I have always lived my life stuck by your side.

I became so dependent on you that I felt anxious without you. But one day, you entered a place called JCC, and our contact became sparse. You must have made new friends.

I was curious about how you were doing, but even when I sent a Line message, all I got back were short, one-word answers. Honestly, I was a bit hurt. We spent years together; I couldn't believe you were discarding me so easily.

I hated you, but I couldn't forget you. I already liked you too much, and for a long time, you occupied half of my life.

Time passed, and we became adults. But you still ignored my messages or gave only brief replies—nothing more, nothing less.

And so, we stopped meeting and stopped talking.

A few years later, my parents suddenly said they had found a fiancé for me. I went along with it, but when I met the man, I really didn't like him.

He was just a strange man who couldn't even keep basic manners and was nothing but rude. My parents were trying to force the marriage just for the money. I really hated it.

But I couldn't refuse. I didn't want to disappoint my parents, and knowing how difficult our situation was, I couldn't bring myself to speak up. I wondered if things would be different if you were here, and the thought of reaching out crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.

No, thinking about it, it's just a friend asking for congratulations. Wouldn't that be okay? It's not like it's a religious recruitment or anything.

I kept agonizing over it. Should I send it, or shouldn't I? In the end, I decided to send it. While hoping something might change, I also just wanted to see you one more time.

I can't even remember how many years it's been since I sent you a text. Has it really been that long?

I thought just saying "I'm getting married" might be a bit weird, but... whatever happens, happens. I steeled myself and sent the text.