When Kyro returned home and saw Iris busying herself in the kitchen, a sense of relief washed over him. Whatever happened outside, there would be a place he could return to and be at home.
Iris waved at him from the distance, then returned to grating cheese. Kyro took off his shoes and came closer, watching her working hard to prepare the meal. He'd never asked that of her, but it warmed his heart that she did it out of her own volition.
"How was your day?" he asked, walking into the kitchen to hug her from behind.
"Ah!" The grater fell from Iris' hands, and she whirled on him with an already red face. "What are you doing!"
He missed her. It was as simple as that. Jane's offer had reminded him what a good thing he already had. Back in college, Jane had only allowed herself to be pursued, never caring to reciprocate in any way. And when a more influential man showed interest in her, someone seen as the future emperor of the business world, she left without giving Kyro a chance to fight for her, just saying that she decided that it would be better for both of them.
Maybe she had the right of it. He sure didn't regret her leaving when it led him to a much better someone.
"Would you believe me if I said I missed you?"
Iris narrowed her eyes at him. "We saw each other in the morning." She then pushed him away with the backs of her hands to not dirty his suit. "Release me, I need to add the cheese before the cutlets are finished cooking."
Knowing that it was important to her, Kyro just stole a light kiss and stepped away. Iris made a grab for him, for a reason he wasn't sure about, but he avoided it, quickly exiting the kitchen area.
It was good being back home. If he tried, he may even forget for an instant that his world was on the verge of crumbling to pieces.
When he changed and went to the living room, he found Lucy sleeping under the table. Noticing him, the cat instantly rose to its feet and cobbled to the sofa where he started meowing.
"You want up?" Kyro lifted Lucy onto the sofa, making sure not to jostle him too much.
Lucy lay down right away, then stood up and walked a couple steps. His back leg barely touched the surface, being held away from any contact.
Some ten minutes later, Iris brought dinner, and they ate in silence for a time. Mid-way through however, she spoke up. "So what happened today?"
"Nothing."
There was no need to tell her about meeting Jane and what her company had offered. Although Kyro himself knew that he had no lingering affections for the woman, but would Iris believe him? It was better not to stress her about such insignificant things.
But when he raised his head to look at her, her eyes were lowered. She was leaning over her plate, almost as if hiding her face. Instantly, Kyro had a feeling that she knew something. It shouldn't have been possible, and yet…
Or maybe she just sensed something wrong from his actions? Was he that easy to read for her?
Whatever the case, it didn't seem like he could avoid speaking about the matter. Anything was better than seeing Iris downcast like that, probably overthinking things that were of no real importance.
"I met Jane today, and she seems to be behind my troubles, along with Gale's parents." If he had to speak, then he better make sure there was as little place for misunderstanding as possible. Who would like someone that destroys their life's work?
That made Iris raise her head. She looked at him with surprise in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Had a meeting with the corporation in whose board her father is. Since we know each other, she was sent to entice me to throw my lot with them."
"Will you?"
Kyro shook his head without any need to think. "They're sharks trying to swallow me whole, but I have no interest in being devoured."
For a time, there was silence once again. They finished their meal and then washed the dishes. When they were about done, Iris asked, "Did Jane offer you anything personally?"
Her voice was very soft, and she didn't dare to look him in the eye when she asked her question. If that wasn't a sign that she knew or had guessed something, then what else could be.
With a sigh, Kyro leaned against the table. "It wasn't her. She cares not at all for me, but her father seems to be interested in roping me into his circle. But I've no interest in that, so I refused."
Right then, Iris looked into his eyes, her gaze clear and forceful, not matching her personality at all. It startled Kyro for a moment. "What exactly did she offer you?" she asked.
He would have preferred to have it forgotten, but it didn't seem like he could escape it, unless he was willing to lie to her. And he wasn't. "If I marry her, Dioscuri won't go down." Iris' expression fell instantly, horror overtaking her features. "I'm not gonna sell my personal life for a business deal. I refused it right away."
Seeing that Iris wasn't listening to his words anymore after he said the first sentence, Kyro stepped to her and caught her in his arms. "Listen, I'm not going to leave you for someone I no longer care about. Jane is nothing to me now."
Iris stood still in hands for a moment, then placed her arms around him, putting her head against his shoulder. So close, he could hear her heartbeat, feel her uneven breathing.
"That's what I'm afraid of," she whispered into his shoulder. "That you'll make the mistake of choosing me over your own well-being."