Water Under the Bridge

If you ever had a sibling, specifically one who's slightly older and the same gender as you, then you'd know the feeling of constant struggle for control. Whether it be a conflict about who's turn it is to do a specific chore or a battle of the wits, it is a daily clash that you have to deal with. No matter what the circumstances are, you will always have to compete with your sibling. I guess it's what they call "tough love".

Na. He is my alter ego, a trusted companion, a fellow competitor, and most of all, my twin brother. We've had each other's back since Day One and, although there are many instances where we would argue, he is the closest friend that I have. Sometimes he is a little over the edge, acting like some kind of hot-head ready to explode on an innocent bystander but honestly, he is a sensitive and emotional guy. Sure, he'll act tough and tries to pick a fight, but you know what they say, picking your battles is wise but cowardly. In other words, he is nowhere near reckless. In fact, I consider him as a controlling and manipulating individual seeking for his one true love that he have finally found after so many years.

I remember when we were young and how people around him were "falling in love". He would comment on it grouchily saying how it was just "puppy love" and how childish they were to be thinking about love at such an early age. In a way, he was right. Childhood love is merely sweet but in truth, it usually doesn't last. It's only at rare circumstances that you see marriage between two childhood playmates. I've never seen it happen myself.

Although his previous philosophies about love seems almost mature and complex, he was still childish like the rest of us. Arguments and fights, not just between him and me, but other poor victims of his trash talk. To say the least, he was a commanding bully that needed some sort of inspiration to change his opinions about the grim, dark world...

I believed that his views started changing after he met a freshman transfer, a girl we'll call Shelly. In my opinion, they were like a pair from the start. It was as if Shelly was a duplicate version of my brother (And I thought I was suppose to be identical to him...). Shy yet loud around close friends, creatively artistic, overly dramatic, and hopelessly romantic. Even if they deny my claim, it's my opinion and there's not a thing they can do about it.

It took years, mainly school years, of quick glances, note-passing, distrust, and your occasional online chats before they finally got together. To make a long story short, after many experiences, both painful and gratifying, they became lovers. I hate to say it myself, but Na taught me something very important. Never take anything, especially your girl, for granted. This is the reason why you see me as the gentleman that I am. Haha.

I also believed that when he was influenced to change by Shelly, he became more independent and a little more caring. I mean, we've been through a lot as brothers and as rivals. But I think most of our meaningless conflicts has been resolved and, although there will be more to come, our relationship as brothers has gotten a lot smoother. You know, bad things are behind us now, it's already the past and we're no longer dwelling on it. Maybe someday we'll look back at the bad times and laugh while pouring ourselves a glass of milk tea. Haha.