……It's been 16 years.

I told you back then, too. That I didn't like you. That I hated you. That wasn't a lie.

Because at the very least, that was the only way I could say it in front of you.

I liked the ticklish spring. You, smiling foolishly among the flowers, were truly as beautiful as a flower.

I liked the humid summer, too. I liked the way you smiled even when sweat beaded on your skin.

In the cool autumn, you were insanely cute with your cheeks puffed out like a squirrel while stepping on leaves and eating chestnuts.

In the cold winter, you were so lovely, making snowmen with your nose and cheeks turned red.

But the day your back grew distant in the snow…… I really felt like I had lost everything.

I should have been honest then. I should have stopped joking and held onto you.

Even if I regret it now, I have neither the courage nor the opportunity left in front of me.

……I'm still a fool.

If I ever see you again somewhere, I want to hold onto you then.

Even though I know I shouldn't.

You're still my first and last love...

I was fine when I found out you were Matthew's first love.

But after seeing the way Matthew looks at you…… I'm getting a little jealous.

I'm strange, aren't I?

But when Edward talks to me, I don't dislike it. In fact, I think I might even be looking forward to it a little.

I know I shouldn't be like this…… but why do I keep thinking about him?

Even though I love Matthew. I didn't know another man's gaze, rather than his attention, could be this sweet.

Matthew, your wife is quite charming.

At first, I just thought she was pretty…… but my eyes keep wandering.

Even though she's wearing a wedding ring.

Guilt? I don't know. Isn't it better than you being distracted by your partner's next-door first love?

And it didn't seem like Clara disliked me either.

……So I can try a little more, can't I? I'm curious to see how far she'll let me go.