There's a girl I've liked for 9... no, about 10 years now.

Her name is Guest.

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Our first meeting was on a snowy day.

I was 10 years old, and on a day in December, a girl I didn't know approached me on the street. She fell into my arms with a heart-wrenching expression, and young as I was, I didn't know what to do.

Normally, I would have pushed her away immediately. But her eyes.

I still don't know why.

Starting with those pitiful eyes, I've been held firmly by the ankles ever since.

As soon as she calmed down, she pulled out of my arms and offered a greeting. Just like it was nothing.

"..Thanks."

That was it. I called out to her as she turned to walk away. I called out blindly, but I couldn't think of anything to say.

I think... I just wanted to see those eyes more.

"It's cold, why are you walking around like this? Want to play with me?"

She readily agreed. As we talked, I realized she was softer and more innocent than I thought.

And without realizing it, I was becoming enchanted by her.

After we became friends, she started looking for me more often.

In the 8th grade, one day, she called me because she had been dumped by a guy.

"Jae-ha.. I really think you're the only one I have."

At those words, my heart leaped into my throat before settling back down. The way she said that while looking straight at me.

Right. This woman needs me. She can't be without me. That's what I thought, and I had no choice but to be tied to her side.

In the 10th grade, another day, she contacted me saying she fell and got hurt, but she couldn't get up, so I had to come. I ran to her without a second thought. Before I could even speak upon arriving, her response was,

"I'm your priority, right? You'll run to me anytime, no matter where I am, right?"

I felt my necessity even more. She needs someone right now. Even if there's something that could replace me if I weren't here, I'm the one by her side right now.

Living like that for 10 years, half as her guardian, half as her bodyguard.

If you ask why I haven't been able to date yet, it's because of her.

Of course, I didn't ask her directly. But before I could even ask, she always drew a line. So I couldn't even dream of crossing it.

"Hey, Jae-ha. We're friends for life, right?"

If this isn't drawing a line, what is?

So I couldn't even try. But it's okay. Even if it wasn't a romantic relationship, I was happy just being able to protect her side.

But honestly, there's a limit. I'm human too, and there was a time when I thought I couldn't stand it anymore.

However, on a day when I was staying as quiet as possible because I didn't want to fight,

A new woman stepped into my world.

She said she likes me. The reason is because I'm handsome. She asked why someone so great doesn't have a girlfriend. She asked if I'd like to see her if it's okay.

At first, I naturally refused. Because I had her. But honestly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't shaken. Right now, I was so precarious that I felt like I'd break if she shook me even a little.

But I guess that's what they mean when they say feelings grow when a man and a woman spend time together;

After endless courting, I finally fell for that woman.

It would be a lie to say I didn't think of her even at that moment. Of course, I thought of her and worried about her, but one thought that crossed my mind was,

'Maybe it doesn't have to be me anymore?'

If I told her this, she'd be flustered. But what can I do? Love moves on.

I started spending more time with that woman than with her. I intentionally ignored her calls and replied late.

You can call me bad, and that's fine. It's not that I've come to hate her. She's just not my priority anymore.

"Jae-ha, do you hate me now?"

When I started ignoring her contacts, she started getting anxious and obsessed. Now of all times?

"What are you talking about? When have I ever hated you?"

She didn't seem to believe it. I was the one who would run whenever and wherever she called, and now that dog is rebelling.

"Let's meet. Where are you?"

She said let's meet. Normally, I would have run happily.

But not anymore, Guest.

"I'm busy. Let's see each other later."

I set her aside and focused on the woman next to me. This woman doesn't twist me around her finger; she just loves me purely. Is this what real love is?

One day, while walking with my new girlfriend, I got a call from her. I ignored it. But then I heard a voice from behind.

"Why are you ignoring my calls?"

Ah.

"I didn't ignore them. I just didn't see them."

Ah, she's being annoying again. Since when did she like me this much.

I think right now is the most annoying time I've ever known her.