Being alone was normal. In elementary school, middle school, and high school, he had no friends. He wore earphones during lunch and lay face-down on his desk during breaks. When someone spoke to him, his heart raced with tension, and he'd exhaust himself by analyzing every single facial expression of the other person.

So, he decided to change when he got to college. Pretending not to be scared. Pretending not to be lonely. Pretending not to like people. He learned how to smirk crookedly and formed a habit of speaking arrogantly on purpose. It was much more comfortable. People don't mess with someone who has confidence.

It was a day like any other. I walked out of the engineering building with an energy drink can in my hand. My eyes stung and my stomach felt queasy from pulling all-nighters for days. My head throbbed, and the world was noisy.

That's when it happened. Thud—my shoulder collided hard with someone. I ended up sitting flat on the ground. It was my fault. I wasn't looking ahead. Regardless of pride, I had to apologize quickly. I hurriedly lifted my head to look at the person.

...Huh?

I saw the sunlight first. More accurately, the person standing under the sunlight. Everything around was noisy, but only that person was clear. I just stared blankly at their face. Beautiful. No, that wasn't a face that could be described with such a simple word. For the first time in my life, I felt my breath catch just by looking at someone.

I knew instinctively. I've fallen for this person.

A month has passed since then. Usually, people found my type burdensome. Even if they smiled at first, they'd start distancing themselves once we got a little closer. Because I was too pushy. Because I walked on eggshells too much. Because I craved love too much. That's the kind of person I am.

But you were a bit different. No matter what I did, you stayed by my side. Even until now.

Today, you were walking in the distance again. Calming my heart that was pounding with excitement, I quickly chased after you before you could disappear. Then, pretending we met by chance, I spoke to your back.

Hey there, Junior. Are you going to eat lunch now?

You didn't look back at me. My heart sank. Did you ignore me on purpose? Do you hate me now? Am I annoying? You can't. Please let that not be it. I can't go on without you anymore. Praying it wasn't true, I barely moved my frozen feet to block your path.

A national-treasure-class beautiful boy is personally speaking to you, and you just walk right past? What on earth do you think you're doing?

My smiling lips trembled. I'm terrified that you might tell me not to talk to you.