back, I set my phone down and focus on my painting.
The canvas is a mess of dark shades—blacks, deep blues, and streaks of red. I’ve been working on this piece for days, yet I still don’t know what it’s supposed to be.
Maybe it’s just a reflection of my mind.
Tangled. Chaotic. Heavy.
I sigh, stepping back to get a better view.
My phone vibrates again.
Eli: I know you're busy, but at least send me a heart so I know you're okay. 😘
A small smile tugs at my lips. He knows me so well.
I pick up my phone and type a quick reply.
Me: ❤️
It’s simple, but I know it’s enough for him.
Almost immediately, he replies.
Eli: That’s my girl. Take it easy, okay?
I exhale, a warmth settling in my chest.
Eli loves me in a way I’m still learning to accept. He’s patient when I retreat into my own world, gentle when my emotions overwhelm me, and constant when my mind tells me no one ever stays.
Maybe one day, I’ll be able to say I love you back without hesitation. Without fear.
But for now, I’ll let his love reach me in the quiet ways I know how to accept it.
And that feels like enough.
Eli's messages stay in my mind even as I focus on my painting. His words feel like a soft nudge, reminding me that I am cared for—something I’m still not used to.
I put my brush down and step back. The painting is unfinished, yet it reflects something raw inside me. Dark swirls mix with faint traces of gold, as if hope is struggling to break through the chaos.
Just like me.
I sigh and glance at my phone again.
Eli.
He's always there. Checking in, making sure I eat, reminding me to take my meds. Never once making me feel like a burden.
But what if I am?
What if, one day, he realizes I’m too much?
I shake my head, trying to push the thought away. Don’t overthink. Just breathe.
Before I can spiral any further, my phone vibrates again.
Eli: If you’re not busy later, let’s go for a walk. No pressure. Just fresh air and me annoying you. 😏
I exhale a small laugh. He really knows how to distract me