Over the next few days, Yeo Ri had entered full-support mode as she catered to Gun's every needs. She diligently cooked, cleaned, arranged his things, and ironed his clothes to lighten his burden.
However, she was currently facing a dilemma: Gun was beginning to show signs of burning out, but he refused to acknowledge it.
Yeo Ri knew that he had been so busy from morning to night lately. He had to attend classes during the day, work during the evening, and study late at night. She had thought that with the more relaxed university schedule, her brother would be able to spare some time for himself, but reality proved her wrong. Gun was even busier now than he ever did before.
He worked at a bistro, so they usually closed the shop at a late time to cater to the 'hard-working students' that would often come over at night to get drunk and merry-make. On some days, he would work overtime and return home at two or three o'clock in the morning.
It frustrated her that he was breaking his back like that, but he kept insisting that he could manage it. It was only a matter of time before he'd keel over from over-exhaustion.
But, Yeo Ri could only shut her mouth and pout; he had always been stubborn at times like these, always insisting that he should be the only one to work hard.
However, looking at her brother who could barely stay conscious while having breakfast, she felt that this was the last straw.
"You didn't have to take on more shifts," she complained, "the pay I get from modelling is plenty enough for the both of us."
"No," Gun adamantly shook his head. "That money is for you to use. You earned it; spend it on things you like instead, okay?"
Yeo Ri's brows scrunched. They were doing well but he was always thinking about the future. Perhaps years of poverty made him more sensitive towards their finances.
"But I want to spend more time with you, Oppa. I don't want money," she sullenly whined. "What's the point of having money if I don't get to see you anymore? Not being able to see Hyuk-oppa is already bad enough as it is."
"..." Gun was tongue-tied. He was so busy thinking about making Yeo Ri happy that he had forgotten to stop and ask if she was currently happy. "I'm sorry," he lowered his head apologetically, ruminating on his mistake. "Oppa is really sorry, Yeo Ri-ah."
"We're at a good place now, Oppa. It's fine if you relax too, you know?" Yeo Ri softly said, reaching out her hand to hold his. She squeezed his palm tightly. "Thank you for working hard all this time, Oppa. But, I think it's about time you start thinking about yourself."
"Yeo Ri-ah—" Gun opened his mouth to speak, but was immediately shushed by his sister.
"—Oppa, I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself. You need to take care of yourself too."
"But—"
"No buts!" Yeo Ri slapped the back of his hand that she was holding. "You always worry about me, but don't you ever think about how much I worry about you, Oppa? If you keep acting like this, I'll be really angry."
"..." Gun kept his mouth shut. Seeing Yeo Ri's displeased look made him snap out of his delusion.
"I'll go find a part-time job at a bar somewhere if you keep this stupidity up," she threatened.
"Yeo Ri, you—" Gun was about to scold her, but halted midway. He knew it was an empty threat at most, but the important thing was not the content of her threat, but her anger. He didn't want Yeo Ri to be cross with him. It would break his heart if she started treating him coldly.
"...Fine." Gun sighed defeatedly. "I won't take on more shifts. Oppa won't work too much."
"Promise?" She stared at him with narrowed eyes.
"..."
"Aaah, Oppa, seriously!"
"Alright, alright, I promise!" Gun hurriedly said, placating the girl.
"Good," After receiving Gun's promise, Yeo Ri smiled in satisfaction. "If you're sorry for not spending time with me, then make it up for it," Yeo Ri suddenly said. She pursed her lips as if to suppress a smile.
"Okay. I'll do anything that you want me to do, Yeo Ri-ah," Gun nodded instantly, despite the fact that she had yet to state her request. He gazed at her with an apologetic and pampering look.
"Really?"
"Really." He nodded firmly.
"Then... take me to see Hyuk-oppa next week."
"..." Gun's face darkened.
Yet, since he had promised her he would do anything she wanted, he could only reluctantly agree.
"Yay, hehe," Yeo Ri grinned happily.
After achieving two of her goals, Yeo Ri continued on with the breakfast gleefully, even swinging her legs to showcase her good mood.