Being Selfish is a part of human nature

When Serena arrived at the place Iril had shared the location of, she immediately walked over to her best friend.

"Hey…" Serena greeted softly.

Seeing her friend arrive, Iril smiled, though it looked a bit forced. She gave Serena a brief hug, like she needed strength but didn't want to appear weak.

"What do you want to order?"

Iril asked once Serena was seated across from her.

"Lychee tea," Serena replied briefly.

Iril ordered it right away. Meanwhile, Serena glanced at the hot cup of coffee in front of Iril. Her brows furrowed. She knew very well— Iri only ordered coffee when she had a lot of work… or a lot on her mind.

"Are you… okay?"

Serena asked carefully, observing her friend's face, which looked more somber than usual.

"S…" Iril called out softly.

"Yeah?" Serena responded, looking at her.

"Do you think… I'm a selfish person?"

Serena's eyebrows immediately rose at the question. She stared intently at Iril.

"I don't know why you're suddenly asking that, but I think… you're a good friend. You're low-key, fun to be around, and you really care about the people around you,"

Serena answered honestly.

A faint smile appeared on Iril's face, though it was barely there. There was a slight relief in her eyes.

"Ril… humans are social beings, but also complex ones. Of course we have different traits, including selfishness. Being selfish is a part of human nature . So don't be too burdened if someone says you're selfish,"

Serena added.

"Human nature huh…" Iril muttered quietly.

"Yes, human nature ! Now tell me—who said you're selfish?"

Serena asked, her tone suddenly serious and cold.

Iril was stunned. Serena's tone caught her off guard. She had always known Serena as calm and clear-headed in dealing with things. Not easily provoked. That's exactly what often frustrated people who didn't like her—because Serena always responded with peace.

No wonder Iril was surprised now.

She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped when the waiter arrived with their drinks.

Once the waiter left, Iril let out a deep breath and said,

"You know my mom died giving birth to me, right?"

Serena nodded slowly. "Yeah."

"Since I was a kid, my dad always reminded me that I was the reason Mom died. Maybe to others, his attitude seemed understandable, losing the woman he loved. But what people don't realize is… I, who never asked to be born, have had to carry that guilt my entire life. I don't know if this counts as trauma or not, but… for the longest time, I've planted it in my mind that I never want to have children."

Serena fell silent.

She was a little surprised. All this time, Iril had never explained her reason. They were close friends, but Serena chose never to ask about Iril and Frau's choice not to have children. She always thought that if they were ready, they'd have children in their own time.

"Did Frau blame you for not having kids?"

Serena asked, her tone colder now, as if she was holding back anger. Her gaze was sharp.

"No! Not at all!"

Iril replied quickly, not wanting her friend to get the wrong idea. "From the beginning, Frau already knew I didn't want children. And he agreed."

Serena felt a bit guilty for briefly suspecting Frau. But now she realized—the problem likely didn't come from Iril's husband, but from his family.

"But a few days ago, I accidentally overheard Frau talking to his mom,"

Iril continued.

"I knew it," Serena muttered internally.

Iril paused. She took another deep breath, then spoke softly,

"His family is pressuring him to have children soon. And from the tone of Frau's voice back then… I'm sure it wasn't the first time he'd been pressured like that."

Serena reached out and held Iril's hand resting on the table. Her friend's hand was cold, as if carrying a heavy burden.

"And all this time, Frau never said anything about the pressure from his family. He kept it all to himself,"

Iril said, her voice breaking. Her eyes began to well up.

Serena stood and gently hugged her friend's shoulders. Iril finally cried. Silently, but deeply. Serena said nothing, letting her release it all. She knew how it felt—to want to scream and cry, but have the voice stuck in your chest. The weight of silent tears was sometimes unbearable.

---

After some time had passed…

_Ren: Have you eaten?_

Serena glanced at Ren's message on her phone but didn't reply. Right now, her friend needed her presence and attention more.

Iril finally wiped away her tears, now feeling calmer. Her chest felt lighter.

"Sorry…" Iril murmured.

"Ril…!" Serena quickly interrupted, "You're my best friend. Don't ever apologize just for wanting someone to listen to you. I'm sure you'd do the same for me if I needed someone."

Iril smiled faintly.

"You're right."

She glanced at her now cold coffee and Serena's lychee tea, the ice already melted.

"Our drinks aren't interesting anymore," she said, trying to lighten the mood.

Serena chuckled.

"Looks like we should just have lunch here too."

"Alright, let's order lunch."

They began browsing the menu. A moment later, Serena's phone rang—an incoming call.

Ren

Both Serena and Iril glanced at the phone. Serena answered it.

"Hey," Serena greeted, eyes still on the menu.

"Hey," Ren replied softly. "Are you on a break?"

"No. I'm with Iril. Girl time,"

Serena answered with a smile.

Ren chuckled on the other end.

"Ahh… my girlfriend has a packed schedule, huh?"

"Of course! Even though I'm jobless, I'm still busy and have a full calendar. So if you want to spend time with me, you'll have to make an appointment,"

Serena teased.

"Can I book you for this weekend?"

Ren joined in the joke, though both of them knew the question was also sincere.

"Hmmm… I'll check my schedule. If there's any opening, I'll let you know," Serena said, laughing.

Ren laughed too, and their conversation was light but heartwarming to anyone listening.

Iril, who had just finished choosing her meal, smiled as she watched her friend's face.

That beautiful face was bright again, like the Serena she used to know—full of smiles and sparkling eyes. Just like back when they were in high school.

Iril was grateful. Serena had finally found happiness after all the pain and bitterness she'd been through. And she hoped that happiness would always fill her friend's life.

"Once is enough to marry into a toxic family," Iril muttered in her heart.

Then her thoughts drifted back to Frau. To the man who loved her wholeheartedly. Iril smiled softly.

And in that moment, she finally knew…

"It's time I speak the truth," she whispered inwardly.

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