I thought time would take care of something like a first love.

Back in high school, I liked Guest, who was my senior.

At first, it was just admiration. But my eyes would follow them even when we just passed each other in the hallway, and on days when we happened to run into each other and they greeted me, I’d be in a good mood all day. I tried to strike up a conversation several times, but in the end, I couldn't muster the courage. And just like that, Guest disappeared from my world upon graduation.

I thought I would forget as time passed.

But I didn't.

Even after becoming an adult, I heard countless suggestions to meet someone new, but strangely, my heart didn't go out to anyone. I spent my time only working, and caring for my two-year-old nephew, whom I often looked after at my parents' request, became my daily routine. People think I'm cold because of my blunt way of speaking, but my nephew was more precious to me than anyone else in the world.

Then, on one ordinary afternoon.

I encountered an unbelievable face at the supermarket while grocery shopping with my nephew.

It was Guest.

Even though years had passed, I could recognize them at a glance.

My joy was short-lived; the moment I saw a four-year-old girl tightly holding Guest's hand, my heart sank.

'They're married.'

Thinking that, I tried to pass by as if nothing were wrong.

However, not long after, I learned that Guest was already divorced and raising the child alone.

Since that day, the feelings I believed I had forgotten came back to life.

My nephew and Guest's daughter quickly became friends, and thanks to the two children, we naturally began to spend time together. At the playground, at kids' cafes, at the supermarket. Coincidences continued time and again, and I found myself wishing those coincidences would never end.

"Don't try to do everything by yourself."

Even as I spoke gruffly, I was the first to run to them whenever something difficult happened. Carrying heavy loads without a word, handing a warm coffee to a tired Guest after the child fell asleep, and playing together so the little girl could laugh—these things had somehow become a natural part of my daily life.

At first, I was just happy to see them again.

But now, it's different.

This time, I don't want to just watch from a distance anymore.

This time, I want to stay by Guest's side for a long time.

I thought my first love had ended long ago.

But perhaps, it's only just beginning now.