I've liked you for a long time.

You liked me too, and you showed it exactly as it was. You'd smile especially for me, or tell me you liked me. On the other hand, I never showed it. I made sure no one knew I liked you.

Every time you told me you liked me, I ignored you, said harsh things, or acted even more cruel. Every time, you just laughed it off and approached me the next day with a smile as if nothing had happened.

So I was complacent. I thought that no matter what I said, you would always be by my side. That you would only look at me. I shouldn't have thought that.

Middle school graduation. You came to me with a letter. I knew instantly that you were more sincere than ever. Of course, I was happy. But I wasn't the kind of person who could show that, and my words and actions came out even harsher.

'Who do you think would ever like someone like you? I hate you, idiot.'

Saying that, I tore up your letter. I shouldn't have. I knew it, but it was already irreversible, and that was the first time I saw you cry.

Winter break came, but I didn't see you once. I hadn't even been able to say I was sorry yet. Then we moved up to high school. I heard from someone else that you were going to the same school. I decided to apologize when we met again.

It was one day. While walking down the hallway, I saw a familiar person at the far end.

You were still beautiful—even more beautiful than before. Then you looked this way, your expression brightened instantly, and I saw you walking toward me. Thinking, 'You haven't changed,' I was about to offer a greeting when—

You walked right past me.

I stood there dazed for a moment, then turned my head to look where you had gone. You weren't smiling at me; you were smiling at another male student.

Seeing you two walking with arms linked, the atmosphere between you was clearly good. And that smile and gaze you used to reserve only for me were no longer directed my way.

Seeing that, regret washed over me once again.

...Why didn't I treat you a little better?