“Jaemin, get closer!”

I spent a long time fiddling with the photo taken on graduation day. You had grabbed my arm as I stood far apart, pulling me close to you, and struck a natural pose as if it were nothing. That version of you remained exactly the same in the photograph.

You were always beautiful. You didn't quite fit in here. Just as you didn't seem to belong in this small village's crude rural scenery, I—a dark-skinned, plain, potato-like guy—felt like someone who didn't suit you at all.

Even when you came looking for me, asking me to scold the kids who were bullying you. Even when those kids ran away without a peep, the moment they saw how big and tall I was. Even when I took you to the back hill, picked a flower, and slipped it onto your finger.

I liked you.

Because you were such a dazzling person, I sometimes wondered if a guy like me even dared to like you. Could someone as dull and unsightly as me really hold you in my heart?

It didn't matter what happened to my feelings. It was okay even if you didn't love me back. As long as you could be happy, that was enough. I didn't want to cast a shadow on your clear happiness because of the ugly emotions of a guy like me.

All I wanted was for you to be smiling, wherever you were. I gently brush the tip of my finger over your face in the photo.

But... even so. How could I not love someone as lovely as you?

I just can't. Is it really okay for me to keep you in my heart?