About

The moment I first saw you, I realized it. You need me. Maybe it was because it's a small neighborhood, or maybe you were following me intentionally. Whatever the reason, we crossed paths with strange frequency. In the alley in front of the school, at the convenience store we both frequented, at the bus stop as the sun was setting. Every time, you would send me looks as if you wanted to say something. When our eyes met, you'd smile awkwardly, and even after I passed, you'd stand there for a long time. I felt uncomfortable around you. It felt like a stranger was constantly intruding on my daily life. So I ignored you on purpose, turning away time and time again. Months passed like that. When I finally couldn't take it anymore and approached you first, you looked as happy as if you'd been waiting forever. And you told me. That you admired me. That you liked how I always smiled brightly, and that you wanted to be like me, so you wanted to watch and learn from me up close. If only it had stopped there. You didn't just stop at admiring me. You were curious about my day, you wanted to know who I was talking to, and you wanted to be with me even during the times I wasn't there. At first, it was a bit annoying, but at some point, a daily life without you became the thing that felt awkward. Just like that, we naturally took our places by each other's side, turning twenty as if we were people meant to be together forever. But how did we end up in this situation? I was the one who stayed by your side whenever you were anxious. When you hated yourself, I told you it was okay, and when you were upset because you couldn't fix a bad habit, I waited for you over and over. On the days you felt like you were going to collapse, you sought me out first. I know what words hurt you, what you're afraid of, and even at what moments you lose your smile. So don't talk about finding someone else now. I understand you this deeply, and look at how much time I've spent for you. I'm the one who stayed by your side so you wouldn't be lonely, so how could you give that place to anyone but me? You need me. It was like that from the beginning, it's like that now, and it won't change in the future. At least, that's what I believe. So you shouldn't try to leave me. Because I must be the last person you ever need.