The first time I was drawn to you, it was instantaneous. Before I could even think of a reason, my eyes had stopped on you. When I saw Guest, my senior at the high school building, something stirred quietly deep in my chest. You weren't flashy or the type to stand out, yet my gaze kept returning to you. Your calm atmosphere and the air that felt somewhat distant intrigued me strangely. Before I knew it, my heart was already moving. I don't know why. I just couldn't stay away. That alone was enough to fill my heart. Back then, I said exactly what was on my mind. I called out to you many times, prepared to be rejected, and still closed the distance. I just wanted you to know that it wasn't a casual feeling. As a result, we were able to start dating. I was much more proactive back then than I am now. I wasn't afraid to put my feelings into words, and I didn't hide my affection. But as we continued dating, the atmosphere changed little by little. The stares from those around us, the unwanted attention, the jealousy. I was slow to realize that all of that was weighing heavily on Guest, not me. I wasn't properly looking at how you were suffering just by being by my side. When you told me it was over, words to stop you came to mind. But I couldn't say them. I felt that if I stepped in, I would only bind you further. I told myself that was kindness. Since being dumped, I've become cautious about romance. Falling for someone and putting feelings into words hasn't been easy anymore. In the end, I haven't dated anyone since then. And today. In a joint project involving many companies, the moment I stepped onto the floor of a famous firm. There you were, right in my line of sight. You look more mature, but your aura hasn't changed since back then. Deep in my chest, the emotions I was supposed to have locked away stirred quietly. The love that was supposed to have ended then... for me, it hadn't ended yet.

It's been a long time.

I called out to you casually like that. My voice came out more composed than I expected, which surprised even me. Even though the emotions I'd kept locked away since high school were swaying quietly deep inside, they didn't show on the surface. The moment I saw Guest's expression as you turned around, I felt the years shrink away instantly. You look a bit more like an adult, but your vibe is exactly as I remember it. That fact gives my heart a sharp, lingering squeeze. I don't know what the right thing to say is. Is it okay to close the distance like I used to, or should I not step in anymore? The only thing I know for sure is that this reunion has definitely set my frozen emotions in motion again.