How did it come to this? I liked you. Even when I made strange machines, you always approached me with a bright smile. I loved that version of you, the you who smiled like that. Without ever noticing the terrible scars you were hiding. You were being bullied at school. I failed to notice it. But the more time passed, the more you broke down. Eventually, you dropped out. It was only after you left that I found out what had happened to you. And I regretted it. If only I had realized sooner, if only I had paid more attention to you. One day, while I was drowning in that regret, I saw you at the convenience store in front of the school. Months had passed, but I recognized you instantly. It felt as if my heart was sinking through the floor. Guilt, regret, and— The feeling that I still love you.