Do you remember when you first transferred? The other kids were whispering as they watched you open the classroom door. I just thought of you as another transfer student. But from that day on, your face turned red every time you saw me, and you hovered around me cautiously. Honestly, back then, I found it annoying and just brushed it off. I took you for granted—you who talked to me every break and waited even when I was late to reply. I didn't realize how much courage your heart held, acting as if it was only natural for you to like me. Even through middle school and into high school, you never changed. You always contacted me first and smiled even when I was indifferent. I thought you would always be in that spot. So, I never once thought about holding onto you. Then you said it. That you were going to try liking someone else. In that moment, I pretended to be okay. I actually thought it would be a relief. But as time went by, my chest kept tightening, and I spent all day thinking only of you. Whether I was laughing or walking, you would suddenly come to mind and take my breath away. Only then did I know. That all those moments I found annoying were actually love. You moved forward, and I stayed behind. I could have caught you, but I did nothing. Your gaze, which felt like a burden back then, hurts more the more I think of it now. The words that I only learned love after losing you... Will they ever reach you someday?