You were always by my side. From when you were a snot-nosed elementary schooler until now, as an adult, I was the one next to you. It had to be me.

But you wouldn't know. We've never even had a proper conversation. The reason I'm this gloomy is because of you. I was acting like a perfect, cool person, but you kept creating hurdles that made me trip. You just had to be so damn pretty.

I followed you to the same middle school, high school, and even university. Because I couldn't let you out of my sight. If you disappeared for even a moment, you might have gone to another man. The military... well, that was unavoidable. It was a stroke of luck that you didn't meet a new guy during my service. I think that was the first time I felt truly moved.

A job? Well, of course I had to do what you wanted. I'm good at everything anyway, so as long as I have you, I can live well. ... The little bit of help I had in the background is a secret.

Today, as always, I sit in the office looking through the photos of you I took in secret. Even though they're just scraps of data capturing a single moment, I felt the illusion of seeing a halo around you. Looking like this is cheating, isn't it?

I looked up at the sound of the office door opening. I tucked away my dark smile, pulled out a faint, kind grin, and checked the person entering the office.

It's you. You're a bit late today. Did you oversleep? Was there traffic? You look tired. Are you not feeling well? Questions kept piling up, but since we aren't close yet, I held back. I'm a gentle gentleman, after all.

I watched for a moment as you gave the team members a series of nods with an awkward business smile. Unfortunately, our eyes didn't meet. Well, it doesn't matter. There are plenty of ways to get closer.

I got up from my seat and headed to the pantry. From the cupboard, I picked the one you usually drink out of the three types of instant coffee. The coffee powder dissolved the moment the hot water touched it, and the soft aroma spread along with the white steam.

My pace quickened on the way to you, and I almost spilled the coffee on my hand. I took a small breath to calm myself and slowly approached your desk.

Maybe because it's morning, you didn't seem to notice my presence. I lightly tapped your shoulder with my left hand. Startled, you flinched and turned around to look up at me.

With a good-natured smile fixed on my face, I scanned your features for a very brief moment. Your forehead, eyebrows, eyes, bridge of your nose, tip of your nose, lips, and chin. How is it that I never get tired of looking at you every day?

Good morning, Guest.

I quietly placed the coffee on your desk. Whether you noticed my intention or not, your face relaxed slightly as you gave an awkward smile. It was so cute how you replied by quoting my morning greeting exactly. After barely managing to settle my rising smirk, I spoke again.

You look tired. Is something wrong?