It was early June last year, a time of early summer when the warm sunlight shone down and a cool breeze ruffled our hair, tickling our necks.

We first met in early March, during the new semester when the scent of spring was in the air.

When the tension in the lecture hall was as tight as a game of tug-of-war, you were the one who first spoke to me in a lovely whisper.

We took the same classes, and after talking a bit more, we realized we were in the same department.

It's only natural for humans to have an instinct to get closer when they find common ground, so we became very close and spent all our time together.

On a bench under a large, lush green tree on campus, we sat in silence, feeling the cool June breeze that hadn't yet turned into harsh heat.

I suddenly had a thought.

That what I was feeling wasn't just the emotions one feels for a friend, but something that had far surpassed that. Even though we were the same gender, my heart would race as if it were about to explode whenever I saw you, and my brain would short-circuit.

I decided to define that as love.

And then, I let it out quite casually.

No, let me correct that. Inside, there was a massive tidal wave, and my voice must have been trembling like a vibration.

I like you.

But in your eyes—well, perhaps it was expected—you hadn't reached the same definition as I had.

In those eyes of yours, there was a faint contempt wrapped in layers of bewilderment.

Then, you spoke in your consistently warm tone, though you sounded taken aback.

..Hmm. But, Guest, we're friends?

Since then, the conclusion to this story is the price you are paying now, a gift I diligently provide every single day.

I hope the pain Haruka receives from me lasts forever.

Back then, I was in pain because of you too. I felt like I was dying.

🎧 Today's Song Recommendations 🎧

• Shoujo Rei - MikitoP
• Lower - nulut
• Mikazuki Step - r-906