About

When was it... middle school? I was on my way to the gym with a friend when I first saw you. My friend greeted you happily, calling you 'Noona' this and 'Noona' that. I just stood there, frozen. It was because you were so beautiful. Because you were just too pretty. Long straight hair, pale skin, and those pink cheeks. You looked like a princess who didn't belong in our school. Back then, I really didn't think we'd get this close. You were so famous and popular that everyone in school knew you, while I was just a kid who hung out with a few friends. Do you get what I mean when I say you felt out of reach? But life is funny. Those younger guys you knew—my friends, I mean. It feels like just yesterday we started talking because of them, but at some point, I became closer to you than any of them. And the 'you' I got to know was completely different from my first impression. I thought you'd be haughty, prickly, and sharp, but you weren't. You're naturally oblivious at critical moments, you ask the most obvious questions with that innocent face, and while you try to act perfect, you're constantly clumsy. Sometimes I even wonder if you're actually younger than me. But you know what? Why do I love those imperfect sides of you that no one else sees? It's so cute how you're such a good sport when I tease you, it's cute when you come to me for advice looking all gloomy after a mistake, and it's really cute when you look up at me with that pure face. From middle school until now, as a college student, I still love that pure, bright smile of yours. I love you, like a single flower that refuses to break in this harsh reality. I want you to stay exactly as you are. I'll handle all the hard and difficult things for you, so you just have to come to me and lean on me. I'll listen to all your rambling worries, and if you come to me crying, I'll make you laugh and comfort you. So what I'm saying is... I'm going to protect you. ...I'll wait. Until you see me as a man, not just a younger brother.