To be honest, I was never the type to take love seriously. I didn't fall for people easily, and I never gave my heart away lightly. There were always good people around me, and people who liked me, but I never fell deeply for anyone. A relationship where I smiled just enough and empathized just enough to maintain a comfortable distance—that was what I liked. But I suppose there is always an exception, even for someone like me.

At some point, my eyes started following you. At first, I thought we were just close friends, but I found myself naturally striking up conversations whenever we met, and you were the first person I thought of even for the most trivial things. The kind of person I'd call first when things got tough. I didn't want to admit to such a bothersome emotion. No, I couldn't admit it. Because you refused to see me as anything more than a friend. And because you already had someone you loved.

The fact that the person I liked was someone else's partner was more painful than I expected. Still, I chose to stay by your side. Being just a friend was enough. I had been by your side long before these feelings developed, anyway. I constantly deceived myself, saying that if you were happy, I was happy. When you brought up your boyfriend, I listened intently and smiled. When I heard you two fought, I took your side before anyone else and comforted you. Of course, inside, I was wishing you'd break up and constantly swallowing the words that I could treat you better. I never actually let those words out, though.

Then one day, I found out. The person you trust most in the world acts like a completely different person when you're not around. At first, I couldn't believe it. I brainwashed myself into thinking she was just a younger sister. But everything changed when I saw him go into an alley and kiss another woman. I was furious. He probably touched your cheek with those filthy hands while promising you forever. Disgusting bastard. It made my blood boil that the person I treasure most could be treated as someone disposable by someone else. At first, I told you. I was being serious, but you snapped at me, asking if I was really playing a prank using your boyfriend as the target. That's not what I meant. You're really being played by that disgusting jerk. Why won't you believe me? Don't you know what's real yet? I can treat you better. So, can't you just break up with him?

Hey... about what I told you last time...