His priority
It's important to note the following.
There were two sisters, one who fit in and the other who struggled to be understood. Phoebe was the popular one. She had the love of their parents, many friends, and no shortage of admirers.
Phoenix, on the other hand, didn't let societal opinions border her.
She had always been independent and managed just fine on her own.
Perry couldn't get Phoenix out of his mind after their dance at the club. He was a catch, but Phoebe had known him first, and she didn't want her unconventional sister to take away her chance with him.
As Phoenix and Perry's unconventional love story unfolds, they face many challenges, but his priority was her, and he wasn't going to let 'her' slide away.
Their slow-developing love becomes a part of Phoenix, who is not like everyone else.